Specialized Masters Programs

  • Admissions

    • Does SMU Cox accept transfer credits?
      • Although the Cox School of Business is not obligated to accept any transfer credit, in certain cases coursework may be transferred, at entrance only, thereby reducing the number of credit hours required to be taken at Cox for the degree. Transferable hours, up to eight credit hours for full-time and P.M.B.A. students and up to four credit hours for M.S. students, will be considered only if the following criteria are met: 1) the graduate course was taken at an institution accredited by AACSB, 2) the student earned a grade better than B-, 3) the course was completed within the three years prior to matriculation at Cox and 4) the course was not credited toward a previous degree. Requests for transfer credit are reviewed and processed only after the student’s enrollment deposit is received in the Admissions Office.
    • Is there an application fee?
      • No
    • Who is eligible to apply?
      • MS applicants need to have completed an undergraduate program at an accredited four-year undergraduate institution (or equivalent of 4-year program). We recommend taking a look at our class profiles to see if you would be a competitive candidate.
    • Does a particular academic or professional background give me any advantage in the admissions process?
      • Our programs are made up of students from a wide range of backgrounds. This adds to the diversity at SMU Cox.
    • Can I waive the GMAT/GRE?
      • The GMAT/GRE is test optional for all Fall 2022 applicants.     
    • Can I waive the language exam? Yes, if:
      • Students applying to the Fall 2022 entry term have the option as to whether to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as part of their application. For applicants without a test score, we assess your application based on a holistic review process that considers all your application components.
    • Is there any advantage to applying in an earlier application round?
      • Cox admits exceptional candidates regardless of the application round. However, space and scholarships are limited, so it is wise to apply as early as possible.
    • When are admissions decisions made?
      • Admissions decisions are usually made within a month of submitting a completed application.
    • Are there any prerequisites to apply for the program?
      • Yes, Fundamentals of Accounting 1 & 2(only MSA programs)
      • No, there are not any prerequisites. (only for non-MSA programs)
    • Is an interview required for admission?
      • Admissions interviews are held on a case-by-case basis.
    • How do I apply for scholarships?
      • All applicants are considered for merit scholarships at the time of admission, and no separate application is required.
    • Do I need to have work experience in order to apply?
      • No

  • Curriculum

    • When do students matriculate each year?
      • All our Masters program begin in the Fall (August) each year
    • How will the courses prepare me for the CFA exam (MSF)?
      • Students audit a CFA prep course their last module to help apply what they have learned to the CFA exam
    • How will the courses prepare me for the CPA exam (MSA)?
      • Our MSA is built around preparing students for the Texas CPA exam
    • Can MSF graduates return to Cox to complete an MBA? (Applicable to all programs)
      • Yes, credits for an MS program transfer to our Full-Time One-Year M.B.A., P.M.B.A., Online M.B.A program if taken within 5 years. Please note that you must have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience before pursuing your MBA. Applicants without the required two years of work experience will not meet the minimum qualifications for admission.