Graduate Admission

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

How do I register for a class?
Instructions for registering for courses can be found here.

Where can I get textbook information?
Students may order textbooks by contacting the SMU Bookstore at (214) 768-2435 or by ordering online. The bookstore maintains books and/or course notes ordered by the departments for each specific academic term. You may email questions to bkssmu@bncollege.com.

Course notes may be used in place of a textbook at the discretion of the instructor. Some instructors make their course notes available on line to allow students to download them directly. Otherwise they are available through the department, and students should be aware that in most instances there will be a charge for them. Each department maintains a current list of textbooks and class notes. See the Directory listed at the end of this handbook.

How many courses should I take?
Lyle School of Engineering expects its students to fully meet the rigorous demands of its programs. For many students, this means a weekly time investment averaging about three to four hours for each term hour of graduate registration. Each student should bear this in mind when working out a schedule of studies. The School recommends that a part-time student, professionally employed, take no more than two (2) courses per term (6 TCH).

How do I add/drop a course?
The deadline for adding or dropping courses without grade record is generally within the 7th day of term. The SMU academic calendar can be found at online.

To Add/Drop a class before the deadline, simply log on to ACCESS.SMU.EDU to make the change. After the deadline, contact Janis Jessen at jjessen@lyle.smu.edu or (214) 768-3037 to discuss your options for such changes. Please note that if you are only enrolled in one course and want to drop, see the next section under Withdrawal from the University.

A student may drop a course with a grade of W within approximately 8-10 weeks of Spring and/or Fall term, and 5-6 weeks for Combined Summer term. After that deadline date, students may not drop a class. All schedule changes must be processed within the deadline dates specified in the university calendar. You may verify your course schedules by logging on to ACCESS.SMU.EDU.

How do I withdraw from the SMU?
Students who would like to withdraw from the University must submit a request in the form of a letter, fax or e-mail to Janis Jessen, provided the document includes the following information:

  • name, address, and student SMU ID 
  • term in which this course is taken
  • prefix and course number
  • reason for withdrawal
  • student signature
The registration of Lyle School of Engineering distance education students who withdraw on or before the 20th day of the term during the Fall or Spring term will be canceled. Courses and grades are not recorded for canceled registrations. This is a privilege accorded only to Lyle School of Engineering distance education students. It is not available to other students within the SMU community who have easy access to University administrative offices.

Students who withdraw may have to be reactivated to enroll in future classes. In addition, if a graduate engineering student does not continue to enroll in a course during Fall and/or Spring term the student will have to be readmitted.

Note: Notifying the faculty or ceasing to view course lectures does not constitute an official withdrawal

How do I medically withdraw from SMU?
Medical withdrawals allow a daily pro rate refund of tuition and fees. They include conditions that must be met prior to re-enrollment to SMU. Medical withdrawals must be authorized by the Medical Director, Psychiatric Director, Counseling and Testing Director, or the Vice President of Student Affairs. Authorization can be obtained prior to or after withdrawal.

What do I need to do to file for graduation? Graduating students must file the requisite form at the beginning of their final term. The form is available by contacting Mr. Jim Dees at jdees@lyle.smu.edu or by calling (214) 768-1456. Please send him the following information:
  • Student full name
  • Student ID number
  • Expected graduation
  • Program you are enrolled
When are final grades reported?
LOGin students receive a final grade after all required course work has been satisfactorily completed. As might happen with distance education students who cannot complete the required course work due to technical problems, instructors will hold the grade until such time all required course work has been submitted or the deadline posted by University Registrar.

Instructors are required to turn in final grades for a course within 48 hours after the on-campus final exam. For distance students, instructors will turn in their final grades once all course requirements have been completed (no later than 3 weeks after the on-campus students). Students may view and print their grades at ACCESS.SMU.EDU once the final grades have been posted. Official transcripts may be obtained on-line.

Exceptions occur for degree candidates who have filed the Application for Candidacy to Graduate (ACG) that term with the Graduate Studies Office. Their final grade must be turned in within the 48 hours specified by the University Registrar.

With the instructor’s permission, a student may receive a grade of Incomplete (I). Students should contact the academic teaching departmental administrative staff to obtain a copy of the Grade of Incomplete Agreement Form. Students must complete and submit the form to the department. The instructor initiates a Change of Grade after the student has completed all course requirements. Once the instructor has changed the Incomplete grade, students may check the changed grades via ACCESS.SMU.EDU.

Are there special tuition rates for United States military veterans?
There are special tuition rates for active duty military, veterans and current DoD employees covered under the school's policy.

What is the difference between Computer Science and Computer Engineering?
Computer Science is traditionally more concerned with the theoretical underpinnings of computation and of programming; thus one typically finds courses in programming, algorithms, numerical analysis (how do you guarantee a number produced by a computer program is accurate), and the theory of computation (what can and cannot in principle be computed) in Computer Science departments. Computer Science in the 70’s actually was part of the mathematics department.

Computer Engineering programs were largely developed in engineering departments strong in electrical engineering. Computer Engineering focuses on the practical aspects of development and use of computers, and so courses in digital logic design and processor interfacing which build on an engineering student's knowledge of electronics and circuits are typically found in Computer Engineering programs. Computer Engineering programs also often have strong ties to solid state physics and devices programs where the details of actually manufacturing integrated circuits are studied.

I was previously studying at the Lyle School and after taking a break would now like to continue my studies. How would I do that?
Complete the Reactivation Form and send to Ms. Krys Benson. Ms. Benson will then pull your old file and contact you regarding any additional information required. This process could take up to two weeks.

Where can I review previous campus and distance course schedules?
Enrollment Information this link, on the right hand side. For frequency of courses, please contact your academic advisor once formally admitted. Prior to admission, you may contact the administrative coordinator for the respective department.

My institution sends transcripts securely via email. Where should they be sent?
They should be sent to Janis Jessen. They include a "password" that allows her to open them. She will then print them out and notarize them and attach them to your application.

What scores does SMU look for on the TOEFL/ IELTS?
550 on the paper based test, 213 on the computer based and 59-60 (without the speaking) on the internet based test.

Southern Methodist University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Baccalaureate, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Southern Methodist University.

Individual academic programs are accredited by the appropriate national professional associations. The Edwin L. Cox School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Dedman School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association. Perkins School of Theology is accredited by The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society. In the Meadows School of the Arts, the Dance Division is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance; the Music Division by the National Association of Schools of Music; and the Theatre Division by the National Association of Schools of Theater.

Lyle School of Engineering undergraduate programs in civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: (410) 347-7700. The undergraduate computer science program that awards the degree Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The undergraduate computer science program that awards the degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is not accredited by a Commission of ABET. ABET does not provide accreditation for the disciplines of environmental science and management science.

I have a question about my 1098_T form.
Please contact our service provider directly. The company is TCRS and the phone number is
1-877-467-3821.

I am a graduate student and would like to come to a sporting event. Where can I get tickets?
Graduate distance students do not pay student fees as part of their tuition, nor do they pay for the sports package by default. Contact the respective box office for more detailed information. More information on student tickets can be found here.

How do I reset my Access.smu password?
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) help desk can reset your password if needed, they are at 214-768-4357. Or, you may reset your password online using the OIT Password Reset Tool.

How can I get enrollment verification?
The Registrar’s Office is pleased to announce that you may now obtain an Enrollment Verification ONLINE through the Student Center in Access.SMU. This new feature allows you to request and receive your Enrollment Verification online whenever you need it throughout the semester, 7 days a week.

Follow these easy instructions:

  • Log on to Access.SMU Click on Student Center Click on Enrollment Verification under Academic History 
  • Select Current Enrollment or All Enrollment under Obtain an Enrollment Certificate 
  • Click on Obtain an Enrollment Certificate PDF will appear which contains your academic enrollment information at SMU which can be printed for third parties 
Please be advised that this new feature in Access.SMU will be available to you each fall and spring semester on the first day of classes and this is the means by which you should obtain your Enrollment Verification. Please note that summer enrollments are not reported to the National Student Clearinghouse at this time and will not appear on Enrollment Verifications printed from Access.SMU. This is the only exception in which requests should be made in person at the office of the University Registrar (Laura Lee Blanton Building Room 101) or by sending an email to registrar@smu.edu on the first day of the summer term. Enrollment Verifications for both fall and spring semesters should be obtained by logging on to the Access.SMU Student Center. 

It is our goal to provide students with the best service possible. Please feel free to contact our Enrollment Services Team at 214-768-3417 should you have any questions.

Where do I need to send my transcripts or other supporting materials for my graduate degree application?
Lyle Graduate Admissions
Southern Methodist University
PO Box 750335
Dallas, Texas 75275

How do I make an appointment with a graduate advisor?
Advisors are assigned only after you have been admitted into a program at the Lyle School of Engineering. Your advisor’s name will be included in your favorable letter of decision. Should you need assistance before being admitted, please contact your program director.
Michael Paulk, Weekend format
Abigail Smith, Part-time campus or LOGin distance education

Where can I get a student ID?
Student ID cards may be obtained from the Park N Pony Office.

Where can I get parking information or a parking pass?
Parking passes and other parking information may be obtained from the Park N Pony Office.

Does SMU take transfer credit?
Yes, subject to program director’s approval. Our transfer policy provides full details. Once admitted, please submit the Transfer Credit Form. This form should be sent to Jim Dees at jdees@lyle.smu.edu or faxed to his attention at (214) 768-3778.

How can I change the program I am enrolled in to another Lyle graduate engineering program?
Please complete the Change of Program Form and send it to Ms. Krys Benson at kbenson@lyle.smu.edu or faxed to (214) 768-3778.

Can I use the Texas Hazelwood Act to pay for tuition?
No, the Texas Hazelwood Act is available at public institutions. For more information, please visit the programs Web site

What is hybrid weekend delivery?
This format is comprised of an ideal blend of live Web conferencing and recorded lecture via streaming media to busy professionals at home and across the nation. For each 3-hour course, students receive 40 hours of instruction in a total of five 8-hour sessions during the semester in which they are enrolled. The five class sessions are split into four hours of recorded lecture and four hours of virtual conferencing with the professor and other students in the program. Participants have Internet access to lecture content one to two weeks prior to a Web conferencing session conducted live every other Saturday, following the off-weekend schedule of the Fortune 100 defense corporations with operations in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area. Students take only one course at a time with Course A held during the first half of the term and Course B during the second half. Students may take either one or two courses during the semester, setting their own pace for career advancement in a rapidly evolving business climate.

How long do I have to complete my degree program?
Students have seven (7) years to complete their master’s degree program.

Where can I find course descriptions for the programs?
You may read full course descriptions in the Lyle Graduate Catalog found here. In addition, you may visit the Graduate Enrollment Office in Caruth Room 353 for a paper version.

Where can I find a catalog?
The Lyle Graduate Catalog can be found in PDF form here. In addition, you may visit the Graduate Enrollment Office in Caruth Room 353 for a paper version.

Where can I find campus maps?
Printable and interactive maps are hosted here.

Is SMU accessible via public transit?
Yes, it is called Mustang Express.

Does SMU have a student newspaper and is it available online?
Yes, it is the SMU Daily Campus.

What type of activities and events are available on campus?
Tate Lecture Series - Widely regarded as one of the country's finest platforms for distinguished and engaging discussions, the Tate Lecture Series provides unique opportunities for student interaction, faculty discourse and community debate with both leading voices as well as leading minds in their fields. 

Meadows Museum - The Meadows Museum is committed to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of art through the collection and interpretation of works of the greatest aesthetic and historical importance, as exemplified by the founding collection of Spanish art. The museum is a resource of Southern Methodist University that serves a broad and international audience as well as the university community through meaningful exhibitions, publications, workshops, and other educational programs and encourages public participation through a broad-based membership.

McFarlin Memorial Auditorium - Listed on the National Register for Historic Places, McFarlin Memorial Auditorium is the site for many events at Southern Methodist University such as commencement, graduation, the renowned Willis M. Tate Lecture Series, and other student programs. The Auditorium is also used to showcase international dance companies, famous vocalists and comedians, and nationally celebrated bands. 

George W. Bush Presidential Center and Library – Due to open Spring 2013

What is a Fast Second Master’s degree and how does that work?
Fast Track Second Master's Degree allows students to complete a second master’s degree from the Lyle School of Engineering at SMU in as few as six courses. Forms and details available here.

Where can I find degree plans?
Sample Degree Plans and forms are available here.

How long will it take to review my application and receive a decision?
Once the admissions team has received your application and all supporting documentation it should take approximately three weeks for a letter of decision. Letters are mailed to the address on your admissions application.

Do I need to get the meningitis vaccination prior to starting class?
Yes. Please visit SMU’s Health Center for detailed information on this new legislation effective January 1, 2012. 

What is the GRE institutional code?
Institution code 9685 for both the GRE and TOEFL will get the scores to use (no department code is needed).

What is the TOEFL institutional code?
Institution code 9685 for both the GRE and TOEFL will get the scores to use (no department code is needed).

What are the application deadlines?
Online Applications and Application Deadline Information

Are GRE scores required for my program?
GRE Scores are required for the following programs only:

  • Applied Science
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • All Doctoral Applicants

LOGIN FAQ

What are the distinctive features of LOGin?

  • Quality of a private university education anywhere in the world. 
  • Programs of study relevant to the needs of the organization and the individual.
  • Flexibility and convenience of receiving instruction at a time and place that fit any work schedule or travel commitment.
  • Access to university academic curricula taught by outstanding faculty and industrial professionals.
  • Responsive, committed support staff who understand the needs of working professionals
  • Education from a real "brick and mortar" university.
  • Not online – but quality classroom education at a distance.
How does LOGin work?
Live lectures in regular graduate courses are recorded at the same time they are taught. This classroom format includes the lecture and questions from students in the classroom, as well as the instructor’s answers and comments. High quality streamed lectures are loaded to our server within 24 hours of the on-campus course. Students should download the lecture to their computer and watch it within 48 hours to keep current with course content and requirements.  Students may have their graded homework and/or exam mailed to their workplace or residence address provided in the Distance Site Information form. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor to ask questions, share ideas and clarify points from the lecture by e-mail, telephone, or fax. 

Credit courses operate on a schedule, which parallels the on-campus semester. While students have considerable flexibility in when they view courses, they are expected to complete the coursework within a provided schedule. This insures the academic integrity of each course and replicates the actual classroom experience. 

At some companies and military locations, there are site coordinators responsible for receiving and disseminating testing material. Students at sites without a coordinator must assume the responsibility of procuring an appropriate individual to serve as their coordinator. A site coordinator should be an impartial third party. 

How do I register for a class?
Registration instructions can be found here

Where can I get textbook information?
Students may order textbooks by contacting the SMU Bookstore at (214) 768-2435 or order online. The bookstore maintains books and/or course notes ordered by the departments for each specific academic term. You may email questions to bkssmu@bncollege.com.

Course notes may be used in place of a textbook at the discretion of the instructor. Some instructors make their course notes available on line to allow students to download them directly. Otherwise they are available through the department, and students should be aware that in most instances there will be a charge for them. Each department maintains a current list of textbooks and class notes. See the Directory listed at the end of this handbook.

How many courses should I take?
Lyle School of Engineering expects its students to fully meet the rigorous demands of its programs. For many students, this means a weekly time investment averaging about three to four hours for each term hour of graduate registration. Each student should bear this in mind when working out a schedule of studies. The School recommends that a part-time student, professionally employed, take no more than two (2) courses per term (6 TCH).

Lyle School of Engineering encourages all students to stay up to date with their courses by viewing lectures every week, and by interacting with the instructor and other students whenever possible.

Who do I contact about the exams that are to be sent out if I have a question?
Homework and exams are sent out by the respective academic department, not by the Lyle distance education staff. Students should contact their respective academic department directly with any questions. Corporate site coordinators receive the exams directly and notify students at their company of test dates and times. They are also responsible for proctoring all exams.

All students must appoint a responsible person to act as a proctor for their exams and have the designated person agree to the terms on the Site Coordinator Agreement Form by signing and dating the form. Lyle School of Engineering must have a signed copy on file. If the approved coordinator changes at any time during the term, the student must submit an updated Site Coordinator Agreement Form as soon as possible and email the department administrative assistant with the new information.

Generally, military students make arrangements through their base education office. Exams will be sent from respective academic departments to this office, and students will be notified of their test dates and times. If an education office is not available, then the student will be responsible for finding an appropriate person to designate as a site coordinator and submit the Site Coordinator Agreement Form.

What are the Site Coordinator’s Responsibilities?
Review Materials:

  • Become familiar with SMU procedures and academic materials 
  • Fill out the Site Coordinator Agreement form 
  • Organize the Site 
  • Establish an appropriate area for tests and exams that can be proctored when required 
  • Notify Lyle School of Engineering of the site location, phone, fax, email, etc and update whenever necessary 
  • Return Completed Assignments 
  • Use cover sheet when returning materials to instructors. Faxing is acceptable as long as it is readable. Always include: student’s name, student’s SMU ID, term/year, course number and instructor’s name. 

Proctor Exams:

  • Receive and secure exams. Exams are mailed only to the site coordinator’s mailing address or emailed directly to the coordinator’s email address provided in the Site Coordinator Agreement Form. 
  • Included are the professor’s explicit instructions, such as time limit, open-book/ notes allowed, closed-book/no notes allowed.
  • Schedule exam times (after appropriate lecture is completed and before the next lecture is viewed, as indicated on the exam cover sheet.) 
  • Provide appropriate testing facilities. 
  • Establish policy for off-site exams. 
  • Assist students with exam alternatives. 
  • Document violations of academic policy (late exams, excessive time, improper use of texts or notes, etc.) 
  • Make a copy of the completed exam before returning it to the department. The coordinator should maintain this copy until the final grade has been posted. 

Return exams:

 

  • The coordinator is requested to sign and date the exam cover sheet indicating the date the exam was taken and the time limit. 
Who is eligible to serve as a site coordinator?
The Site Coordinator may be a student’s supervisor, training/education department or Human Resources staff. He or she may be a librarian at a local library or a professor at a local community college. The Site Coordinator may NOT be a personal friend, relative, student, co-worker, or subordinate. The Site Coordinator should be an impartial third party.

Who is the department administrative assistant?
CSE Courses 
Debra McDowell 
Computer Science and Engineering 
PO Box 750123 
Dallas, TX 75275-0123 
phone: (214) 768-3080 
fax: (214) 768-1192 
debra@lyle.smu.edu 
EE and EETS Courses 
Laurie Reaves
Electrical Engineering 
PO Box 750338 
Dallas, TX 75275-0338 
phone: (214) 768-3108 
fax: (214) 768-3573 
EEDE@lyle.smu.edu 
ME Courses 
Ursula Davison
Mechanical Engineering 
PO Box 750337 
Dallas, TX 75275-0337 
phone: (214) 768-3128 
fax: (214) 768-1473 
udavison@lyle.smu.edu 
EMIS Courses 
Tammy Sherwood 
Engineering Mgmt, Information and Systems 
PO Box 750123 
Dallas, TX 75275-0123 
phone: (214) 768-1100 
fax: (214) 768-1112 
tsherwoo@lyle.smu.edu 
ENCE Courses 
Emily Newsome
Environmental and Civil Engineering 
PO Box 750339 
Dallas, TX 75275-0339 
phone: (214) 768-3215 
fax: (214) 768-2164 
enewsome@lyle.smu.edu 
 

How can I use the library as a LOGin student?
The purpose of the SMU Distance Learning Library Services is to support the teaching and research of SMU students and Faculty who work and study beyond SMU's physical campus in Dallas. In order to access certain library services, you will need the 14-digit library barcode number that is on your library card. If you do not have a library card, you may request one by visiting the library web page. A card will be sent to you. Your library card is valid as long as you are enrolled in a credit-bearing course.

Web: www.smu.edu/cul/distance/
E-mail: DLLS@mail.smu.edu
Telephone: (214)-768-1123

Supplemental library links for distance students:
How do I add/drop a course?

The deadline for adding or dropping courses without grade record is generally within the 7th day of term. The SMU academic calendar can be found online.

To Add/Drop a class before the deadline, simply log on to ACCESS.SMU.EDU to make the change. After the deadline, contact Janis Jessen at jjessen@lyle.smu.edu to discuss your options for such changes. Please note that if you are only enrolled in one course and want to drop, see the next section under Withdrawal from the University.

A student may drop a course with a grade of W within approximately 8-10 weeks of Spring and/or Fall term, and 5-6 weeks for Combined Summer term. After that deadline date, students may not drop a class. All schedule changes must be processed within the deadline dates specified in the university calendar. You may verify your course schedules by logging on to

ACCESS.SMU.EDU .

How do I withdraw from the SMU?
Students who would like to withdraw from the University must submit a request in the form of a letter, fax or e-mail to Janis Jessen, provided the document includes the following information:

  • name, address, and student SMU ID 
  • term in which this course is taken 
  • prefix and course number 
  • reason for withdrawal 
  • student signature 
The registration of Lyle School of Engineering distance education students who withdraw on or before the 20th day of the term during the Fall or Spring term will be canceled. Courses and grades are not recorded for canceled registrations. This is a privilege accorded only to Lyle School of Engineering distance education students. It is not available to other students within the SMU community who have easy access to University administrative offices.

Students who withdraw may have to be reactivated to enroll in future classes. In addition, if a graduate engineering student does not continue to enroll in a course during Fall and/or Spring term the student will have to be readmitted.

Important Note: Notifying the faculty or ceasing to view course lectures does not constitute an official withdrawal

How do I medically withdraw from SMU?
Medical withdrawals allow a daily pro rate refund of tuition and fees. They include conditions that must be met prior to re-enrollment to SMU. Medical withdrawals must be authorized by the Medical Director, Psychiatric Director, Counseling and Testing Director, or the Vice President of Student Affairs. Authorization can be obtained prior to or after withdrawal.

Who do I contact if I am unable to access the video lectures?

Contact the distance education technical support desk by completing a Help Desk Ticket

What are my media player options for viewing distance videos?

Mac users may find the VLC media player more reliable in viewing distance videos.  Click here to  download the free software. To use, download the video to your local hard drive, Open VLC media player and drag the file into the VLC playlist.  Double click on the file in the VLC playlist

What do I need to do to file for graduation?

Graduating students must file the requisite form at the beginning of their final term. The form is available by contacting Mr. Jim Dees. Please send him the following information:

 

  • Student full name
  • Student ID number
  • Expected graduation
  • Program you are enrolled
When are final grades reported?
LOGin students receive a final grade after all required course work has been satisfactorily completed. As might happen with distance education students who cannot complete the required course work due to technical problems, instructors will hold the grade until such time all required course work has been submitted or the deadline posted by University Registrar.

Instructors are required to turn in final grades for a course within 48 hours after the on-campus final exam. For distance students, instructors will turn in their final grades once all course requirements have been completed (no later than 3 weeks after the on-campus students). Students may view and print their grades at ACCESS.SMU.EDU once the final grades have been posted. Official transcripts may be obtained on-line.

Exceptions occur for degree candidates who have filed the Application for Candidacy to Graduate (ACG) that term with the Graduate Studies Office. Their final grade must be turned in within the 48 hours specified by the University Registrar.

With the instructor’s permission, a student may receive a grade of Incomplete (I). Students should contact the academic teaching departmental administrative staff to obtain a copy of the Grade of Incomplete Agreement Form. Students must complete and submit the form to the department. The instructor initiates a Change of Grade after the student has completed all course requirements. Once the instructor has changed the Incomplete grade, students may check the changed grades via ACCESS.SMU.EDU web site.

Are there special tuition rates for United States military veterans?
There are special tuition rates for active duty military, veterans and current DoD employees. See the school'spolicy about qualification for this rate.

I was previously studying at the Lyle School and after taking a break would now like to continue my studies. How would I do that? 

Complete the Reactivation Form and send to Ms. Krys Benson at kbenson@lyle.smu.edu or fax to (214) 768-3778. Ms. Benson will then pull your old file and contact you regarding any additional information required. This process could take up to two weeks.

What do the section numbers mean?

  • 418-local distance
  • 498-military (either traditional part-time campus or distance)
  • 401-distance distance
  • 795-weekend military students

Who do I contact about SF-182, military tuition assistance or other military payments not GI Bill?
Mirjan Laci
Special Billing
Division of Enrollment Services
Southern Methodist University
214-768-4591
Fax: 214-768-1930

SF182 Instructions:
The student will need a signed degree plan by both the program director and the academic dean. Then once that is turned into the education office, they may proceed with notifying the education officer or person making payment to call Ms. Laci at 214-768-4591. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Laci.

I have a question about my 1098_T form.
Please contact our service provider directly. The company is TCRS and the phone number is
1-877-467-3821.

I am a graduate student and would like to come to a sporting event. Where can I get tickets?
http://www.smumustangs.com/tickets/student-tickets.html#studenttix
Graduate distance students do not pay student fees as part of their tuition, nor do they pay for the sports package by default. Contact the respective box office for more detailed information.

As a LOGin distance student how do I complete labs?
At the graduate level, some courses do have labs attached to them. If there are no distance education sections (498 or 401), then it is not possible to take this course as a LOGin distance student.

If there is only section 418, then the student must have the ability to come to campus and do the lab.

If all the distance sections exist for this course, then the instructor has some arrangements for the lab component and the LOGin distance students. The interested student should contact the instructor to find out how they would fulfill the lab requirements.

It is important to note that all graduate programs at the Lyle School of Engineering can be completed by LOGin distance education with no campus visits required.

How do I reset my Access.smu password?
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) help desk can reset your password if needed, they are at 214-768-4357. Or, you may reset your password online using the OIT Password Reset Tool.

How can I get enrollment verification?
The Registrar’s Office is pleased to announce that you may now obtain an Enrollment Verification ONLINE through the Student Center in Access.SMU. This new feature allows you to request and receive your Enrollment Verification online whenever you need it throughout the semester, 7 days a week.]

Follow these easy instructions: 

  • Log on to Access.SMU 
  • Click on Student Center 
  • Click on Enrollment Verification under Academic History 
  • Select Current Enrollment or All Enrollment under Obtain an Enrollment Certificate 
  • Click on Obtain an Enrollment Certificate PDF will appear which contains your academic enrollment information at SMU which can be printed for third parties 
Please be advised that this new feature in Access.SMU will be available to you each fall and spring semester on the first day of classes and this is the means by which you should obtain your Enrollment Verification. Please note that summer enrollments are not reported to the National Student Clearinghouse at this time and will not appear on Enrollment Verifications printed from Access.SMU. This is the only exception in which requests should be made in person at the office of the University Registrar (Laura Lee Blanton Building Room 101) or by sending an email to registrar@smu.edu on the first day of the summer term. Enrollment Verifications for both fall and spring semesters should be obtained by logging on to the Access.SMU Student Center. 

It is our goal to provide students with the best service possible. Please feel free to contact our Enrollment Services Team at 214-768-3417 should you have any questions.

After the first term, how do I register for my classes as a LOGin distance student?
Distance students can self-enroll through access.smu.edu using your SMU id and password.

Where do I need to send my transcripts or other supporting materials for my graduate degree application?
Lyle Graduate Admissions
Southern Methodist University
PO Box 750335
Dallas, Texas 75275

MILITARY, DoD CIVILIAN and VETERANS BENEFIT FAQ

How do I get my veteran’s benefits started at SMU?
Begin with this online information to start or continue military education benefits.

Who do I contact about my military education benefits?
Contact SMU’s Certifying Official:
Veronica Decena
Manager of Certification, Transcripts & Imaging Services
Registrar’s Office
PO Box 750181 Dallas, TX 75275-0181
Phone: 214-768-4348
Fax: 214-768-2507
vdecena@smu.edu

Have questions on Lyle’s military education policy and benefits?
Contact:
Abigail Smith
abigails@lyle.smu.edu
214-768-4661

Are there special tuition rates for United States military veterans?
There are special tuition rates for active duty military, veterans and current DoD employees. See the school's policy about qualification for this rate.