Dallas Baptist University

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Dallas Baptist University is a medium sized college that is just a short drive from downtown Dallas. The college actually started in the small town of Decatur and opened in the late 1890s as the Decatur Baptist College. It didn't actually move to Dallas until the 1960s. Students attending the college in those days enjoyed the amazing views of the nearby lake and often took trips to the lake on breaks from school. Though DBU was originally a junior college that offered two-year programs, it later earned the right to offer four-year degree programs. That simply change led to the school becoming Dallas Baptist University and transitioning from a junior college in the early 1970s.

Though DBU is a Christian college, it doesn't have the strict requirements and regulations that other schools do. While students will need to take one or more religion classes, the university does not require that students attend religious services or follow any unusual rules. Many of the more than 5,400 students at DBU enroll because the school allows them to study and learn more about faith on their own time. DBU is now to four separate colleges that offer classes ranging from religious studies and music to business and education. The 292 acre campus has housing options available for those who want to live on campus, but DBU also offers some online programs as well.

Dallas Baptist University Accreditation Details

DBU has regional accreditation, which is important for several reasons. This type of accreditation allows you to transfer credits between schools and use the undergraduate degree you earned when applying for a spot in a graduate program. Regional accreditation is also required of those seeking federal financial aid like grants or student loans. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) granted Dallas Baptist University regional accreditation. If you want to enroll in a business program or take classes in the business department, you'll appreciate knowing that the university has accreditation for those programs from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. It also has accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music for its music programs.

Dallas Baptist University Application Requirements

When you apply to Dallas Baptist University, you can use a paper application or the online system. To use the paper application, you need to visit the site, print a copy of the application, fill out the form and mail it back to the university. The online application lets you complete many of the required steps from your home computer. In addition to the application, you will need to submit the application fee. Online applicants can use a credit or debit card, and paper applicants can use a money order or check. You will also need to submit a short essay of no more than 250 words that describes why you want to attend DBU. The university requires an official high school transcript and a test score from the ACT or SAT for all undergraduate applicants.

If you apply to the university's graduate program, you will also need to fill out an application and pay a $25 fee. The university does not charge an application fee for those who file the form online. You will need to submit a short 150-word writing sample that explains why you chose DBU and a copy of your most recent resume. Grad school applicants must also submit an official college transcript and two letters of recommendation. DBU does not accept letters of recommendation from family members.

Tuition and Fees

Whether you live in Texas, live in another state, take classes online or take classes on campus, your tuition won't change. Dallas Baptist University charges the same tuition for all undergraduate students, which is $813 per credit hour. If you drop a course after registering for classes, the university will charge you a $40 fee for each class you drop. Graduate tuition rates are the same across all online, on campus and hybrid courses. As a graduate student, you'll pay $823 per credit hour. When you take classes online though, you can save money because you do not need to pay for housing or a meal plan.

Dallas Baptist University offers payment plans for students who cannot afford to pay for all their classes at the beginning of the semester. The university will let you put down a deposit and make equal sized payments over the course of the semester. Before signing up for a payment plan, submit the FAFSA to see if you qualify for any assistance. You may qualify for scholarships through the university, grants from the state or federal government and loans too. Depending on your parents income, they may qualify for federal loans on your behalf as well. If your financial aid package doesn't cover the total cost of your tuition, DBU requires that you sign up for a payment plan or pay off the balance before classes start.

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Online Degree Programs

Dallas Baptist University offers flexible programs that help you reach your goals through its online system. This online system offers 20 certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, three associate degrees, three bachelor's degrees and 14 graduate degrees. There are also a handful of joint degree programs that let students earn two or more degrees. Many of these programs have various concentrations that students can choose from as well. For example, those who enroll in the MBA program can choose a concentration in finance, health care management, international business, management, management information systems, marketing or project management. This program requires that students have a business degree from an accredited college before enrolling and that they take accounting, marketing, finance and other business classes.

If you are a recent high school graduate or took some time off before going to college, you might find the Bachelor of Arts and Science program interesting. This program awards you a BAS degree but lets you choose from a variety of subjects like psychology or criminal justice. Psychology students learn how the human brain functions, how environment can impact behavior and treatments for mental disorders. Dallas Baptist University also offers several certificate programs in religious studies at the graduate level that students can take online, including ministry leadership, worship ministry, student ministry and theological studies.