Specializations

Small commitment, big results. Boost your professional skills with a CAPE specialization. These short programs help you quickly gain the professional, people and technical skills that employers are looking for now, so you can stand out in your profession or the job market — all in just a few weeks.

Specializations are available in different formats to meet your learning needs. Most classes are offered online, while some programs may be held on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas. Top instructors have developed courses and skill-building exercises to give you hands-on practice.

When you complete a specialization program, you’ll earn a digital badge from SMU —a credential that’s valued by hiring managers across industries.

Stack your skills and stay ahead of the curve at SMU.

Featured Specializations

Generative AI

Generative AI for Business Professionals

Learn how to leverage generative AI tools, use prompts to optimize your outcomes, and boost your productivity to make your work more streamlined and efficient.
Professional Power Skills

Professional Power Skills

Amplify your professional expertise with skills that are essential to help you stand out and excel in any workplace, focusing on communication, interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, and critical and creative thinking.
Woman leading a meeting

Lean Six Sigma

Maximize resources and improve processes with proven methodologies that drive results and increase your competitive advantage in Lean Six Sigma, with programs offered for beginners to advanced professionals.

Learn more and save!

Combine your specialization with a SMU CAPE certificate program to receive a discount on tuition. Contact programs@smu.edu for details.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A specialization consists of a course, or a short series of courses, designed to help you quickly gain knowledge in a focused area of study and acquire in-demand skills sought by employers.

At SMU CAPE, a specialization is typically shorter than a certificate program but is longer than a typical course offered through our office.

Your progress will be evaluated through assignments and other assessments, and requirements vary by program. Some specialization programs use letter grades, and others are offered on a pass/fail system.

To successfully pass a specialization program and earn a digital badge, you will need to fully complete all course requirements. Learn more about digital badges offered by SMU CAPE.

Ready to Get Started?