East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) is a private non-profit Christian University located in Marshal Texas. It is associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Its mission is the promotion of the development of intellectual investigation, social consciousness, wellness, global awareness, abilities for a modern society, and a Christian worldview. Its focus is on quality educational programs in humanities, fine arts, natural and social sciences, and professional areas. It is dedicated to Christian stewardship and to providing and upholding an academic environment that promotes learning, development of leadership, and academic excellence. East Texas Baptist University offers more than 40 programs that feature courses taught by high quality instructors to provide a learning atmosphere that will help students prepare for lives and careers. The U.S. News and World Report ranked East Texas Baptist University as number eight “Best Values” among baccalaureate colleges in the West.
East Texas Baptist University Online offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree completion online program that enables students to quickly earn their degree and advance in their careers. The online courses are offered in eight-week terms and coursework is designed to accommodate busy students. Coursework can be accessed anywhere at anytime with a connection to the Internet. Online courses are delivered through Learning House software that features a help center available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year as well as library access and bookstore access.
East Texas Baptist University was founded in 1917 as the College of Marshall, a two-year institution. The Baptist General Convention of Texas had control of the college. During its early years, the college expanded adding new buildings and in 1935 43 acres of land were acquired including the land and structures of the St. Joseph’s Boys Industrial Orphanage. In 1944, the college became a four-year institution and changed its name to East Texas Baptist College. The college gained accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1957. In 1984, the college became East Texas Baptist University. Today, the university enrolls about 1,200 students.
Accreditation
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits East Texas Baptist University.
Schools of Education
Fred Hale School of Business: strives to prepare students to be successful in their professional and personal lives. It instills Christian values to help students develop into individuals who are committed to ethical and moral business standards cultivated by Christian faith.
School of Christian Studies: committed to providing an academic environment of rigorous scholarship, academic freedom, service, and ministry. Aims to prepare students for various Christian ministries.
School of Education: aspires to provide challenging and appropriate programs to prepare students to be successful in the education fields.
School of Humanities: dedicated to providing outstanding education, personal guidance, and preparation for service or advanced study. Strives to help students become better communicators and more intellectually and culturally aware.
School of Fine Arts: committed to providing excellent programs that provide students with a variety of opportunities in the fine arts fields.
School of Natural and Social Sciences: goal is to use the philosophy and techniques of science to promote understanding of how the physical world is created and how it related to the characteristics and behavior of plants, animals, and humans.
School of Nursing: dedicated to preparing students to become successful nursing professionals. Strives to meet the challenges of the nursing field by providing strong and flexible academic programs.
Scholarships Offered
East Texas Baptist University offers a variety of scholarships including the Presidential Scholarship, Honor Scholarship, Dean Scholarship, National Merit Semi-Finalist, Achievement Grant, International Student Scholarship, Christian Leadership Scholarship, Ministry Scholarship, Christian Education Cooperative Grant, Music and Theatre Scholarships, Transfer Honor Scholarship, Transfer Dean Scholarship, and Transfer Achievement Grant. Various endowed scholarships are also available such as the Charles R. Aber Memorial Scholarship, Mickey Grady Condray Endowed Scholarship Fund, Bethany Davis Memorial Scholarship, Arnold Emergency Fund for Nursing Students, Ben Dean Business Scholarship, and Polly Askew Montgomery Ministerial Scholarship.
Financing Options
East Texas Baptist University participates in numerous financial aid programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, National Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH), Federal Perkins Loan, Texas Tuition Equalization Grant, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Federal Work Study, and College Access Loan. The university also offers a deferred payment plan.
Credit Earning Options
East Texas Baptist University grants credit for previously completed courses at other accredited institutions of higher learning. Credit is granted on a course-by-course basis. Students are able to earn up to 66 credit hours from junior colleges. Students may also gain credit for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and the International Baccalaureate. The university also grants credit for military experience according to recommendations of the American Council on Education.