NextGen Curriculum

Cox graduates are equipped with a curriculum anchored in analytical rigor, refined leadership skills to support complex problem solving, and knowledge with practical application gained through hands-on experiential learning.

Leadership, Analytics, and Experiential Learning

In August 2020, SMU Cox launched the new STEM-designated NextGen MBA Curriculum, designed to shape future leaders who are not just job-ready, but also future-prepared. The NextGen Curriculum integrates three foundational pillars: Leadership, Analytics, and Experiential Learning, to develop graduates who can confidently navigate any business environment.

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SMU Cox Foundational Pillars

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Business leadership

At Cox, we know what it takes to become a well-rounded business leader. From managing cross-functional teams to thinking innovatively, you will hone your business leadership skills for the changing world of work.

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Business analytics

Data analytics now has a bigger impact on business than ever before. As a Full-Time MBA candidate you will learn data analytics skills and how to clearly communicate findings to colleagues and management, no matter the industry.


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Experiential Learning

You will gain hands-on experience by examining the challenges of real companies and applying your own solutions. Our model of experiential learning provides the framework to keep building on the knowledge and skills you acquire over the course of the program.

Dual Degrees

Interested in an interdisciplinary program of study? In partnership with SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts and, Dedman School of Law, Cox offers you options to broaden the scope of your degree.

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MA/MBA

Feed your passion for the arts and/or nonprofits at the Meadows School of the Arts while you pursue a rigorous business education at the Cox School of Business. In just 21 months you'll have a foundation on which to build a successful business career in the arts and/or in the nonprofit sector. Many MA/MBA graduates go on to work for art institutions or nonprofit organizations in a management, development or business capacity.


Find out about the MA/MBA

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JD/MBA

If you're set on pursuing business law or want to explore in-house counsel opportunities with major corporations, consider the four-year JD/MBA offered through the Cox School of Business and the Dedman School of Law. An accelerated three-year program is also available for One-Year MBA students. By combining law and business courses, you'll gain an understanding of commercial affairs from different viewpoints and graduate with the two most powerful degrees you can get.

Find out about the JD/MBA

Faculty: Learn from the Best

We don't just teach business — we're immersed in business. When they’re not educating you in applicable knowledge and skills, your professors are consulting for Fortune 500s, publishing books and research, running their own businesses and serving in government. Small class sizes of 30-35 students for core courses and a calendar full of events where you can mingle informally mean you’ll be able to build one-on-one relationships with the academics and professionals who are invested in your future.

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Meet the Faculty

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Simon Mak

Professor of Practice and Executive Director, Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship

Dr. Simon Mak (@profsmak) is Executive Director of the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Professor of Practice in the Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Business Economics at the SMU Cox School of Business.

Kumar Venkataraman

Kumar Venkataraman

Professor, Maguire Chair in Energy Management

Kumar Venkataraman is the James M. Collins Chair in Finance at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

 

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Marci Armstrong

Professor of Practice Brierley Endowed Professor Director, Brierley Institute for Customer Engagement

As Director and the Brierley Endowed Professor (Professor of Practice, Marketing), Marci provides strategic leadership to the Brierley Institute for Customer Engagement, the first academic institute in the nation devoted to the study of customer engagement.

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Next Steps

Have a question? Join us for an upcoming event to learn more about our MBA programs.