Education is becoming increasingly necessary to succeed in today’s economy. Recent reports* indicate 42 percent of all jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or higher by 2031, making access to higher education more important than ever.
Accessibility to higher education is gaining momentum. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 25 percent of all higher education students in 2012 took at least one online course. By 2021, 60 percent of college students took some or all of their classes online.
California Baptist University (CBU) recognized early on the need and benefits of online education, developing relevant online academic programs since 2010 and graduating more than 7,500 online students. Start dates begin every eight weeks with the next session set to start March 4.
CBU’s programs are designed to foster an environment that supports the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development of each student. The online programs reflect the desired student outcomes of the university, aptly referred to as the Core 4 - academically prepared, biblically rooted, globally minded and equipped to serve.
“Our goal is to help students better understand their life’s purpose, either in the traditional classroom or an online classroom that can be accessed throughout the world,” said Dr. Charles D. Sands, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “The needs of our students are changing, and CBU strives to prepare graduates to be the most competitive in the workplace no matter their educational modality.”
CBU is continuing to invest in online programs, adding seven new degrees this fall to the already 40 online program offerings. Students can now enroll in an education specialist degree in school psychology, master’s programs in integrative nutrition, criminal justice, educational psychology, and early childhood education, and online doctoral programs in public health and medical sciences.
Among CBU’s many online bachelor degree offerings are in-demand and fast-growing industries such as technology, cybersecurity, early childhood studies, organizational leadership and public health.
Whether working professionals seeking new opportunities for career progression, students returning to CBU after a season off or those who are unable to attend traditional classes in person, an online education at CBU opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Additionally, the digital nature of online learning fosters technological proficiency and digital literacy, crucial skills in the workplace.
Online programs at CBU afford students with the same in-person opportunities they would get if they took classes on campus. In the Robert K. Jabs School of Business, along with discussion forums, course faculty use interactive video lectures to assess student learning during the lecture, live interactive office hours or ‘virtual hangouts,’ and one-on-one communication to create a dynamic online learning environment. Instructors integrate faith into weekly video lectures, including video devotionals and prayer requests. Because faith is a part of every course at CBU, professors connect with students to pray for them and ensure their spiritual needs are being met. This is especially effective via online classes as it gives professors a powerful way to support students academically and spiritually.
“Students taking online courses in the School of Business range from recent high school graduates to those making a career transition,” said Dr. Brian Bovee, director of CBU’s bachelors and masters of science in Information Technology programs. “Online students have unique needs, and we strive to provide additional resources and opportunities to support their success.”
Online students have access to virtual tutoring services and office hours, career counseling, and technical support to address issues they may encounter. The Jabs School of Business organizes virtual networking events, webinars, and industry collaborations to enhance students’ professional development. We leverage cutting-edge technology to simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring online students gain practical, hands-on experience. CBU’s commitment is to provide a holistic educational experience that goes beyond the virtual classroom, empowering online students to excel in their academic and professional endeavors.
From starting the college journey to finishing a degree to getting an advanced degree, there are more than 40 fully online programs available. Online students also can take advantage of in-person resources such as the Recreation Center, Career Center, Tutoring Center, Counseling Center and more. For more information about CBU’s online programs, go to www.calbaptist.edu/online.
*Source: Georgetown University Center
