a group photo of the debate team

Debate at DBU

Beginning a competitive schedule in 2021, the Dallas Baptist University Debate Program has quickly established itself as a dominant forensics program on a national scale. Since its launch, the team has ranked among the top three universities represented in the International Public Debate Association's most competitive divisions, with debaters bringing home nearly 300 awards, 29 championship titles, and seven national championship titles in only two years. Overall, DBU Debate is currently ranked as the first-place Scholastic program out of all 200 competing universities in the United States; a direct byproduct of the team's commitment to integrity, excellence, and quality argumentation.

At DBU Debate, the cultivation of informed thought is seen as a Biblical directive tied back to 2 Timothy 1:7. Here, Christians are encouraged to share the light of God, being told that "God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind." Through a focus on training and involvement in competitive debate, team membership seeks to fulfill this charge by providing valuable experience in public speaking, application of logic to complex issues, and improved rhetorical expression.

ABOUT THE TEAM

DBU Debate's 20-25 students have the opportunity to travel nationwide for tournaments four times per semester, earning awards and scholarships through excellence in both individual and team competitions. As academically-sanctioned events, tournaments are fully funded by the university, with students enjoying pre-paid travel, meals, and lodging.

All accepted students are eligible for Dallas Baptist University's Debate Scholarship, totaling $1,000 per year towards tuition for each member. To receive this scholarship, members are required to attend weekly Thursday meetings from 7:00-9:00 p.m., compete at six preliminary tournaments during the academic year, and attend the IPDA National Championship Tournament in the Spring. As a precursor to competitive travel, newly accepted students must complete at least six practice rounds against teammates.

Four debaters holding trophies

Mission Statement

DBU Debate exists to inspire speakers for Christ using formal debate as a tool to strengthen civil skills and confidence in faith.

ABOUT THE LEAGUE

The Dallas Baptist University Debate Program competes on a regional and national level through the International Public Debate Association (IPDA), a widely respected collegiate forensics league. Offering a style of extemporaneous competition, debate in the IPDA is characterized by a 30-minute preparation time, frequently changing topics and short speeches. Debates are 1v1 (with an additional 2v2 format available for advanced students) and competitors are separated into divisions ranging from novice to professional. Students compete against more than 1,400 debaters in a field of 200 universities nationwide, enjoying stylistic diversity on the fastest-growing collegiate forensics circuit.

STORIES ABOUT DEBATE

Debate Team holding trophies

Patriot Debate Team Celebrates Stellar 2022-2023 Season

In just their second year together, the Patriot Debate Team has been named the #1 Scholastic program in the United States after competing in nine tournaments, debating 1,129 collective rounds, and bringing home 185 awards throughout their 2022-2023 season.

DBU Debate Team Fall 2021

Debate Team Completes Inaugural Fall 2021 Season

The Dallas Baptist University Debate Team finished their first debate season ranking as the number 5 overall debate program in the United States from the International Public Debate Association.

Debate Team

New Debate Team Begins at DBU

The vision of the DBU Debate Team is “To inspire speakers for Christ using formal debate as a tool to strengthen civil skills and confidence in faith.”