California Baptist University’s Pre-College Credit Program Offers High School Students an Early Advantage

California Baptist University (CBU) offers students the opportunity to excel academically even before they become Lancers. One of the key initiatives supporting this mission is the Pre-College Credit Program, available to eligible high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who wish to get a head start on their academic careers.

The Pre-College Credit courses are fully online, with each course spanning eight weeks. These courses are asynchronous, allowing students to access lectures, readings, and assignments at their convenience. 

“I successfully balanced my Pre-College Credit class with my high school work,” said Jermaine Hart, now a freshman graphic design major at CBU. He took an art course before starting at the university.

With CBU’s flexible online courses, high school students can effectively balance their workload between their high school studies and the weekly assignments in their PCC classes. 

“The work I did in my online CBU course prepared me for what to expect in college,” Hart said.

A significant benefit of the Pre-College Credit Program is the interaction students gain with college classmates and professors. This experience prepares them for the transition to college and allows them to get some general education classes out of the way.

Emma Moriel, a Beaumont resident and current high school sophomore, enrolled in PCC classes at the beginning of her academic school year. Emma shared how these courses have prepared her for future academic success.

“The Pre-College Credit classes have helped me prepare for college by teaching me how to write APA papers,” Emma said. “The professors have been kind and responsive.” 

Emma, who is homeschooled, enjoys taking these classes at her own pace and convenience. She particularly enjoyed her American Government class, which sparked her interest in pursuing similar subjects as she advances in her education.

With over 20 courses offered every eight weeks, students have the freedom to explore a wide range of courses through the program. From business to psychology, PCC classes allow high school students to discover their interests before declaring a major in college.

CBU also integrates the Core 4 into each online course. Students who attend CBU will be: Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded, and Equipped to Serve.

“Having classes that were biblically based helped me learn more about God through my studies,” says Raquel Anaya, a current accounting major at CBU.

During her high school years, Anaya took classes at a few universities, including CBU, amassing 30 units and enabling her to graduate in two years with a projected graduation date of May 2025.

Choosing CBU after high school was an easy decision for Anaya. “The connections I made with professors made me want to attend CBU,” she said. “After visiting the campus, I knew this is where I am meant to be.”

For more information on the Pre-College Credit Program, visit https://calbaptist.edu/campaigns/pcc/