Southern Methodist University

SMU is the nationally ranked comprehensive research university in Dallas. A dynamic powerhouse of business and culture, Dallas’ optimistic outlook thrives in the heart of SMU and our enterprising spirit helps shape the city into a global destination for people of all backgrounds. Faculty and students create knowledge across eight degree-granting schools that span the arts, business, education and human development, engineering, humanities, sciences, law and theology. At SMU, problem solvers, influencers and leaders thrive in an academic environment that demands their best effort, every day. In the Gerald J. Ford Hall – SMU’s interdisciplinary research hub – faculty, students and industry partners collaborate, problem solve and power new enterprises. The new Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies represents SMU’s commitment to elevate the University’s vibrant research community. SMU Ignited, our recently launched $1.5 billion fundraising campaign, will empower outstanding students; enrich teaching and research and enhance the campus and community. Inclusive excellence initiatives have led to the highest percentage of students of color in school history – 33% in the most recent incoming class. SMU demonstrates its commitment to making an outstanding education accessible through a wide range of need-based and academic aid – three out of four students receive financial support. As Dallas’ university, SMU provides access to internships and co-ops with some of the world’s leading companies. Students also connect with top employers and receive interview support through multiple career centers. Six months after graduation, nearly 87% of SMU graduates have jobs or are in grad school. Opportunities for SMU students to expand their education: (1) HANDS-ON LEARNING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL PROJECTS. Because giving back is an important part of the SMU experience, Mustangs apply classroom learning to real-world problems through programs such as Engaged Learning. Students from all majors participate in the Big iDeas pitch competition to win funding for launching a business. Enterprising faculty and students bring ideas to life in the Incubator@SMU workspace and the Deason Innovation Gym makerspace. (2) RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES. In our close-knit intellectual community, students collaborate with faculty on research projects as early as their first semester. An 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters deeper learning. (3) DISTINCTIVE STUDY. SMU’s flexible Common Curriculum builds a solid liberal arts foundation and allows students to pursue multiple interests and develop multiple skills. New areas of study include data science, in which students develop data fluency and innovative thinking regardless of major. Through study abroad, students enhance their academics and earn degree credit. (4) LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. SMU students lead and grow in 200+ student organizations. SMU is one of the few universities in the nation to have a voting student member on its Board of Trustees. The renowned Tate Lecture Series brings provocative speakers to campus. (5) LIVING AND LEARNING COMMUNITIES. For their first two years, SMU students live in a Residential Commons community, which bridges academic and social life to create a welcoming, inclusive University family. Faculty in Residence in the Residential Commons expand opportunities for informal interactions, intellectual exchanges and mentoring. (6) UNIQUE MUSEUMS AND FACILITIES. The Meadows Museum at SMU houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. The George W. Bush Presidential Center provides students access to fellowships, lectures and global experts. SMU-in-Taos, a 400-acre campus in northern New Mexico, offers credit courses. // Students who are driven to succeed make the most of the limitless opportunities created by the combined might of SMU and Dallas – and go on to make a difference in their professions and communities around the world.