Statement of Nondiscrimination
Dallas Baptist University complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, biological sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, race, color, national origin in any employment practice, admissions, education program, or educational activity. As a religiously-controlled institution of higher education, Dallas Baptist University is exempted from compliance with some provisions of certain civil rights laws, including some provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Visit the Campus!
Students who are considering becoming a part of the DBU Family are encouraged to visit our beautiful campus at any time. The Office of Admissions can arrange an information session with an academic counselor, a guided campus tour, or a class visit. During your stay in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we will also be glad to provide any information on nearby hotels and restaurants.
Although Dallas Baptist University is located in the thriving urban area of Dallas/Fort Worth, with a population of more than seven million people, the 368-acre campus seems secluded in its picturesque, hill-country location and offers a small community atmosphere. The campus conveniently sits only 13 miles from downtown Dallas, 29 miles from Fort Worth, and is centrally located near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field. DBU is an excellent place to enjoy your university years.
Sitting atop University Hill overlooking Mountain Creek Lake, the Dallas Baptist University campus is located at 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway in Dallas, Texas. The Office of Admissions is housed in the Tom & Alicia Landry Welcome Center on the lower level of the John G. Mahler Student Center, a replica of Philadelphia's Independence Hall.
For those who plan to drive to Dallas Baptist University, two easy, direct routes lead to the University campus. From Dallas, take I-30 west to Loop 12 south to Spur 408 Patriot Parkway. Turn right on Kiest Boulevard, and you will see the school atop a hill on your right. From Fort Worth, take I-20 east to Mountain Creek Parkway. Turn left heading north on Mountain Creek Parkway. Cross Kiest Boulevard and enter the campus from the west. After passing our white Pilgrim Chapel building, turn left to go up the hill to the Landry Welcome Center. Parking for Future Patriots is designated to the south of the Landry Welcome Center.
We trust that the uniqueness of our University will be evident to all who plan to meet with us. We look forward to your visit soon. Please contact the Office of Admissions at (214) 333-5360.
Mission Statement
The mission of Dallas Baptist University is to provide Christ-centered quality higher education in the arts, sciences, and professional studies at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to traditional age and adult students in order to produce servant leaders who have the ability to integrate faith and learning through their respective callings.
Institutional Goals
Dallas Baptist University is a distinctly Christian institution of higher education committed to the following Goals:
History of the University
Dallas Baptist University was originally founded as Decatur Baptist College in 1898 and was the first two-year institution of higher education in Texas. After moving to Dallas in 1965, DBU has maintained its ties to Decatur and its commitment to a Baptist heritage.
Location
Dallas Baptist University sits on 368 acres atop the hills of Southwest Dallas overlooking Mountain Creek Lake. The University address is 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211-9299.
Governance
Dallas Baptist University is governed by a forty-member Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is self-perpetuating with the majority appointed by the sponsoring denomination and the remainder appointed by the University Board membership.
Affiliation
Dallas Baptist University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Enrollment
As of Fall 2023, total University enrollment stood at 4,201 students, including 2,850 undergraduate students, 1,144 master’s students, and 207 doctoral students.
Academic Programs
Dallas Baptist University offers 77 undergraduate majors as well as 39 master's programs, including 19 dual master’s degree programs, two doctoral degree programs, and encompasses the following academic divisions: College of Business, Mary C. Crowley College of Christian Faith, Dorothy M. Bush College of Education, College of Fine Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Gary Cook School of Leadership, and Graduate School of Ministry. Two doctoral degrees in Leadership Studies and Educational Leadership are also available. Institutional Undergraduate Core Competencies/Learner-Centered Outcomes can be found at this link https://www.dbu.edu/institutional-effectiveness-and-research/outcomes.html.
Faculty
DBU employs 129 full-time faculty members. The percentage of faculty who hold doctoral or terminal degrees is 83.7 percent. The student/faculty ratio is 16:1.
Class Size
The average class size is 16 students.
Accreditation
Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Dallas Baptist University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Dallas Baptist University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
Dallas Baptist University holds applicant status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, 407.207.0808). Applicant status is a pre-membership status granted to those institutions that meet the ABHE Conditions of Eligibility and that possess such qualities as may provide a basis for achieving candidate status within five years.
The Educator Preparation Program at Dallas Baptist University is also 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 a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Educator Preparation Program has been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through December 31, 2030. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.
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.). The Master of Science in Information Technology Management, The Master of Science in Management, The Master of Science in Finance, and The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management programs have met conditions for eligibility and will be submitted for accreditation by the ACBSP in the next accrediting cycle. The Master of Science in Accounting, The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, and The Master of Science in Organizational Change and Project Management are new programs that are in the process of meeting the conditions of eligibility for accreditation by the ACBSP.
The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Dallas Baptist University Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period August 2023 through August 2032 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. 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. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org
Memberships
Traditions
Founded in 1898 as Decatur Baptist College, Dallas Baptist University embraces the legacy of more than 100 years of quality academics and vibrant University life. As the Patriots, the DBU family exemplifies the qualities of integrity, honor, and Christ-centered character along with a love and enthusiasm for DBU. Athletic traditions such as the Regiment firing the cannon after a soccer goal or a baseball home run and ringing the bell after a basketball victory provide energy to the "Blue Brigade" student section that creates an exciting environment for all Patriot Athletics home games. The Patriot Cheerleaders and Patriettes Dance Team promote the Patriot spirit and lead the crowd in cheers, chants, and the DBU Fight Song to support all Patriot athletic teams. Other University-wide traditions take place with athletic events such as Battle at the Burg that begins basketball season and Homecoming Week with float building, Mr. Patriot, Tailgate Party, and the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. The Homecoming Week activities were founded in the early years of Decatur Baptist College and remain an important part of every fall semester.
First-year students participate in University traditions as soon as they register for classes when they ring the replica Liberty Bell in the Mahler Student Center. First-year students also learn the core University value of Christ-centered servant leadership as they serve together on the final day of SWAT, an annual University welcome week for new students. Students have the opportunity to participate in other University campus life traditions such as University chapel services, Student Life events, RecLife activities, Greek Life, global missions, and local service.
The Official DBU Cross Ring serves as a symbol of the Christ-centered education students experience at DBU. Through the University hymn, “To God Be the Glory,” the DBU family thanks God for all of His blessings and His guidance throughout the history of the school.
Financial Assistance
Eighty-seven percent (87.0%) of our undergraduate students receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid. Over seventy-four percent (74.7%) of master's students and over sixty-seven percent (67.9%) of doctoral students receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid. (Institutional aid includes academic, athletic, music performance, and Christian leadership scholarships.) Students who may qualify for state and federal financial assistance programs can request specific information by contacting the Office of Financial Aid at (214) 333-5363.