| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Media & Mass Communication | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Law & Legal Studies | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Location: Dallas, Texas (Main campus); additional campus in Taos, New Mexico
Motto: Veritas Liberabit Vos ("The truth shall make you free")
Type: Private research university
Affiliation: Historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church but operates independently
Student Population: Around 12,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
Academic Programs: Offers over 100 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs
Notable Schools & Colleges:
Cox School of Business
Dedman School of Law
Lyle School of Engineering
Meadows School of the Arts
Simmons School of Education and Human Development
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
Known for strong programs in business, law, engineering, and the arts
Cox School of Business is highly ranked for MBA and executive education programs
Recognized for research initiatives and strong alumni network
Beautiful 234-acre campus with Georgian-style architecture
Strong Greek life presence (about 40% of undergraduates join fraternities or sororities)
Active athletics program (NCAA Division I – American Athletic Conference)
Located in University Park, an upscale area of Dallas, providing access to job opportunities, culture, and entertainment
Laura Bush (Former First Lady of the U.S.)
Aaron Spelling (TV producer)
Ray Hunt (Oil and real estate magnate)
Lamar Hunt (Founder of the American Football League and MLS)
SMU offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 85+ minors across various disciplines.
1. Cox School of Business
Accounting
Business Analytics & Supply Chain Management
Finance
General Business
Management
Marketing
Real Estate, Energy, and Natural Resources
2. Lyle School of Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Management, Information, and Systems
3. Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Economics
English
History
International Studies
Mathematics
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
4. Meadows School of the Arts
Advertising
Art
Art History
Communication Studies
Creative Computing
Dance
Film and Media Arts
Journalism
Music
Theatre
5. Simmons School of Education & Human Development
Applied Physiology & Sport Management
Educational Studies
Human Development & Early Childhood Disorders
6. Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
(Supports graduate and doctoral students across various disciplines.)
1. Cox School of Business
MBA (Full-time, Executive, and Professional)
MS in Accounting
MS in Business Analytics
MS in Finance
MS in Management
2. Dedman School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD)
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
3. Lyle School of Engineering
MS and PhD in Computer Science
MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering
MS in Data Science
MS in Cybersecurity
4. Meadows School of the Arts
MFA in Acting, Theatre, and Art
Master of Music
MA in Advertising
PhD in Art History
5. Simmons School of Education & Human Development
Master’s and Doctoral programs in Education Policy and Leadership
MS in Counseling
Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Course Program |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Cox School of Business |
|
|
|
Accounting |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Business Analytics & Supply Chain Mgmt. |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Finance |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Management |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Marketing |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Real Estate, Energy & Natural Resources |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
Lyle School of Engineering |
|
|
|
Civil and Environmental Engineering |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Computer Science |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Electrical and Computer Engineering |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Engineering Management & Information Systems |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences |
|
|
|
Biological Sciences |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Chemistry |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Economics |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
English |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
History |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
International Studies |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Mathematics |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Physics |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Political Science |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
Meadows School of the Arts |
|
|
|
Advertising |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Art |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Art History |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Communication Studies |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Creative Computing |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Dance |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Film and Media Arts |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Journalism |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Music |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Theatre |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
Simmons School of Education & Human Development |
|
|
|
Applied Physiology & Sport Management |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Educational Studies |
4 years |
$64,460 |
|
Human Development & Early Childhood Disorders |
4 years |
$64,460 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Cox School of Business |
|
|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
2 years |
$50,270 |
|
Executive MBA (EMBA) |
2 years |
$63,940 |
|
Professional MBA (PMBA) |
2 years |
$50,270 |
|
MS in Accounting |
1 year |
$50,270 |
|
MS in Business Analytics |
1 year |
$50,270 |
|
MS in Finance |
1 year |
$50,270 |
|
MS in Management |
1 year |
$50,270 |
|
MS in Real Estate & Construction Management |
1 year |
$50,270 |
|
|
|
|
|
Lyle School of Engineering |
|
|
|
MS in Civil Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Computer Science |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Cybersecurity |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Electrical Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Mechanical Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Telecommunications and Network Engineering |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Operations Research & Engineering Management |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences |
|
|
|
MA in Economics |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Applied Statistics & Data Analytics |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MA in English |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Geology |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MA in History |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MA in Philosophy |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MA in Political Science |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MA in Psychology |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dedman School of Law |
|
|
|
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
1 year |
$60,944 |
|
Juris Doctor (JD) |
3 years |
$60,944 |
|
Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) |
N/A |
$60,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
Meadows School of the Arts |
|
|
|
MFA in Acting |
2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MFA in Art |
2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MA in Art History |
2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MA in Advertising |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MFA in Theatre |
2 years |
$42,000 |
|
Master of Music (MM) |
2 years |
$42,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Simmons School of Education & Human Development |
|
|
|
MS in Counseling |
2 years |
$42,000 |
|
MS in Sport Management |
1.5 – 2 years |
$42,000 |
|
Master of Education (M.Ed.) |
2 years |
$42,000 |
|
Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) |
3 years |
$42,000 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Cox School of Business |
|
|
|
PhD in Business Administration |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
|
|
|
|
Lyle School of Engineering |
|
|
|
PhD in Civil Engineering |
4 – 5 years |
$42,000 |
|
PhD in Computer Science |
4 – 5 years |
$42,000 |
|
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering |
4 – 5 years |
$42,000 |
|
PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
4 – 5 years |
$42,000 |
|
PhD in Operations Research & Engineering Management |
4 – 5 years |
$42,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences |
|
|
|
PhD in Biological Sciences |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
PhD in Chemistry |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
PhD in Economics |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
PhD in Geophysics |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
PhD in History |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
PhD in Mathematics |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
PhD in Physics |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
PhD in Political Science |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
PhD in Statistics |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
|
|
|
|
Dedman School of Law |
|
|
|
Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) |
3 – 5 years |
$60,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
Meadows School of the Arts |
|
|
|
PhD in Art History |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
|
|
|
|
Simmons School of Education & Human Development |
|
|
|
PhD in Education |
4 – 5 years |
Fully Funded (Stipend Provided) |
|
Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) |
3 years |
$42,000 |
Top-Ranked Programs: Strong in Business, Engineering, Law, Arts, and Sciences
Location Advantage: Dallas is a major business hub with job opportunities in finance, tech, healthcare, and energy
Scholarships Available: Merit-based scholarships for international students
Diverse Campus: Students from over 90 countries
STEM Opportunities: Programs in engineering, business analytics, and computer science qualify for OPT extension
Small Class Sizes: 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized education
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Admissions
Application Portal: SMU Online Application or Common App
Application Fee: $60
Required Documents:
High school transcripts (translated to English)
SAT/ACT (optional for most programs)
English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Letter of Recommendation
Personal Statement/Essay
Resume (for some programs)
English Proficiency Requirements:
TOEFL iBT: 90+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test (DET): 120+
Graduate (Master’s & PhD) Admissions
Application Portal: SMU Graduate Admissions
Application Fee: $75
Required Documents:
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
Official transcripts (translated if necessary)
GRE/GMAT (varies by program)
English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS)
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2-3)
Statement of Purpose
Resume/CV
Application Methods:
Common Application: N/A
SMU Application Portal: apply.smu.edu
Application Deadlines:
Application Type |
Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Early Decision I |
November 1 |
|
Early Action |
November 1 |
|
Early Decision II |
January 15 |
|
Regular Decision |
January 15 |
|
Spring Intake |
October 15 |
1 Choose Your Major
Explore SMU’s 100+ undergraduate majors in business, engineering, arts, sciences, and education.
2 Submit Online Application
Apply through the Common App or SMU Portal and pay the $60 application fee.
3 Submit Required Documents
High school transcripts (translated if necessary)
SAT/ACT scores (Optional for most programs)
English proficiency test (For international students)
Letter of Recommendation (At least 1 letter from a teacher or counselor)
Personal Essay (Common App Essay or SMU-specific prompt)
Resume (for some programs like Business and Engineering)
4 English Proficiency Requirements (For International Students)
TOEFL iBT: 90+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test (DET): 120+
5 Financial Documents (For International Students)
Proof of financial support for at least one year of tuition & living expenses.
6 Interview (If Required)
Some competitive programs like Business and Arts may require an interview.
7 Check Admission Decision
Admission decisions are released in March for Fall intake.
Application Portal: SMU Graduate Admissions
Application Deadlines: Varies by program (Most deadlines: December – April)
1 Choose a Graduate Program
SMU offers Master’s and PhD programs in Business, Engineering, Law, Humanities, and Sciences.
2 Submit Online Application
Complete the online application and pay the $75 application fee.
3 Submit Required Documents
Bachelor’s degree transcript (Translated if not in English)
GRE/GMAT scores (Depends on the program, some may waive it)
English proficiency test (For international students)
2-3 Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining academic goals
Resume/CV (For Business, Engineering, and Law programs)
4 English Proficiency Requirements (For International Students)
TOEFL iBT: 90+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test (DET): 120+
5 Check If Additional Documents Are Needed
Some programs (like MBA or MFA in Arts) may require an interview, portfolio, or work experience.
6 Apply for Scholarships & Assistantships
Many Master’s and PhD programs offer funding, research assistantships, and fellowships.
7 Receive Admission Decision
Most decisions are sent within 4-8 weeks after submission.
Application Process: Similar to Master’s but PhD programs are highly competitive.
Funding: Most PhD students receive full tuition waivers + living stipends.
1 Select a Research Program & Faculty Advisor
Contact faculty members in your field to discuss research opportunities.
2 Submit Online Application & Required Documents
Bachelor’s/Master’s transcripts
GRE scores (Some programs may waive this)
Statement of Research Interests
3 Letters of Recommendation
Resume/CV
English Proficiency Test (For international students)
3 Faculty Interview (If Required)
Some PhD programs conduct virtual or in-person interviews.
4 Receive Admission & Funding Offer
Accepted PhD students typically get tuition waivers + stipends for research/teaching assistantships.
Program Type |
Intake Periods |
Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
Fall (August) |
Early Decision I: Nov 1 |
|
|
|
Early Action: Nov 1 |
|
|
|
Early Decision II: Jan 15 |
|
|
|
Regular Decision: Jan 15 |
|
|
Spring (January) |
Deadline: Oct 15 |
|
Graduate (Master’s & PhD) |
Fall (August) |
(Dec – April) |
|
|
Spring (January) |
Limited programs available (Deadline: Oct – Nov) |
|
|
Summer (May) |
Some programs accept applications |
|
Law School (JD & LL.M.) |
Fall (August) |
Priority Deadline: March 1 |
|
MBA (Cox School of Business) |
Fall (August) |
Round 1: Oct 15 |
|
|
|
Round 2: Jan 5 |
|
|
|
Round 3: March 4 |
|
|
|
Final Round (International): April 29 |
Note: Most programs primarily admit students for the Fall (August) intake, while Spring and Summer intakes are available for selected programs.
Academic Requirements:
High school diploma (12 years of schooling) with a strong academic record
Minimum GPA: 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale (Varies by program)
Strong performance in Mathematics, Science, and English for Engineering/Business
Standardized Tests (Optional for Most Programs)
SAT: 1200+ (Recommended)
ACT: 25+ (Recommended)
English Proficiency Requirements (For International Students)
TOEFL iBT: 90+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test (DET): 120+
Other Requirements:
1 Letter of Recommendation
Personal Statement/Essay
Resume (For business/engineering applicants)
Academic Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree (4 years) from an accredited university
Minimum GPA: 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale (Some programs may require higher)
Standardized Tests (Depends on Program)
GRE/GMAT Required for Certain Programs:
MBA: GMAT 600+ (or GRE equivalent)
Engineering: GRE 300+ (Some programs may waive GRE)
Law: LSAT for JD programs
English Proficiency Requirements (For International Students)
TOEFL iBT: 90+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test (DET): 120+
Other Requirements:
2-3 Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume/CV (Work experience required for MBA, Executive programs)
Portfolio (For Arts & Design Programs)
Academic Requirements:
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field (some programs accept direct PhD entry after a Bachelor’s)
Minimum GPA: 3.5+ on a 4.0 scale
Standardized Tests:
GRE (Required for most PhD programs)
GMAT (For PhD in Business Administration)
English Proficiency Requirements (For International Students)
TOEFL iBT: 90+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test (DET): 120+
Other Requirements:
Research Proposal & Statement of Purpose
3 Letters of Recommendation
Resume/CV
Faculty Interview (for some programs)
Ranking Organization |
SMU Ranking (Global/USA) |
|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
#801-1000 (Global) |
|
QS USA University Rankings |
#100-120 (USA) |
|
US News & World Report – National Universities |
#72 (USA) |
|
US News & World Report – Best Value Schools |
Top 40 (USA) |
|
US News & World Report – Best Business Schools (Cox School of Business) |
Top 50 (USA) |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) – US Rankings |
#90-110 (USA) |
|
Forbes – Top Colleges in America |
Top 100 (USA) |
|
Bloomberg Businessweek – MBA Rankings |
Top 50 (USA) |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD per year) |
Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
President’s Scholars Program |
Exceptional academic achievement (Top 1-2% applicants) |
Full tuition & fees + study abroad grant |
Highly competitive, invitation-only |
|
Hunt Leadership Scholars |
Strong leadership experience & academics |
Full tuition + $5,000 for leadership development |
Requires separate essay & interview |
|
SMU Merit Scholarships |
Academic excellence (GPA 3.5+, SAT/ACT recommended) |
$10,000 – $30,000 |
Automatically considered upon admission |
|
Second Century Scholars Program |
High academic achievement & leadership |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
Renewable for 4 years |
|
International Student Scholarships |
Strong academic performance (GPA 3.0+) |
$5,000 – $25,000 |
Available to all international students |
|
National Merit Scholarships |
National Merit Finalists |
$2,000 – $10,000 |
Must list SMU as first-choice school |
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Based on family income (FAFSA required) |
N/A |
U.S. students only (limited aid for internationals) |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD per year) |
Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cox School of Business Scholarships |
Academic & professional excellence (GMAT 650+ preferred) |
Partial to Full Tuition |
Available for MBA & MS programs |
|
MBA Dean’s Scholarship |
Top MBA applicants |
Up to Full Tuition |
Highly competitive |
|
Lyle School of Engineering Fellowships |
Outstanding engineering students |
$5,000 – $20,000 |
Based on academic merit |
|
Simmons School of Education Scholarships |
Education & Counseling students |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
Limited awards |
|
Meadows School of the Arts Scholarships |
Arts, Film, Music, and Theatre students |
$5,000 – $20,000 |
Portfolio or audition required |
|
Graduate Assistantships (RA/TA) |
Research or teaching roles |
Tuition waiver + stipend |
Available for select programs |
Funding Type |
Eligibility |
Amount |
Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Full Tuition Waiver + Stipend |
PhD students in most programs |
Full tuition + $20,000 – $35,000 stipend per year |
Research or Teaching Assistantship required |
|
Dedman College PhD Fellowships |
Humanities & Sciences PhD students |
$25,000+ per year |
Fully funded with research support |
|
Lyle School of Engineering PhD Fellowships |
Engineering PhD students |
Full tuition + stipend |
Based on academic merit & research potential |
Residence Hall / Housing Type |
Room Type |
Cost Per Year (USD) |
Facilities Included |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Virginia-Snider Hall |
Double Room |
$11,190 |
Shared bathroom, study lounges, Wi-Fi, laundry |
|
Armstrong Commons |
Double Room |
$11,190 |
Community kitchen, study spaces, AC, Wi-Fi |
|
Boaz Hall |
Double Room |
$11,190 |
Common areas, game rooms, AC, Wi-Fi |
|
Loyd Commons |
Suite-Style |
$12,890 |
Private/shared bath, common area, study lounges |
|
Crum Commons |
Suite-Style |
$12,890 |
Private/shared bath, gym, study rooms |
|
Kathy Crow Commons |
Apartment-Style |
$13,900 |
Kitchen, living area, private bedrooms |
|
Upper Division Apartments (Moore, Daniel, Martin Halls) |
Single/Double Room |
$13,900 |
Kitchen, private bath, furnished rooms |
|
SMU Service House (Community-Based Living) |
Single/Double Room |
$12,500 |
Community service-focused, study lounges |
|
Greek Housing (Fraternity/Sorority Houses) |
N/A |
$12,500 – $15,000 |
Meal plans, community spaces, events |
Note: First- and second-year students are required to live on-campus, unless they live with family nearby.
Apartment Type |
Location |
Cost Per Month (USD) |
Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Studio Apartment |
Near SMU (5-10 min walk) |
$1,200 – $1,600 |
Basic kitchen, Wi-Fi |
|
1-Bedroom Apartment |
University Park/Mockingbird Station |
$1,500 – $2,200 |
Gym, pool, laundry |
|
2-Bedroom Apartment |
Near Dallas City Center |
$2,000 – $3,000 |
Furnished options, security |
|
Shared Housing (with roommates) |
locations |
$700 – $1,500 |
Split rent/utilities |
Note: Off-campus housing costs depend on location, amenities, and lease terms.
Meal Plan Type |
Meals Per Week |
Cost Per Semester (USD) |
Total Yearly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Unlimited Plan |
Unlimited + $100 Dining Dollars |
$3,500 |
$7,000 |
|
Block 250 Plan |
250 meals/semester + $200 Dining Dollars |
$3,200 |
$6,400 |
|
Block 150 Plan |
150 meals/semester + $300 Dining Dollars |
$2,800 |
$5,600 |
|
Block 100 Plan |
100 meals/semester + $400 Dining Dollars |
$2,400 |
$4,800 |
Note: First-year students are required to enroll in a meal plan.
Facility |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Libraries |
6 libraries, including Fondren Library with 4 million+ books |
|
Recreation Center |
Gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, fitness classes |
|
Dining Halls |
Multiple cafeterias, food courts, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A |
|
Health & Wellness Center |
Medical services, counseling, mental health support |
|
Transportation |
Free campus shuttle, DART pass for Dallas metro area |
|
Technology & Study Spaces |
Computer labs, high-speed Wi-Fi, innovation hubs |
1. Campus Community & Student Diversity
SMU has a student population of around 12,000 students, including undergraduates, graduates, and international students from over 90 countries. The university fosters a tight-knit, supportive community with a mix of students from different cultural, professional, and academic backgrounds.
2. Clubs & Student Organizations
There are 200+ student-run organizations catering to a wide range of interests, including:
Academic & Professional Clubs – Finance, Engineering, Law, and Entrepreneurship clubs
Cultural & International Groups – Asian Council, Black Student Association, Hispanic Student Association
Performing Arts & Media – Theatre groups, SMU TV, The Daily Campus (student newspaper)
Philanthropy & Community Service – Rotaract, Mustang Heroes, Habitat for Humanity
Special Interest Clubs – Esports, Sustainability Club, Debate Club
Students can also start their own club if they don’t find one that matches their interests.
3. Greek Life & Social Activities
SMU has a strong Greek life presence, with nearly 40% of undergraduate students involved in fraternities and sororities. Greek organizations at SMU focus on leadership, service, and social events, including:
Philanthropic events like fundraising for charities
Annual Greek Week with competitions and performances
Networking opportunities with alumni and professionals
For students who prefer non-Greek life, SMU offers plenty of other social activities, intramural sports, and campus-wide events.
4. Sports & Recreation
SMU is an NCAA Division I school competing in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The university’s athletic teams, known as the SMU Mustangs, have a strong reputation in sports such as:
Football (played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium)
Basketball (Moody Coliseum)
Soccer, Tennis, Golf, and Swimming
For non-athletes, SMU offers intramural sports and club teams in soccer, volleyball, rock climbing, and more. The Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports provides:
A fully equipped gym and fitness center
Swimming pools, basketball courts, and indoor track
Yoga, Pilates, and spin classes
5. Events & Traditions
SMU has rich traditions and annual events that students look forward to every year:
Boulevarding – A unique SMU tradition where students gather for tailgate-style celebrations before football games.
Homecoming Weekend – Includes a parade, concerts, and alumni reunions.
Family Weekend – Parents and families visit campus for fun activities and performances.
SMU Lights Up – A holiday lighting ceremony in December.
SMU also hosts guest lectures, career fairs, networking events, and international festivals to keep students engaged year-round.
6. Housing & Residential Life
First-year and sophomore students are required to live on campus, which helps build a strong student community. SMU’s 11 Residential Commons offer:
Themed housing experiences (leadership, service, honors, etc.)
Study lounges, game rooms, and community kitchens
Events like movie nights, cookouts, and mentorship programs
Upperclassmen can choose to stay in apartments, Greek housing, or off-campus accommodations in the University Park area of Dallas.
7. Career & Internship Opportunities
SMU’s location in Dallas provides students with top-tier internship and job opportunities in industries like finance, technology, energy, consulting, and healthcare.
The Hegi Family Career Development Center offers resume workshops, mock interviews, and career fairs.
Companies like AT&T, American Airlines, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase, and Toyota actively recruit SMU students.
Students can gain real-world experience through internships, research assistantships, and networking events.
8. International Student Support
SMU is home to a large international student community, and the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office provides:
Visa and immigration support
Workshops on cultural adaptation
Social events for international students
Assistance with finding on-campus or off-campus employment
1. Placement Statistics & Job Outcomes
Overall Placement Rate: 93% of SMU graduates secure a job or enroll in further education within 6 months after graduation.
Internship Participation: Over 80% of SMU students complete at least one internship before graduation.
Top Salaries:
Undergraduate Average Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 per year
MBA Average Salary: $120,000 – $140,000 per year
Engineering Graduates: $80,000 – $100,000 per year
Law Graduates (Dedman School of Law): $95,000 – $130,000 per year
2. Top Recruiting Companies at SMU
SMU has strong industry connections, and top companies regularly hire from SMU across various fields. Some of the top recruiters include:
Business & Finance (Cox School of Business)
Goldman Sachs
JPMorgan Chase
Bank of America
Deloitte
Ernst & Young (EY)
PwC
KPMG
Technology & Engineering (Lyle School of Engineering)
Amazon
Microsoft
Texas Instruments
IBM
Lockheed Martin
Raytheon Technologies
Law & Government (Dedman School of Law)
Top U.S. Law Firms (e.g., Baker Botts, Jones Day, Haynes and Boone)
U.S. Government Agencies
Corporate Legal Departments
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Baylor Scott & White Health
McKesson Corporation
Energy & Consulting
ExxonMobil
Chevron
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
McKinsey & Company
3. Internship & Co-op Programs
Paid Internships: Many SMU students secure paid internships at top companies before graduation.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Available for international students to work legally while studying.
Industry Partnerships: SMU collaborates with companies in Dallas to offer internship-to-job conversion opportunities.
Popular internship recruiters include:
American Airlines (Corporate Internships)
Tesla (Engineering & Business Internships)
Facebook/Meta (Software Engineering Internships)
Fidelity Investments (Finance Internships)
4. Career Support & Resources at SMU
SMU provides extensive career development services, including:
Hegi Family Career Development Center
Resume reviews, mock interviews, and career coaching
Career fairs with 300+ employers visiting annually
Alumni mentorship programs
On-Campus Recruitment
Many top companies conduct on-campus interviews and hiring events.
Industry-Specific Career Services
Cox School of Business: Offers career treks, networking events, and employer connections.
Lyle School of Engineering: Provides tech talks, hackathons, and employer-hosted competitions.
Dedman School of Law: Hosts legal networking events and clerkship placements.
5. Work Opportunities for International Students
On-Campus Jobs: International students can work up to 20 hours/week on campus.
OPT (Optional Practical Training):
12 months of post-study work for all programs.
STEM Graduates get an additional 24-month extension (Total: 36 months).
H-1B Visa Sponsorship: Many SMU graduates secure H-1B work visas through employer sponsorship.
6. Success Stories & Alumni Network
SMU’s alumni network includes over 130,000 graduates in leadership roles across various industries.
Successful Alumni:
Ray L. Hunt – CEO of Hunt Oil Company
Eliot Graff – Lead Engineer at NASA
James J. Mulva – Former CEO of ConocoPhillips
SMU graduates have a strong professional network, and alumni frequently mentor and hire current students.
The acceptance rate at Southern Methodist University (SMU) is approximately 52% – 55%, making it a moderately selective university.
Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: ~ 52% – 55%
Graduate Acceptance Rate: Varies by program (40% – 60%)
Law School (Dedman School of Law) Acceptance Rate: ~ 42%
Business School (Cox School of Business - MBA) Acceptance Rate: ~ 40% – 50%
SMU evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership, essays, and recommendations.
GPA Requirements:
Average GPA of admitted students: 3.6 – 3.9 (on a 4.0 scale)
Competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.8+
SAT/ACT Scores (Optional but Recommended):
SAT Range: 1250 – 1450
ACT Range: 28 – 32
English Proficiency (For International Students):
TOEFL iBT: 90+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 120+
Extracurricular Activities & Leadership:
Leadership roles, volunteer work, sports, or research experience can strengthen an application.
Strong Essays & Letters of Recommendation:
Well-written personal statements and letters from teachers or mentors improve chances of admission.
Main Campus: Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
Address: 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, USA
GPS Coordinates: 32.8410° N, 96.7845° W