Dallas Baptist University (DBU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Dallas Baptist University is a private liberal arts university that is strongly affiliated with the Dallas Baptist Association and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The school was founded in 1898 as Decatur Baptist College. Today there are over 5,000 students at the school, including over 3,500 undergraduates and nearly 2,000 graduate students.

The main campus is situated on 292 acres in Dallas overlooking Mountain Creek Lake, approximately fifteen miles southwest of the downtown. It features the newly constructed Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel, a 1,400 seat worship space with office and meeting spaces. There are branch campuses in Mansfield, Frisco, and Hurst.

The official scripture of the university is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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Information Summary

Ranks 25th in Texas and 737th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	83.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$41,170
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	24 / 1270
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	24 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	77% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	4,766

Academics

Academic divisions consist of eight colleges: Mary C. Crowley College of Christian Faith, College of Business, Dorothy M. Bush College of Education, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Fine Arts, College of Professional Studies, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Gary Cook Graduate School of Leadership. In total, there are more than 60 majors, 20 master’s degree programs, nearly 30 dual master’s programs, and two doctorates.

DBU is particularly notable for its Applied Linguistics program, which is provided in partnership with the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics, located a short distance away from the university. This program offers training for students interested in serving on missions around the world as well as those who wish to work with organizations who translate the Bible into other languages. Students study phoenetics, cultural anthropology, and the principles of grammatical analysis.

Online Education

The university a large online education program, with several associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree available entirely online. The majority of these are in one of three topic areas: Christian ministry, teaching, or business. Several joint degrees are a combination of these topics.

Undergraduate certificates are available in

Health Care Management
Information Systems and Technology
Management Practices

Advanced certificates are available in

Childhood Ministry Leadership
Distance Learning
Health Care Management
Higher Education Administration
Human Resource Management
Information Systems Management
International Management
Management
Marketing
Ministry Leadership
Project Management
School Principalship
Worship Ministry

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Admissions are moderately competitive. Some health and technical programs may have further requirements, and some have limited registration, so be sure to inquire in the department of your choice prior to enrolling.

Financial Aid

In addition to the wide range of state and federal financial aid options available to college and university students in Texas, the university offers several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships. These include the Christian Leadership Scholarship, for students showing exceptional leadership in their faith communities; the Academic Honors Scholarship, for students with excellent academic performance including a minimum score of 25 on the ACT; the Academic Excellence Scholarship, for students with excellent academic performance including a mininum score of 30 on the ACT; and the Baptist Minister’s Dependent Scholarship, for the children of ministers actively serving in Baptist churches.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 204th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Texas.

Students

Residing on Campus

Nearly half of all undergraduates live on campus. Residences include traditional dormitories, apartments, and townhomes. The Colonial Village Apartments accommodate four students per two bathroom, two bedroom unit. The apartments are in close proximity to an outdoor pool and wooded walking trails. The Williamsburg Village Townhomes offer three bedroom, three bath units with front porches. Alcoholic beverages and drugs are not allowed on the campus or in any of the residences at any time.

Dining on Campus

The campus offers a traditional, buffet-style dining hall. Other dining options include the Patriot Café, the Daily Bread Bistro, and the Fill My Cup Coffee House.

Clubs and Organizations

There are over 60 student organizations to meet the personal and professional interests of a wide range of students. Organizations include Christians in the Visual Arts, American Association of Christian Counselors, College Republicans, Mu Kappa Alpha (Missionary Kids’ Alliance), Baptist Student Ministry, and Bible Studies.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The athletic teams are known as the Patriots. The Patriots compete in the NCAA Division II, except for the baseball team which is Division I. They also belong to the National Christian College Athletic Association, the Heartland Conference, and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The cheer team, the Diamond Belles, are an auxiliary group of the athletic department. The Patriots are known for their discipleship program, Champions for Christ. School colors are red, white, and blue.

Traditions

The annual Ring Commissioning Ceremony is a long-standing campus tradition. The school ring is graced by a cross in the school colors of red, white, and blue. It is said to symbolize the Christ-centered education that students receive at the university.

The Mr. Big Chief Pageant is an annual beauty pageant in which male students are judged by their talent, beachwear, formalwear, and interview performance.

The All-University Carnival is a traditional carnival held every spring, complete with a velcro wall, cakewalk, dunking booth, and Battle of the Bands.

Grandparents Day is a special event specifically for students and their grandparents, with several community and elder-honoring events.

Alumni

Well-known alumnni include:

Christian musicians Kari Jobe and Chris Clayton
Texas House of Representatives members Gwyn Shea and Phil King
Major league baseball players Billy Brewer, Freddy Sanchez, Ben Zobrist, Lew Ford, and Jason LaRue.

Dallas Baptist University