Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, Texas
Founded in 1898, Dallas Baptist University provides world-class, Christ-centered higher education to more than 5,000 students. Service-learning is integrated into each degree plan, and a culture of mentoring pervades the campus.
Dallas Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university that seeks to develop servant leaders who have the ability to integrate faith and learning through their respective callings. With a student faculty ratio of 12:1, DBU provides a world-class educational experience with 73 undergraduate majors, as well as 62 accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, 29 master’s programs, including 73 dual master’s degree programs, and two doctoral degree programs.
Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Established in 1898 by Texas Baptists, the institution’s foundation is faith in Christ and service to others.
The Educator Preparation Program at Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to prepare, train, and recommend teacher, school counselor, diagnostician, reading specialist, principal, and superintendent candidates for certification.
Dallas Baptist University is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to offer the following business degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Bachelor of Business Studies (B.B.S.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Master of Arts in Management (M.A.M.) degrees. The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The Dallas Baptist University Intensive English program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S.
Get to know Dallas Baptist University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Opera
- Pep band
- Student government
- Yearbook
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practica
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Academic Tutors
- Counseling
College Highlights
GAP/BRIDGE YEAR
DBU offers a summer bridge program that introduces incoming freshmen to college life. The program allows students to take classes over the summer, as well as participate in group trips and activities. These trips include activities such as multi-day canoe trips, backpacking in the Rocky Mountains, and evenings at Top Golf.
STUDENT WELCOME AND TRANSITION WEEK
Affectionately known as SWAT, Student Welcome and Transition Week is a three-day immersion experience in which incoming DBU freshmen and transfer students are introduced to life on University Hill. Over 100 student volunteers join forces to organize and lead SWAT week and make the transition into the DBU family easier for incoming students. SWAT also gives students the opportunity to make instant connections with other students, form lifelong friendships, and settle into their new college home.
COMMON INTELLECTUAL EXPERIENCES
DBU students have created a student chapter of the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative for the purpose of advocating for religious freedom. Through advocacy, capacity building, and technical innovations, this group promotes global protections and reforms for the vulnerable and victimized around the world.
COLLABORATIVE ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS
Collaborative Assignments are utilized in every academic division, but the College of business provides perhaps the best example of innovation in this area. Strategic Management 4320, a senior level capstone course, affords students the opportunity to analyze a business in the DFW area and write descriptive assessments of the company in the areas of industry, value chain, generic strategy, integration, international strategy, and execution.
In Economics 2301, students spend the semester in “city groups,” one that represents each of the 12 homes of the regional Federal Reserve banks. There are 3-6 students per group. The students do a number of varied small projects together. For example, one group of students created a three country comparison on economic measures and created a mock consultancy group that advised clients in scenario-based learning.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Students in Foundations of College Research courses, as well as some English courses, conduct research that is designed to contribute to the scholarly research in a variety of fields.
Instead of a descriptive approach to research that strictly reports on what is known, students are taught a Research Question approach. With this approach, students research a topic to determine a problem to be solved. Any subsequent papers or projects are created as a way to present findings that solve a stated research question.
For example, a research question related to homelessness could be, “Would improved mental health among homeless persons also decrease cases of homelessness?” Students then conduct research that answers this question and provides conclusions based on this research. It would not be beyond the realm of possibility for students to develop a finished paper that could provide quality contributions to the field.
PAIDEIA COLLEGE SOCIETY
The Paideia College Society challenges students to carry out their various callings in both public and private life with Christ-like knowledge, virtue, and wisdom. This group hosts a weekly symposium at which intellectuals present papers and give presentations with a view to serve as a catalyst for cultural transformation.
DIVERSITY/GLOBAL LEARNING
DBU is home to seventeen social organizations and many more service, spiritual, and academic organizations. Organizations like the International Chinese Fellowship, the South Asian Student Organization, and the African Students Union exist to promote unity and appreciation of cultural diversity among International Students and the DBU community. These groups also provide an amazing amount of support to International students in their academic pursuits, helping them transition to life in the United States through a variety of activities.
CONVERSATION PARTNERS
Conversation Partners provides an opportunity to broaden students’ perspectives globally, as they are encouraged to pursue lasting relationships through intentional conversations. In addition, this ministry offers international students a chance to learn about American language and culture as they transition to living in the U.S. Conversation Partners is all about uniting cultures together for the purpose of creating awareness and respect for all peoples and backgrounds.
INTERNATIONAL TRIPS
DBU has organized and led hundreds of International trips to over thirty countries. Many of these trips have been humanitarian and missions in focus, but several have also been academic in nature and paired with a travel study opportunity. Trip locations include: China, South Korea, Chile, England, India, Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, and many more.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 7%
Hispanic/Latinx: 17%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 9%
White, non-Hispanic: 58%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 2%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 5%
FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR
DBU requires all freshmen to take a first year seminar course. This one-hour course, called Foundations for Excellence, serves as an introduction to the university life and experience at Dallas Baptist University. The course provides an opportunity for students to explore the academic community, while also developing new mentoring relationships with faculty, staff, and peers. The course includes a hands-on understanding of service-learning, personal leadership development, knowledge of university traditions and events, and academic excellence. Foundations for Excellence serves as the academic credit for all new students participating in the Academics in Motion (AIM) program during their first semester at DBU.
- Understand and Apply Strategies for Academic Excellence: DBU’s inspired curriculum supports student learning both in and out of the classroom. Through creative discussion and critical thinking, students gain the confidence they need to turn their classroom learning into real-life application.
- Develop and Foster Service Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to participate in service opportunities both on and off campus as they seek to develop core principles of service.
- Discover and Apply Leadership Qualities: Using personal assessment information, leadership curriculum, and reflection of ongoing service projects, students develop a sense of their personal leadership characteristics.
DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN MIND
DBU also requires students to take Developing a Christian Mind. This course is designed to introduce critical thinking and biblical truths to support student’s worldview development. Topics addressed include Christian mind and worldview development, the problem of dualism, Christian liberal arts education, integrating faith and learning, the life of the mind, calling, and the implications of the Christian faith across the whole spectrum of life.
WRITING-INTENSIVE COURSES
The DBU Writing Center provides students with guidance and tutoring as they learn the art of writing across the curriculum. The Writing Center is open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. Each student that visits the Writing Center is tutored by a qualified writing consultant in the areas of Grammar, Research, Revising, Organization, and Documentation.
Contained within all of DBU’s degree plans are general studies requirements that include a number of writing-intensive courses. These include: Developing a Christian Mind, ENGL 1301, 1302, 2301 and/or 2302, History 1301 and 1302, Religion 1301 and 1302, and Social Science 2301. Students undoubtedly take many more writing-intensive classes within their major, but that varies based on which major the student is pursuing.
POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY, AND ECONOMICS
DBU is offering a new undergraduate major in the Fall of 2017 called Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. Since its inception at Oxford in 1920, the Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) degree has attracted students who would go on to become leaders and influencers in business, government, journalism, foreign service, diplomacy, law, consultancy, and the list goes on. The PPE at DBU is a degree specially designed for those who are prepared to answer God’s call to become a scholar statesman and transform the world.
THE LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES
Twice a year, DBU hosts the Leadership Lecture Series, which features presentations from high-level leaders who share examples of how they use their professional influence for the glory of God. DBU brings in a nationally known thought leader for the purpose of fostering deeper engagement with the central issues and social challenges facing our culture regarding leadership. Past speakers include New York Times best selling author Eric Metaxas and political analyst Matthew Dowd.
STONE HOUSE AND JEWEL HOUSE
DBU offers students the opportunity to take part in living learning communities in the residence halls. Stone House, The men’s living learning community, Stone House, has a designated wing in which freshmen get to live alongside helpful upperclassmen mentors. Jewel House, the women’s living learning community, is located on the first floor of Spence Hall and houses freshman and upperclassmen mentors. The students participate in interactive discussions, activities, and programs developed around four areas of personal development: spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical.
DEPARTMENT OF ART/COMMUNICATION
The biannual DBU Art & Design Show is hosted by the College of Fine Arts Departments of Art and Communication. Current DBU art and design students, alumni, and faculty/staff are invited to enter their works for display in this show and reception which takes place in the Hillcrest Great Hall. The artists are encouraged to display their work alongside their portfolios and contact information which has allowed for several special commissions in years’ past. In addition to this show, graduating art and design students are able to present individual displays around campus as part of their final capstone project.
Graphic design students within the Department of Communication are tasked with designing and producing complete marketing packages for all College of Fine Arts’ student recitals, student concerts, and other special events. On the other side of event production, the Department of Communication’s broadcast students lead the effort in producing video/audio broadcasts of DBU athletic events as well as recording various Fine Arts events.
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC/MUSIC BUSINESS
The University Chorale is one of three choral ensembles in the College of Fine Arts Department of Music and has toured extensively to England, Scotland, France, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic. Recently, in March of 2017, the Chorale toured to Italy to perform at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Stateside performances include Carnegie Hall, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and The White House as well as numerous performances each semester at DBU and throughout DFW community. The Chorale also hosts recruiting events on the DBU campus such as Festival di Voce, a choral competition with over 30 participating area high school choirs, and joint concerts and clinics that also feature area high school choirs.
Other Department of Music ensembles include the new Piano Ensemble as well as the DBU Jazz Combo, which consists of several student instrumentalists and vocalists. The bi-annual Music Business Showcase is an event produced by the Departments of Music and Music Business which spotlights DBU’s student performers in contemporary and non-classical genres.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Dallas Baptist University is located in the southwestern sector of Dallas, situated on 292 picturesque acres overlooking Mountain Creek Lake. Strategically positioned in the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the University is 13 miles from downtown Dallas and 29 miles from downtown Fort Worth. Dallas provides an ideal climate for graduates to find valuable internships during their time at DBU as well as great jobs after they graduate. Dallas is America’s #1 business-friendly city and is in the top-three metro areas for future job growth.
ATHLETICS
Patriot Athletics is a multi-divisional institution that currently sponsors one NCAA Division I program, 14 NCAA Division II programs, and five intercollegiate club programs. Patriot Men’s Athletics sports are: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf Soccer, Tennis, and Track & Field. The Women’s sports are: Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball. Additionally, Bass Fishing, Cheerleading, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, and Patriette Dance comprise the Patriot Athletic Club Sport programs.
DBU’s Baseball team (Division I) competes as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, and its NCAA DII programs compete in the Heartland Conference. Dan Heefner, coach of the DBU Baseball team, was elected Baseball Coach of the Year. He takes an active role in mentoring the players that come through his program. 106 DBU Baseball players have been drafted into the MLB over the years. DBU Basketball Coach Dr. Blake Flickner was also named Coach of the Year in the Heartland Conference.
Dallas Baptist University adopted the American Patriot as the official mascot, and the official colors of Patriot Athletics are red, white, and navy blue.
DBU coaches extend the institution’s culture of mentoring by spending dedicated time with student athletes in Bible studies and through mentoring relationships. DBU athletic teams are consistently recognized for the superior GPAs of their student athletes.
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 96%
Undergraduates: 60%
Campus housing options.
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Special housing for international students
Wellness housing
SERVICE-LEARNING
Dallas Baptist University implements service-learning into the curriculum with the goal of enhancing student learning, fostering civic responsibility, and developing servant-leaders. Through the integration of academic instruction and community service, students develop strong, faith-based perspectives within their co-curricular experiences. Students learn to understand the relevance and efficacy of their subject area knowledge as well as to demonstrate their understanding of important societal issues and critical community needs. They’re enabled to apply the biblical concept of servant leadership within their respective callings.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
Two notable alumni include Ben Zobrist, Major League Baseball player and World Series MVP, and David Brown, former Dallas Police Chief and current ABC news contributor.
CAPSTONE COURSES AND PROJECTS
Dallas Baptist University is committed to the integration of faith and learning, developing servant-leaders who can impact the world in their respective callings. To demonstrate their competence in their higher education, students are required to complete capstone experiences within their academic programs. Each academic college has established criteria that facilitates the transition of students from academic work to the application, analysis, and creation of new ideas, programs, and practices.
The College of Business utilizes an extensive capstone course program across all of its majors to ensure that its graduates can apply their skills to advanced academic work. All students must successfully complete the Strategies and Problems course, which challenges them to solve issues related to their specific calling. This course also prepares students for their program specific major field test.
Another example the capstone experiences available at DBU is the program practicum in the College of Christian Faith. In the program, students apply their skills to field-based service-learning projects. This opportunity allows students to put their best practices in place, all while demonstrating their competency through meaningful service.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Class rank | Academic GPA
Standardized test scores | Application Essay | Talent/ability
Character/personal qualities | Religious affiliation/commitment
Important
Interview | Extracurricular activities
Considered
Recommendation(s) | Alumni/ae relation | Volunteer work
Work experience | Level of applicant’s interest
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 500 | 75th Percentile: 610
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 27
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
DBU has a rolling admissions policy, meaning that there is no due date for application for upcoming semesters. Students may apply at any time for admission. For traditional undergraduates, DBU requires an official high school transcript, official standardized test scores, a 250-word essay, a completed application, and a $25 application fee. DBU accepts online and paper applications as well as the Apply Texas Common Application. DBU accepts some College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP) scores for college credit.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $30,690
Fees: $1,250
Room: $4,156
Board: $4,413
Aid
The Undergraduate Admissions Office offers a special scholarship opportunity exclusively for incoming freshman and transfer students called the Christian Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship awards a percentage of the student’s tuition costs for outstanding Christian leadership qualities, service to their community, and character. Academic Honors and Excellence scholarships are also available to students applying for the Christian Leadership Scholarship. Transfer students can apply for the Christian Leadership Scholarship (requires on campus housing) or the Transfer Commuter Scholarship. Over 82% of incoming students receive scholarships through the Christian Leadership Scholarship program.
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid through the federal government by completing the FAFSA, and from the state government and DBU by completing the DBU Supplemental Form for Financial Aid well before they begin classes. Both are online forms that can be accessed on the DBU website. While most government aid is based on financial need, DBU also offers institutional scholarships for ministerial students, athletes, and music students. Considering the costs of a higher education, DBU also provides its students with scholarship opportunities from private foundations, trusts, and community groups.
Institutional aid offered by DBU includes the following scholarship programs:
- Athletic Scholarships
- Christian Leadership Scholarship
- Academic Honors Scholarship
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Academic Excellence/Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
- Acteen Scholarship
- AWANA Scholarship
- Baptist Minister’s Dependent Scholarship
- Camp Ministry Matching Gift Program
- Challengers Scholarship
- Christ for the Nations Institute Scholarship
- Church Matching Gift Program
- Hillsong Student Scholarship
- IMB Third Culture Kid College Allowance
- Music Scholarships
- National Merit Scholarship
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
- BGCT Mary Hill Davis Minority Scholarship
- Transfer Commuter Scholarship
What Others are Saying
Contact Dallas Baptist University
Contact Admissions
www.dbu.edu/admissions/
(214) 333-5360
admiss@dbu.edu
Campus Location
3000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX 75211
(214) 333-7100