Master of Science in Management Admissions

Admission to SMU Cox is highly selective. Just as you invest in your future by attending the school, we invest in ours by admitting top applicants to join the SMU Cox community.

MSM Application Process

Your application, supporting documents and personal interview are all very important to us, but most of all, we want to get to know you. Please reach out to us with your questions, try to visit us on campus so we can meet in person, and consider attending an admissions event or class. Studying at SMU Cox is an intimate experience and connections matter — starting now.

The SMU Cox Master of Science in Management (MSM) is an Early Action 4+1 program. Meeting certain criteria, Cox undergraduates can supplement their business education by joining the MSM program immediately after graduation. The 4+1 program comes with a guaranteed scholarship. Ask us how!

Application Requirements

Admission to the Cox MSM program is highly selective. The Admissions Committee evaluates candidates based on the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment
  • Sufficient personal commitment and motivation to succeed in graduate study
  • Leadership potential
  • Desire to speak the language of business and gain management skills

Successful applicants typically are in their senior year of college or are recent graduates, have a strong undergraduate academic record, and a desire to participate in an academically rigorous program.

Master of Science in Management Application Checklist

  • All Applicants will need these items to complete an online application:

    • Current resume
    • Written essays
    • Unofficial transcripts or degree progress reports
      • Degree progress reports must show cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken
      • Official transcripts from any university or college where a student earned 12 or more credit hours are required after a student is offered admission
    • Two references
      • Name and contact information only
      • Recommendation letters are not required
    • Optional: Unofficial GMAT or GRE score report

    International Students have the additional option to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as a part of their application. This testing component is not a requirement. For applicants without a test score, we will assess the application based on a holistic review process that takes all your application components into consideration.

MSM Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for the MSM program are below. For any questions about Fall admission, please email gradadmissions@smu.edu to connect with a member of the admission team.

Deadlines for 2026 - 2027 Entry
Round  Application Due
 (11:59pm CST day of deadline)
1*  October 14, 2025
2*  January 13, 2026
3  March 10, 2026
4 April 21, 2026

5

 May 26, 2026
 Rolling Admissions based on availability after May 26, 2026

*Priority deadline for scholarships and fellowships

Tuition & Financing

A graduate management education is one of the most important investments you'll ever make, and it's likely to produce one of your biggest ROIs — you won't just boost your career and earning potential, but you'll reap personal gains, too. If you need additional funding, you'll find that a variety of loan and private scholarship opportunities are available.

Estimated Tuition & Fees Tuition $50,000
University and Program Fees $10,872
Health Center Fee $280
International Student Orientation Fee* $100
International Student Fee* $250
Total Tuition & Fees $61,502
Estimated Living Expenses** Housing $24,528
Other Expenses (Books, supplies, health insurance, transportation, etc.) $11,347
Total Estimated Living Expenses $35,875
Total Estimated Program Cost $97,377
*This fee may not apply to all students and depends on international student status.

**This estimated total is based on a 9-month school year for the 2026-27 academic year. The cost may be more or less depending on the student's lifestyle, whether the student lives on-campus or off-campus and whether any family members accompany the student. If family members accompany the student, add $9,000 if 1 dependent (spouse or child) and $4,500 for each dependent after 1.     
Estimated Tuition & Fees Tuition $46,668
University and Program Fees $10,336
Health Center Fee $300
International Student Orientation Fee* $0
International Student Fee* $250
Total Tuition & Fees $57,554
Estimated Living Expenses** Housing $32,704
Other Expenses (Books, supplies, health insurance, transportation, etc.) $11,347
Total Estimated Living Expenses $44,051
Total Estimated Program Cost $101,605
*This fee may not apply to all students and depends on international student status.

**This estimated total is based on a 9-month school year for the 2026-27 academic year. The cost may be more or less depending on the student's lifestyle, whether the student lives on-campus or off-campus and whether any family members accompany the student. If family members accompany the student, add $9,000 if 1 dependent (spouse or child) and $4,500 for each dependent after 1.     
Example Semester Cost Tuition (assuming 8-credit hour enrollment) $12,560
  Distance Learning Fee $800
Program Fees $693
Estimated Per Semester $14,053
  Estimated Total Cost (all credit hours)*
 $56,212

*Tuition and fees are based on 2026-2027 academic year rates and do not reflect future possible tuition and fee increases from year to year.

Example Semester Cost Tuition (assuming 8-credit hour enrollment) $12,560
  University Fees $2,704
Program Fees $693
Health Center Fee $140
Media Fees $10
Estimated Per Semester $16,107
  Estimated Total Cost (all credit hours)*
 $64,428 

*Tuition and fees are based on 2026-2027 academic year rates and do not reflect future possible tuition and fee increases from year to year.

FAQs

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