DBU's forerunner, Decatur Baptist College, was founded in 1898 as the first junior college in Texas. For years, the school called the small town of Decatur home, producing outstanding young men and women who filled churches, classrooms, hospitals, and businesses around the nation.
In 1965, the school relocated to the scenic foothills of southwest Dallas. It became a four-year institution and was eventually renamed Dallas Baptist University when it began offering graduate-level degrees.
Today, DBU offers a variety of degrees at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. Well into our second century, DBU continues to press forward in our mission to produce servant leaders who will transform the world.
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.
Commentary on the Mission Statement of DBU (2002, April) by the late Dr. David Naugle, noted author, lecturer, and former chair and professor of philosophy at DBU.
Vision Statement
Building a great Christian university that is pleasing to God by producing Christ-centered servant leaders who are transforming the world.
Core Values
DBU's five core values are the foundation for living out the mission and vision of a Christian university.
- Christ-Centered
- Genuine Community
- Marked by Service
- Transformative Education
- Global Impact
Quick Facts
77
Undergraduate Programs
37
Master's Programs
2
Doctoral Programs
16
Average Class Size
DBU is pleased to call North Texas its home. The campus is a short drive from both downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth.
DBU's strategic location allows students to enjoy all of the benefits of a bustling urban setting, complete with multinational corporations, global ministries, world-renowned artists and cultural centers, and incredible athletic venues, all while nestled among the scenic and serene rolling foothills of southwest Dallas.
Dallas Baptist University (DBU) received a 2022 ranking of #288 by USN (likely a typo for U.S. News & World Report) and was ranked #44 Best Colleges in Regional Universities (West) by the same outlet in 2012. DBU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Rankings & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report: DBU was listed as #44 in Regional Universities (West) in 2012, according to Top Universities.
Other Sources: A different source indicates a 2022 national ranking of #288 by "USN".
