Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
Overview
Dedman College, SMU’s largest and most diverse academic unit, challenges students through a wide range of studies. It provides a liberal arts foundation for all undergraduates, and nearly 40 percent of undergraduates choose majors in Dedman College.
History
The heart of SMU from its beginning, Dedman College was named in 1981 for benefactors Robert H. Dedman, Sr., and his wife, Nancy McMillan Dedman, of Dallas.
Academic Programs
Sixteen departments in humanities, social sciences and sciences offer 99 majors and minors, plus numerous interdisciplinary programs. Dedman also provides nearly 30 master’s and doctoral degree programs..
Innovative Offerings
The interdisciplinary Embrey Human Rights Program is dedicated to learning about and promoting human rights locally and around the world. It is one of only five human rights majors in the nation and the first in the South. The Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute brings together faculty and students from the humanities, sciences and professions for collaborative research and curriculum development. Institute seminars and research clusters generate capstone courses and offer students engaged learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Research
In 2011–12 Dedman faculty generated 91 awards for $10.6 million of the $22.4 million in external funding for SMU research and sponsored projects.
Cox School of Business
Overview
The Cox School equips students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to become business leaders. Major publications, including Bloomberg Businessweek, BusinessWeek and The Economist, rank SMU Cox among the top business schools in the nation and world.
History
Established in 1920, SMU’s business school was named in 1978 in honor of benefactor Edwin L. Cox of Dallas.
Academic Programs
Bachelor of Business Administration with majors in accounting, finance, financial consulting, general business, management, marketing and real estate finance, risk management and insurance; Master of Business Administration and Master of Science degrees in accounting, management and entrepreneurship.
Location
Among the Cox School’s advantages is its location in Dallas, frequently cited as one of the best places to pursue a career. Cox has forged strong relationships with leading companies and influential business leaders in the area and has been recognized in The Economist as one of the top 15 schools worldwide for networking potential.
International Study
The Cox School offers international immersion experiences for full-time, part-time and executive M.B.A. students. All Cox students have access to 15 exchange partnerships with schools around the world.
Meadows School of the Arts
Overview
The Meadows School prepares students to lead professional careers in the arts and communications and to apply their education in innovative ways. The school also provides opportunities for all SMU students to grow in appreciation of the arts.
History
Dating from SMU’s beginning, arts education evolved into a school of the arts that was named in 1969 in honor of benefactor Algur H. Meadows and The Meadows Foundation of Dallas. The partnership with The Meadows Foundation continues to benefit the Meadows School and its renowned Meadows Museum.
Academic Programs
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees offered through 10 divisions: Temerlin Advertising Institute, Art, Art History (also offering a Ph.D.), Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship, Communication Studies, Dance, Film and Media Arts, Journalism, Music and Theatre. For performing arts students, Meadows provides a conservatory atmosphere in a liberal arts setting through undergraduate and graduate degree programs and Performer and Artist Diplomas. Meadows is the first school in the U.S. to offer a minor in arts entrepreneurship.
Meadows Prize
An international arts residency is awarded each fall to two pioneering artists in a Meadows discipline who interact with students while spending time on campus.
Prominent Alumni
Meadows alumni have won the Pulitzer Prize and Tony, Emmy and Academy awards. Their work is represented in museums such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum and Museum of Modern Art.
Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering
Overview
The Lyle School prepares today’s engineering students to be tomorrow’s innovators. With both technical and leadership skills, Lyle students and faculty see no problem as too big for the next generation of engineers.
History
SMU’s engineering school, founded in 1925, was named in 2008 in honor of Dallas leader Bobby B. Lyle.
Academic Programs
Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees offered through the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Engineering Management, Information and Systems; and Mechanical Engineering.
New Initiatives
The Lyle School is the nation’s first engineering school to host a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® Lab modeled after the iconic California research facility. The Hart Center for Engineering Leadership creates customized programs for students. The Caruth Institute for Engineering Education develops new methodologies for incorporating engineering education into K-12 schools. The Hunter and Stephanie Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity combines technological innovation with business expertise to address global poverty.
Facilities
SMU’s high-performance engineering complex includes LEED gold-certified buildings, advanced research facilities and innovation gym.
Dedman School of Law
Overview
Dedman School of Law offers students a personal educational experience in a thriving community of scholars.
History
SMU’s law school, founded in 1925, was named SMU Dedman School of Law in 2001 in honor of benefactors Nancy and Robert H. Dedman, Sr., and their family.
Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (day and evening programs), Master of Laws and Doctor of Juridical Science. The Master’s program for graduates of foreign law schools was among the first in the country and has graduated more than 2,000 lawyers from 80 countries.
Other Programs and Resources
Dedman School of Law publishes five well-respected law journals and operates six legal clinics serving diverse community needs. Pro bono legal service is a requirement for graduation.
Library
The school’s Underwood Law Library houses the largest private law collection in the Southwest.
Recognition
Dedman Law ranks first among all law schools in the number of graduates who are CEOs at Fortune 50 companies.
Alumni
SMU law graduates include Texas Supreme Court justices, members of the U.S. Congress, an ambassador, a governor, foreign ministers and members of the highest courts worldwide, as well as attorneys at leading law firms.
Perkins School of Theology
Overview
Perkins School of Theology prepares women and men for faithful leadership in Christian ministry through higher learning, real experience and vital ministry.
History
One of SMU’s original schools, the theology school was named in 1945 in honor of benefactors Joe J. and Lois Craddock Perkins of Wichita Falls, Texas. Perkins is one of five university-related theological schools of The United Methodist Church.
Academic Programs
Master’s degrees in divinity, theological studies, church ministries, sacred music; Doctor of Ministry; M.A. and Ph.D. in religious studies jointly with Dedman College.
Specialized Programs
Perkins Internship Program, a nationwide model; Mexican American Program for ministry in Spanish-speaking contexts and cultures; certificate programs in Hispanic studies, African American church studies, Anglican studies, pastoral care, urban ministry and women’s studies; Global Theological Education, providing cultural immersion experiences; Center for Religious Leadership; Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions; Center for Missional Wisdom.
Resources
Bridwell Library houses a major religious studies research collection and historic rare books, Bibles and manuscripts.
Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development
Overview
The Simmons School prepares exemplary professionals and advances knowledge through evidence-based research.
History
SMU established the School of Education and Human Development in 2005. In 2007 SMU named the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development in recognition of a landmark gift from Harold C. and Annette Caldwell Simmons.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate teacher certification; Bachelor’s in applied physiology and sport management; graduate certifications in literacy education, bilingual education, English as a second language and many other subjects; Master’s degrees in education, bilingual education, educational leadership, counseling, dispute resolution, liberal studies and other subjects; Ph.D. in education.
Research and Community Programs
Institute for Evidence-Based Education, Gifted Students Institute, Applied Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratory, Locomotor Performance Laboratory, Center for Child and Community Development, Center for Family Counseling, Diagnostic Center for Dyslexia and Related Disorders, Upward Bound, Community Counseling Centers, Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services, Center on Communities and Education, Informal Courses for adults, academic enhancement programs for youth.
Facilities
Programs are offered on the Dallas campus and at SMU-in-Plano.