Why Study Here?

Liberal arts students ask important questions, process big picture information, and summarize ideas into a concise vision. They utilize the competitive and constantly changing landscape to spark inspiration through research and hands on experiences.

A degree from Dedman College will prepare you with the critical skills that allow you to easily adapt in life and thrive in any environment. Are you interested in economic theory, biophysics, creative writing, thermodynamics, health and society, or learning new languages? Peruse and find your passion within our 16 academic departments.

Degree Programs

Dedman College Facts and Figures

3,000
+

Students with a Major or Minor in Dedman College

200
+

Faculty Members

100
+

Honors and Scholars Students

Austin Hickle

Channeling positive energy into action

Recognizing that student engagement would be key to compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols, Austin Hickle organized the College Health Alliance of Texas which conducted student opinion research and became a conduit to Congress for student pandemic concerns. Austin’s leadership skills and proven ability to create change earned the economics and public policy major a Truman Scholarship, a premier graduate fellowship for future public servants. Read More
Student Kovan Barzani Seated.

University connections

As a triple major at SMU, Kovan Barzani managed a political campaign, started a literacy program for refugees, and turned a finance internship into a full-time job. Read More

Charting the Right Path

"I think SMU has this remarkable way for charting students on the right course," says Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO of Bumble. "People will work with you to make sure you're taking the right classes to achieve your big picture dreams." Read More
Student Jasmine Liu, Mountains in Background.

I was really lucky to come here

“I know all my professors really well, and the class sizes are perfect. In general, I just really love SMU. I was really lucky to come here,” says, Jasmine Liu, SMU physics student and Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholar. Read More
Student Sam Weber using Lab Equipment.

Balancing Science and the Arts

As a University Honors student on the pre-med track and through numerous campus opportunities, SMU enabled Sam Weber to explore his interests in the performing arts and sciences. Read More
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Learning without boundaries

From study abroad and research opportunities to local and international internships, Dedman College students graduate with a well-rounded education and relevant, real-world experience. Go ahead, explore your opportunities. 

Study Abroad
Internship Program

Why Study in Dedman College

Kaitlyn Contreras

First in her family, finding her place

“The human rights program helped me tie what I was learning in class to the outside world.”

Kaitlyn Contreras  

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Alyssa Bleyle

Mentoring and Support

“The Dedman College Scholars Program helped me to not only adjust to life at SMU, but also meet some of my closest friends.” Alyssa Bleyle

Dallas Skyline at Night as Seen from the SMU Campus.

Big City Opportunities

"With one of fastest growing economies and populations in the country, the city of Dallas is full of fantastic opportunities, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of the city." Bradley Potts

Read more

10 Successful People With A Liberal Arts Degree

Many of America’s top traditional business people have liberal arts degrees. In fact, literature and philosophy majors often turn up in the profiles of tech entrepreneurs. A liberal arts degree prepared them with the skills to think, communicate, collaborate, design, and make their—and our—futures brighter.

Andrea Jung, former Avon CEO
Kenneth Chenault, American Express, former CEO
Susan Wojcicki, CEO, YouTube
Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn founder
John Mackey, CEO, Whole Foods
Ted Turner, CNN founder
Jamie Dimon, CEO of J.P. Morgan
Barack Obama, U.S. President
Whitney Wolf Herd, Bumble founder
Caterina Fake and Stewart Butterfied, Slack founder