Resources

Dedman College offers nearly 100 majors and minors that span 16 departments in the humanities, social sciences, and natural and mathematical sciences. We also offer multiple interdisciplinary studies - programs that combine courses from two or more departments.

The University Curriculum is a flexible set of student learning outcomes composed of four requirements: Foundations, Breadth, Depth, and Proficiencies and Experiences. Students can fulfill these requirements through classes inside or outside of their major, study abroad, and community engagement.

We like to think of our students as multi-interested. All students enter SMU as pre-majors, and many change their mind when they get to campus. Additionally, students are not required to declare their major until the start of their junior year – though they may do so at any point up until then – so there is plenty of time for multi-interested students to explore their options across all five undergraduate schools.

These students will be part of SMU's pre-health program! Pre-health is our umbrella term for any student interested in pursuing any type of post graduate medical or health professions school. Tracks within the pre-health program include pre-med, pre-dental, pre-occupational therapy, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, and pre-veterinary.

Because the pre-health program is a track, rather than a major, it both prepares students with the necessary skills and requirements for post-graduate program admissions and allows them to major in any area of study across campus. Requirements include courses in biology, calculus, chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, and statistics. For reference, check out the program’s suggested pre-med plan and timeline. Given the pre-health requirements, the most common majors paired tend to be those in the natural sciences, but in recent years there have been pre-health students who have studied business, dance, and English – you really can major in anything!

Additional resources include the Health Professions Recommendation Committee (HPRC), specialized advising, and student organizations.

SMU’s pre-law program provides support, advising, and resources for any student interested in attending law school. There are no required majors or courses for the pre-law program, as the Law School Admissions Council specifies no particular major for admission. Students will want to ensure whichever area they choose to study allows for the development of clear and effective writing and communication, logical reasoning, and creative analysis. We encourage pre-law students to pursue the law and legal reasoning minor, which combines political science, philosophy, and communication courses to equip students with the aforementioned skills.

The Pre-Law Scholars Program provides networking and mentorship opportunities, as well as automatic admission to SMU’s Dedman School of Law, granted students achieve the specified minimum GPA and LSAT requirements. Highly qualified SMU applicants who have indicated an interest in pre-law are automatically considered for acceptance into the program. Continuing students may apply for the program after their first semester at SMU.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! When entering SMU, all students are assigned an advisor with the University Advising Center. Students will have the opportunity to meet their advisor at one of the Academic Advising, Registration, and Orientation (AARO) sessions throughout the summer. This advisor can help students create an academic plan, explore class options inside and outside of students’ areas of interest, and guide students toward eventually declaring a major.

After declaring a major, students then receive a departmental advisor who can assist with course paths, departmental distinction, and anything specific to that area of study. Students have a departmental advisor for each major – the more complex the degree plan, the more support we provide!

Students following a pre-professional track (pre-health and pre-law) and in the University Honors Program will also receive specialized advising support.

Many of our students double major in an area of study outside of Dedman, including in the Cox School of Business and Meadows School of the Arts. Both of these undergraduate schools have unique admission requirements for some majors. Visit the Cox Direct Admit and Meadows Dual Admit websites to learn more about each undergraduate school's programs and requirements.

Dedman also houses several business-related programs that require no separate admission. The Department of Economics boasts both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, as well as two B.S. concentrations: Economics with Finance Applications and Economics with Management Information Applications. The Department of Sociology houses a B.A. in Markets and Culture, one of our interdisciplinary majors that combines economics and sociology courses to provide insight into how humans and the marketplace interact. You may also pursue a business minor through Cox, which requires no separate application.

The University Honors Program (UHP) is open to students of all majors. Students are automatically considered for acceptance into the UHP via their SMU application and will be notified shortly after their admission decision. The UHP accepts about 10% of the incoming first year class. If a student is not originally invited to the UHP, they may apply after their first semester, given they have achieved a minimum 3.5 GPA. The UHP offers smaller classes sizes, travel courses, and the opportunity to engage in self-directed research.

SMU believes strongly in the value of undergraduate research. Each of our 16 Dedman College departments engages in research and encourages undergraduate students to get involved. Some professors will announce research opportunities in class and others may look to individual students to reach out. SMU also provides funding for undergraduate research through fellowships and assistantships such as the Engaged Learning Fellowship, Summer Research Assistantship, and Undergraduate Research Assistantship.

Below are just a few examples of Dedman College research projects. Visit each department’s webpage to see more research opportunities.

Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (Multi-disciplinary scientific research)
Family Health and Development Lab (Department of Psychology)
Voices of SMU (Department of History)

Tip: As an SMU student, if you find an area in which you’re interested, don’t be afraid to email the lead faculty to see what opportunities may be available for an undergraduate researcher.

Each year, SMU has more internships come through our doors than students to fill the spots. The city of Dallas is booming, and our students are able to take advantage of the many companies available just down the road. Additionally, SMU’s vast alumni network ensures internships, externships, and shadowing opportunities are available just about anywhere in the country. Students can connect with internship opportunities through the Hegi Career Center or online via SMU’s internal LinkedIn system, Handshake. Fun fact: Some majors will even count an internship as course credit. Visit the Hegi Career Center website to learn more about internships and career development at SMU.

Important topic, glad you asked. We bleed red and blue, but we know your mind may be on the green. About 75% of SMU students receive some sort of financial support. Students are automatically considered for merit scholarships as part of their SMU application, and this includes school-specific scholarships. Here in Dedman, our school-specific scholarship is the Dedman College Scholars Program (DCS). DCS provides up to $15,000 a year for four years for up to 25 students. It couples academic opportunities with community to support students who have indicated a primary area of interest within Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. If you meet the requirements for consideration based on your SMU application, the program directors will reach out to you for additional materials.

Yes! Current students with a declared major in Dedman College may apply for departmental scholarships. Departmental scholarship applications are due in the spring for the following academic year.

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