As California Baptist University continues to grow, so does the number of programs offered. By fall 2024, 10 new programs will have been added to the curriculum, with growth expected to continue into fall 2025.
The innovative programs added include bachelor’s programs in broadcast and digital media production, data science, digital media communication, and health and human sciences; master’s programs in criminal justice (online), early childhood studies and integrative nutrition; doctorate programs in medical science and public health; and an educational specialist in school psychology.
Dr. Victoria Brodie, associate professor of public relations and chair of the communication arts department, shared insights into the new communication programs launched in Fall 2024.
“When I first became chair, I reviewed our programs and concentrations to identify what our students were looking for,” Brodie said.
Due to the popularity of the Communication Studies program Digital Communication concentration and the Journalism and New Media program’s Broadcast concentration, two new programs were crafted to meet the students’ needs which aligned with opportunities in the workplace.
“Because of COVID, we all got thrown into a digital context that we were not anticipating where digital communication became necessary,” Brodie said.
The communication arts department isn’t the only area experiencing growth to meet students’ needs.
Dr. Chase Porter, associate professor of political science and chair of the history and government department, highlighted the new Master of Science in Criminal Justice online program.
“We launched the Master of Science in Criminal Justice this fall in response to data suggesting an increasing opportunity for market growth in this graduate program, especially in the online modality,” Porter said.
CBU continues to explore new areas for growth and expansion. The criminal justice department, which started with 12 students, continues to increase as the program becomes more cohesive.
Dr. Pedro Olvera, associate professor of school psychology and director of the school psychology program, emphasized the significance of the new educational specialist (Ed.S.) program in school psychology with a specialization in early childhood studies.
“This Ed.S. program in school psychology with a specialization in early childhood studies offers significant advantages. It provides advanced training beyond a traditional master’s degree, equipping graduates with specialized knowledge and skills in child development, assessment, and interventions for young children (ages 0-8),” Olvera said.
This new program aims to meet the growing demand for school psychologists serving young children.
“Once the word gets out about this program, our hope is that it will serve as a primary training site for school psychologists wishing to serve this age group,” Olvera said.
New and returning students will continue to see growth in academic offerings, with these programs creating diversity and more cultural opportunities.
