largest Baptist university in the world, established in 1845 and named for one of its founders, Judge Robert E.B. Baylor. The campus covers more than 425 acres (172 hectares) on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, Tex. The library features the world's largest collection of the works of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The university operates on a semester calendar and awards bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. More than 70 percent of the full-time faculty hold doctorates. At the undergraduate level, Baylor enrolls approximately 10,400 students, about a fifth of whom come from outside of the state. Women outnumber men. The campus contains some housing, and freshmen are given priority if all interested students cannot be accommodated. Disciplines offered at the undergraduate level include liberal arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, visual and performing arts, nursing, aviation sciences, home economics, area and ethnic studies, religious studies, communications, computer and information sciences, museum studies, recreational services, environmental studies, and social work. Dual-degree programs arranged in conjunction with other institutions enable students to study architecture, forestry, and a variety of health science fields. Some students can enroll in Baylor's law school after three years of study. All undergraduates must take two religion courses and participate in two semesters of Chapel Forum, a lecture series on Christian issues. About a fifth of Baylor undergraduates pursue advanced studies directly after graduation. At the graduate level, the university enrolls roughly 1,800 students. Baylor offers graduate programs in many of the same areas as undergraduate studies. The master of divinity degree can be earned through the George W. Truett Seminary. The university cooperates with Baylor College of Dentistry on a variety of master's programs. (The college was once a part of the university but became independent in 1971. Likewise Baylor College of Medicine in Houston was part of the university from 1903 to 1969.) Baylor University awards master's degrees in health care administration and physical therapy through its affiliation with the United States Army Academy of Health Sciences. Baylor conducts some 240 extracurricular activities covering a range of interests, including fraternities and sororities. Religious organizations and activities tend to be popular. Varsity sports teams, nicknamed the Bears, compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (except the football team, which participates in Division I-A). School colors are green and gold. |