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CAVAD
Where Creative Calling
Finds Purpose.
At CAVAD, creativity begins with a calling. We believe the creative act is a faithful response to God’s invitation to create, cultivate, and care for the world. That conviction shapes how we teach, how we make, and how we speak. It is woven into who we are, how we communicate, and how we form students.
This is your guide to CAVAD’s identity. It’s a look into our vision, values and strategic priorities, and it strengthens how we communicate about CAVAD. It showcases our look, feel and guidelines, as well as how we speak as a community to serve others through our creative work.
What is CAVAD?
The College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD) is part of California Baptist University (CBU) in Riverside, California. Where Creative Calling Finds Purpose. We are a community of architects, designers, artists, filmmakers, photographers, and makers who believe creativity is a faithful response to God’s call and has the power to move, shape, and inspire others toward what is good, true, and beautiful.
CAVAD offers a diverse range of art and design-oriented majors, providing a broad and interdisciplinary foundation that opens doors to endless opportunities in Architecture, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Film & Cinematic Arts, Photography, Illustration, Fine Art, Art Therapy and Art Education.
What sets CAVAD apart is our commitment to teach from a Christian perspective, encourage students to use their creative talents to honor the ultimate Creator, serve others, and make a positive impact. With this view, creativity becomes more than just a skill, it becomes a calling.
This calling is clearly reflected in the accomplishments of our talented alumni, who are shaping the future at some of the world’s most influential brands and ministries, including Nike, Apple, Marvel, Disney, Sony Animation, the NBA, Crossway Publishing, Bibles for America, and YouVersion’s Bible app. Their work demonstrates the excellence, passion, and faith-driven purpose that defines the CAVAD experience.
How we are organized:
The College of Architecture, Visual Arts & Design (CAVAD) at California Baptist University (CBU) is a premier institution recognized for its unique interdisciplinary approach and integration of faith and professional practice.
The Department of the Built Environment (BE) focuses on shaping spaces and places that serve people and communities. It includes the majors of Architecture and Interior Design, preparing students to engage the built world with care, responsibility, and professional rigor.
The Department of Visual Arts & Design (VAD) brings together disciplines centered on visual communication and storytelling. It includes Graphic Design, Film and Cinematic Arts, Photography, Illustration, Fine Art, Art Education, and Art Therapy.
Together, these two departments encompass nine distinct majors unified by a shared commitment to faith-integrated creativity, disciplined craft, and service to others. Since its founding in 2012, CAVAD has grown into the largest full-spectrum Christian art and design college in the United States, offering students a unique environment where diverse creative disciplines learn, collaborate, and grow side by side.