Global Leadership

M.A. in Global Leadership FAQs

Focus on global servant leadership, missions, intercultural skills and an inter-disciplinary approach to working in global diversity!

What is the purpose of the MA in Global Leadership?

To educate Christian students for global servant leadership in a multi-faceted global environment, equipping them with intercultural and leadership skills equal to today's multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment, and preparing them to minister in cross-cultural and international settings.

Who is the degree for?

Designed for a new generation of professionals committed as Christians to using their careers for kingdom purposes, the MAGL is for people who are serving Christ and need skills and credentials for ministry in non-traditional settings, and for whom a residential program at a seminary is not a viable option.

How is the curriculum designed?

The MAGL is a university-based, fully accredited Master of Arts program. The curriculum is highly focused, practical in orientation and devoted to fostering skills sets needed for practical work in the field. The MA in Global Leadership consists of 36 credit hours, which is 12 classes of 3 credit hours each. Full curriculum for the degree plan can be viewed on the Master of Arts in Global Leadership webpage.

What will it teach me?

Concentrations in missions, church planting, urban missions and ESL (English as second language) allow students to obtain the specific knowledge and skills necessary to be effective Christian leaders whether in the United States or in a global setting. The program teaches students to become the leaders God has created them to be, so that they can serve Him creatively in today’s complex inter-cultural world.

How are courses formatted?
Since this is a professional MA degree, the delivery system for classes focuses on evening, online, hybrid, synchronous livestream, and mini-term classes that fit around the normal work schedules. Class size is small, so students interact a great deal with their professors. Most courses for the degree are available online, so it is possible to arrange completing the degree from off-campus. DBU is a leader in online course development and delivers outstanding content in online courses.
What do graduates do with a MAGL degree?

MAGL graduates apply to missionary sending agencies (like IMB, East/West, Act Beyond, GEM and others) to serve overseas as missionaries. Graduates plant churches in US cities and abroad. Many teach English in culturally challenging settings overseas. Graduates work in denominations, para-church groups, and on local church staff to mobilize Christians into missions. Some go into business as kingdom professionals. Others work with recent immigrants to the US or involve themselves in creative approaches to non-traditional ministry.

Is financial aid available?

Yes! Many students qualify for Financial Aid through our University office of financial aid. Church matching grants help many students, and there are generous scholarships and ministry financial assistance for students from Texas Baptist churches.

Admissions Information

How can I verify that all my admissions documents have been received by the Office of Graduate Programs?

The best way is to apply online. You can get all the application information online.

Is there a deadline to apply for the MAGL degree for any given semester?

No, DBU utilizes a rolling admissions policy. The Graduate School Admissions Committee meets regularly throughout each semester.

What is the Statement of Purpose referred to in the application?

The statement of purpose serves as your writing sample for the admissions process. Be sure to use good composition skills with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It consists of several questions which help you articulate why this degree matches your life goals and personal sense of calling.

Who may I ask to do my letters of recommendation?

Applicants often ask supervisors, pastors, community leaders, or anyone else who can vouch for their conscientious habits and academic ability to write a recommendation. It is important that they know you well and are able to communicate clearly about your character, spiritual life and work ethics.

What transcripts must I provide?

You must supply all previous transcripts. If you ever took a single course at a college or school since high school, you must provide an official transcript from that institution. Transcripts must come directly from the issuing school in a sealed envelope.

Why must I submit a Church Membership form?

The MA on Global Leadership prepares Christians who are active in their local church to serve God, so you must show that you are a member in good standing of a church which accepts the Old and New Testament as God’s Word.

What is the minimum undergraduate GPA that Dallas Baptist University will accept for the MA in Global Leadership?

Students applying to the Master of Arts in Global Leadership degree must have a B average in their University studies or a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Do I have to take the GRE?

No, the GRE score is not usually required for admission to the MA in Global Leadership.

Admissions Notification

How can I verify that all my admissions documents have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions?

You may contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (214) 333-5242 to verify that all of your documents have been received. If anything has not been received, they will be able to tell you what you are lacking.

Once I have submitted everything required, how will I know if I am accepted?

You will be notified by the Program Coordinator and receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Graduate Programs.

Transfer Credits

Can I transfer graduate credits from another university?

Usually. Please refer to "Graduate Admission Information" in the graduate catalog for complete information. The program director can assist you with questions about transfer credit.

Registration Procedures

Upon admission, how do I register for classes?

Upon admission your program director will advise you and help you register. Call the MAGL office at (214) 333-5508 for assistance.

Why is academic advising at DBU so important?

Dallas Baptist University places great importance on the mentoring relationship between student and the program director. Individual attention 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, who understands their individual situation, and prays for them. The strong emphasis on student advising at DBU is one of our greatest strengths.

Where can I get more information?

Contact Dr. Brent Thomason, Program Director
Email: brentt@dbu.edu
MAGL Office Phone: (214) 333-5508
Visit Pilgrim Chapel, Suite 304E on the DBU Main Campus
Website: https://www.dbu.edu/ministry/degree-programs/ma-global-leadership/