California Baptist University is incorporated under the laws of the State of California as a university of arts and sciences authorized to grant the degrees of Bachelor of Applied Theology, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Music, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration.
California Baptist University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The music program in the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Teacher education programs at California Baptist University are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Approval has been given for both multiple-subject and single-subject credential programs.
The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at California Baptist University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). CBU's nursing program is approved by the Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The University is a member of the American Association of Higher Education, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the Association of Southern Baptist Colleges and Schools, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges.