East Texas Baptist University or ETBU is a private, coeducational Christian university associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. ETBU is located in Marshall, Texas, an historic city with a population of 25,000 nestled in the scenic piney woods of East Texas. Marshall is in the center of a recreational and tourist region, and is near the Caddo Lake recreational area. It is part of a larger metropolitan area of Longview, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana, and is located 150 miles east of Dallas on Interstate 20. ETBU is situated on the former Van Zandt Plantation, which is at the highest altitude in Harrison County. ETBU was founded as the College of Marshall in 1912, after a campaign to create a Southern Baptist college in East Texas. The campus’ first building, Marshall Hall, was completed in 1916.
ETBU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees. More than 80% of full-time faculty members have earned doctorates or terminal degrees. The student to faculty ratio is 16:1 and the average class size is 22. Total enrollment is about 1,300 students. They employ Christian faculty who are dedicated to teaching, scholarship, advising, and service as they model the principles of the Christian faith. As a Baptist university, ETBU is committed to the integration of learning and Christian faith in the pursuit of truth. Religion courses are required of all students regardless of major, and all students are required to attend Chapel. ETBU emphasizes high standards of personal conduct and moral character by all students. The campus maintains tight security and a curfew. Extracurricular activities include men’s and women’s athletics.
ETBU continues to be recognized as one of the Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the West Region by the U.S. News and World Report “America’s Best Colleges” special issue. The 2009 edition ranks ETBU 12th among 36 schools in a region which covers half the country, from Texas to California to Washington and beyond to Alaska and Hawaii. ETBU was also recognized in the category, “Best Values.” Among Baccalaureate Colleges in the West region ETBU was ranked eighth in the area which determines schools offering the best value. ETBU features a strong liberal arts curriculum with 10 degrees and 31 majors. There are two Bachelor of Science in Nursing tracks as well as many excellent professional and pre-professional programs. The university offers a portfolio-based advising program.
Mission Statement: “Our purpose is the development of intellectual inquiry, social consciousness, wellness, skills for a contemporary society, global awareness, and Christian character, for we believe that these endeavors prepare students to accept the obligations and opportunities to serve humanity and the Kingdom of God. Our primary focus is on a quality academic program of baccalaureate studies in the humanities, natural and social sciences, fine arts, and selected professional areas. We are committed to Christian stewardship and to providing and maintaining an environment conducive to learning, leadership development, and academic excellence. We affirm that the liberal arts form the surest foundation for education and that the Christian faith provides the surest foundation for life.”
ETBU has an annual Homeschool Day for homeschool students of high school age and their parents to visit and find out about East Texas Baptist University. Admission is based on an ACT score of 18 or above (excluding writing); or SAT score of 860 or above (excluding writing). To be considered for admission, applicants must also exhibit good character as seen by the University. Financial aid is available, and a Christian Leadership Scholarship is offered for students involved with church leadership, Baptist Life programs, and/or servant ministry. For more information, visit their website: http://www.etbu.edu