Master's Degrees at Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University has one mission — to transform the lives of students who will change the world, all for the glory of God.
The Graduate School at DBU integrates both faith and learning, with nearly 40 best-in-class, Christ-centered master's degrees and dual master's degrees. Our Christian university cultivates servant leadership in both in-person and online programs tailored for working professionals.
Whether obtaining their degree in-person or online, DBU challenges students to grow through mentorship, collaboration, and real-world scenarios as they discover a network of fellow students and alums who share their passion and calling to positively impact the world.
Graduate Course Convenience*
In Person, Online, Hybrid, Flex, Hy-Flex
*Selected courses are available in the formats listed. View the current Schedule of Classes for specific courses.
Graduate Programs Length
Some graduate programs at DBU can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Master's Degree Program List
Discover nearly 40 accredited master's degree programs, including on-campus and online options, taught by world-class Christian faculty dedicated to student learning and development. As you explore master's degrees, consider why DBU is the best decision for earning your master's degree including location, a like-minded community to connect with, and courses taught from a Christian worldview.
The programs listed below are included in the current catalog. For information on programs from another catalog year, refer to the Archived Catalogs.
Business Counseling/Psychology Education Fine Arts & Communication Leadership & Liberal Arts Ministry Professional Development
Business
*Online Degree
Companies seek leaders who can think strategically, adapt promptly, optimize present and future resources, and act ethically — a master’s degree in business equips you with experiential learning and a global perspective across the disciplines of accounting, administration, finance, information technology, management, and more.
Helpful Resources
Counseling/Psychology
For those with a heart for people’s mental health, a master’s degree in psychology or counseling can empower you to become an advocate and make an impact on the lives of others in various settings, both secular and Christian.
Helpful Resources
Education
*Online Degree
For teachers committed to excellence in the classroom to those passionate about specialized fields like school administration, school counseling, higher education, curriculum, and instruction, a master’s degree in education facilitates the development of expertise for various settings.
Fine Arts
Communication
*Online Degree
Pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts and communication empowers your next step in careers ranging from strategic corporate communications to public relations, consulting, advertising, marketing, media, education, communications, and other related fields.
Leadership
Liberal Arts
*Online Degree
A master's degree in leadership equips flourishing leaders with competencies essential for effective and distinctive roles in the real-world contexts of government, business, education, ministry, and nonprofits. Students receive training in communication, collaboration, team-building, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and more.
Designed to meet the needs of students who desire an interdisciplinary, broad-based graduate education rather than specialization in a single discipline, a master’s of liberal arts offers learning through a combination of courses, including the arts, humanities, Christian studies, English as a Second Language, and missions.
Ministry
*Online Degree
To help facilitate a divine call to serve, a master’s degree in ministry provides essential knowledge in biblical, historical, theological, and practical ministry studies to meet the unique needs of various 21st-century ministry and leadership contexts.
Professional Development
*Online Degree
Designed especially for professionals who want to expand their unique knowledge and credentials, a master’s degree in professional development offers the opportunity to select a single-discipline track from business, criminal justice, higher education, counseling, leadership, English as a Second Language, missions, training and development, or an interdisciplinary track.
- Master of Arts in Education Ministry Leadership
- Master of Arts in Family Ministry
- Master of Arts in Leadership
- Master of Arts in Management
- Master of Arts in Professional Development
- Master of Education in Higher Education
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Master of Music Education
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
- Professional Online Master of Business Administration
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
FAQs About Pursuing a Master's or Doctoral Degree Online at DBU
The length of time it takes to complete your online master's degree program at DBU depends on how much time you can realistically devote to your studies. Generally, you can plan on a minimum of two to three years for most accredited online master's degrees — if you are pursuing your degree full-time with nine credit hours per semester. However, some programs at DBU can be completed in as little as 18 months.
While there is some variability in cost, online master's degrees are generally more affordable. DBU's Christ-centered master’s degrees for exclusively online students start at a lower cost per credit hour, which is comparable to in-state tuition at a public university in Texas.
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).
DBU offers a range of graduate degree programs online. We are known as a leader in online education and are well-respected by employers throughout DFW and beyond. As a DBU online student, you receive the same education and earn the same diploma as someone who attended all classes in person.
If you're pursuing a master's degree, choosing whether to attend classes online or in person is a big decision. There are 5 important things to consider:
- Do you prefer to learn independently or in an in-person classroom setting?
- Are there any cost differences for online vs. in-person programs?
- What is your Learning Style, and which format is better suited for you?
- What Level of Social Interaction do you thrive in?
- How much flexibility do you need from your degree program?
Explore the Pros and Cons of an Online or In-Person Master's Degree
Online Ed.D. programs are absolutely credible and respected. Earning a degree entirely online will not impact the rigor or quality of your doctorate — nor its reputation.
This is one of the reasons DBU is so passionate about providing students with the flexibility of online options to achieve their goals. DBU began offering the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership to exclusively online students in 2024.
The same entity that accredits DBU's on-campus degrees also accredits all our online degrees, including the Ed.D. Rest assured, the quality of the program is the same as that of a degree earned on campus.
For the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at DBU, students enroll in one to two classes each eight-week term. The online program design provides significant learning experiences through each class's online component.
However, courses are not self-paced, and professors expect weekly participation. Students interact with the professor, students, and course material in the timeframe that works with their schedule during each week of the eight-week term.
Rewarding Benefits of a Graduate Degree at Dallas Baptist University
Pursuing a master's degree is a big commitment but undoubtedly rewarding — especially when you're called to continue your education, gain competitive advantage, and advance your career while serving the Lord.
Whether you're heading to graduate school straight from undergrad — or you're more seasoned in your career and have felt the call to return to the classroom in-person or online, The Graduate School at Dallas Baptist University offers maximum flexibility without sacrificing quality.
DBU also offers you a chance to earn credit for graduate work while completing your undergraduate degree through our Accelerated Graduate Placement and Bridge programs, reducing the cost and time to complete a master’s degree.
Pursue your goals in-person alongside a community of like-minded peers, mentors, and professors who are equally passionate about learning and leading change in the world. Or connect online and chase after your dreams through one of our online master's degree programs.
You can achieve it all at DBU with our Texas graduate degrees in a premier, Christ-centered academic environment and culture. We understand your calling and commitment — and how an advanced degree can help you achieve it.
Jonathan R. Tijerina, MBA, VP of Corporate Development at CPS Energy
"My graduate school experience at DBU was more than I could have ever imagined. The learning, engagement and networking are experiences that I will use for the rest of my career."
Campus Tours: We encourage all our students, whether in-person or online, to take a tour of one of the most beautiful and picturesque campuses in Texas.
Student Testimonials
Melissa Pressley, MBA, Client Experience Manager, KPMG US
"The deans and professors at my school helped me numerous times throughout the years in moving up in my career or changing careers… DBU has such a strong network in D-FW and across the country."
Chase Durham, Graduate School of Ministry, High School Minister, Cottonwood Creek Church
"I thought of every reason I shouldn't pursue a graduate degree, between my full-time ministry and my growing family, but if the Lord is leading you; the Lord will equip you — and DBU offered me the perfect combination of academics and practical application in ministry."
Charles Pulliam, MBA, CEO & Senior Partner, Solushiens
"To have a Christ-centered education in the way that I manage day-to-day in my job… I was able to implement ideas I was learning in class the very next day at the office."
The heartbeat and mission of a DBU education is the desire to produce Christ-centered servant leaders who will change the world through whatever calling God has for them.