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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Dallas Baptist University?
Why should I choose Dallas Baptist University for my Master's in Communication degree?
Dallas Baptist University is a uniquely Christian university that encourages all students to become servant leaders in their chosen fields. Your career choice is a true calling. Faculty and staff at DBU understand and seek to help students achieve their goals while also nurturing them in their spiritual development.
Do I have to be a Baptist to attend Dallas Baptist University?
No. Students from all faiths and creeds attend, learn, and benefit from their experiences at DBU. Everyone is welcome into the DBU Family!
Degree
What degrees are offered within this program? MA in Communication
-- Concentration in Communication for Ministry
-- Concentration in Communication Studies
-- Concentration in Organizational Communication Management
-- Concentration in Worship Leadership
What is a concentration? In addition to the core curriculum all graduate level students of the Communication program will take classes relative to the particular direction of their desired career path. Students select one concentration to specifically study. Each will lead students to be best prepared for their particular career goals. There are 18 hours of course work specific to the concentration which includes a Communication Graduate Internship or an Individual Research Project.
Dual Master's Degrees
Earn two degrees with the efficiency of learning available through a dual degree program!

Application Procedures
The following link will also be of help: http://www3.dbu.edu/graduate/admitprocedure.asp
Where/How do I apply?
Prospective students may apply online at http://webreg.dbu.edu/gradapps. At this site, one may complete the application process online or print out the application and other admission forms from the website. One may also visit the campus and apply in person with the office of Graduate Programs.
What are the requirements for full admission?
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Evidence of sound moral character and compatibility with DBU's mission
- A likelihood of academic success as demonstrated by a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in all previous course work
- Two letters of recommendations from non-family members
- A current professional resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Official transcripts from previous schools
Additional conditions of full admission may be specified by individual degree programs and/or the Master's Programs Admission Committee.
The Master's Programs Admission Committee strives to take a holistic view of the applicant in order to determine the likelihood for success in a master's program. Applicants who show potential for graduate study, but do not meet the criteria for Full Admission may be admitted for up to 12 hours under Provisional status.
How do I pay the $25 nonrefundable application fee?
One may pay this fee online during the application process, use the "Online Application Fee Payment" link at http://www3.dbu.edu/graduate/forms_links.asp, or send a check or money order made payable to DBU at Graduate Admissions Dallas Baptist University 3000 Mountain Creek Pkwy Dallas, TX 75211-9299
What is a statement of purpose? The Statement of Purpose consists of several questions which help you put your goals into words and to explain why you wish to come to DBU. It also serves as your writing sample for the admissions process.
Who can I ask to do my Letters of Recommendation? You can ask anyone other than a family member. Applicants often ask coworkers, supervisors, professors, pastors, community leaders, or anyone else they feel knows their work habits well.
What transcripts must I provide? You must supply all your previous transcripts. If you ever took a single course at a college, you must provide an official transcript from that college. For example, if you took a course at a community college prior to the university from which you obtained your undergraduate degree, DBU requires official transcripts from both.
Do I have to take the GRE?
No. It is not a requirement to take the GRE for admission to the M.A. in Communication Program.
Will any single requirement keep me from being admitted to the Graduate Programs at DBU? No. Student applications are looked at from a holistic perspective to give applicants their best possible opportunity for success at DBU.
What is the monetary cost of graduate level class hours?
- Master's credit hour - $707.00
- Hybrid Master's credit hour - $707.00
- Online Master's credit hour - $747.00
Financial Aid
How can I apply for financial aid?
Visit DBU's Office of Financial Aid in the Mahler Center on campus or go to the following links on DBU's website: http://www3.dbu.edu/financialaid/ http://www3.dbu.edu/graduate/financial_aid.asp Financial Aid Department: (214)-333-5363.
Transfer Students
Can I transfer graduate credits from another university? Usually. You will need to submit transcripts to your Program Director for review and evaluation within the first semester of enrollment. What is the maximum number of graduate credits I can transfer from another university? 12 semester credit hours of acceptable course work are the limit that most universities, including DBU, will accept as transfer credit towards a master's degree.
How would I find out if credits I have taken at another university will be accepted at Dallas Baptist University? You should make an appointment with your Program Director for advising and bring official transcripts for review and evaluation. This should occur during your first semester at DBU.
How old can my previous graduate credit be? We prefer graduate credits not be over 6 years old. All students who wish to transfer credits into DBU should make an appointment to discuss this with their Program Director during their first semester at DBU.
Application Completion and Acceptance
How can I verify that all my admissions documents have been received by the Office of Graduate Programs? You may contact the Office of Graduate Programs to verify they have received all your documents. If everything has not been received, they will be able to tell you what is lacking. Phone: 214-333-5242 Email: graduate@dbu.edu Web site: www.dbu.edu/graduate Once I have submitted everything required, how will I know if I am accepted? Once the Master's Degrees Admission Committee has met and reviewed your application, you will be notified by either the Office of Graduate Programs, your Program Director, or, often, both!
What is the Master's Degrees Admission Committee (MDAC)? The Master's Degrees Admission Committee is responsible for admission decisions.
Who is the Director for the M.A. in Communication? Professor Joanne Morgan
Registration Procedures
Upon admission how do I register? Upon admission you will contact your Program Director who will advise you and help you get registered. Why is there such importance placed on student advising at DBU? Why can't I just register on my own? At Dallas Baptist University great importance is placed on the relationship between the student and their Program Director. This individual attention and mentoring helps the student obtain correct information, assures that things occur in a proper manner, and guarantees that every student has someone who knows them by name, understands their individual situations, and prays for them. The strong emphasis on student advising at DBU is one of our greatest strengths.
Can I register online? As a newly admitted student, you cannot register online. It is particularly important that as a new student you receive individual attention from your Program Director. After your initial registration you will be able to register online, if desired, after personal or virtual advising from your Program Director and your first semester grades are posted.
If I am already a student at DBU can I register online after my first registration? After your initial registration you will be able to register online, if desired, after personal or virtual advising from your Program Director and your first semester grades are posted.
I am uncomfortable with online registration. Are there other ways for me to register? Of course! All students have the option of coming to any DBU location for registering in person. Once appropriate advising has taken place, the student can choose to complete their registration process via faxing if needed.
Campus Housing
What living arrangements are available at DBU? On DBU's main campus, dorms, apartments, and townhomes are available. Visiting the Residential Life portion of DBU's website will further explain. For more information on applying for campus housing or the requirements for residency please contact Apartment Life at 214-623-APTS (2787) or apts@dbu.edu.
Contact the Communication Department:
Program Assistant - 214-333-5804
Program Director - 214-333-6854
Contact the office of Graduate Programs:
214-333-5242 or
1-800-460-1328
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