Real Estate, Risk Management & Business Law

Dallas is one of the nation's hottest real estate markets, and the SMU Cox real estate faculty has deep connections with the industry both locally and nationally.

As a student, you'll learn from the experiences of industry leaders and study in a town where real estate is king. You'll have access to industry-specific data sources and software, as well as hands-on learning opportunities through the Folsom Institute for Real Estate—the heart of the department's success.

Degrees and Programs

MBA minor in Real Estate

MBA concentrations in Real Estate

BBA major or concentration in Real Estate

MS in Real Estate


Affiliated Research Centers

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The Robert And Margaret Folsom Institute For Real Estate

The Folsom Institute supports research and academic programs, and serves as a center for knowledge and networking. The institute hosts panels, conferences and high profile speakers who offer a unique perspective on current industry issues.

Learn more about the Folsom Institute

What The Faculty's Been Publishing

See Cox Faculty Publications in Real Estate and Business Law on SSRN:

Real Estate

Business Law

Meet our featured faculty

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Joseph Cahoon

Director, Folsom Institute for Real Estate

Joseph Cahoon spearheads the Folsom Institute’s initiatives in academics, research and outreach. His goal: Strengthen the institute’s relationships among students, alumni and national industry leaders. With a background in real estate acquisitions and development, Professor Cahoon also teaches real estate finance in both the MBA and BBA programs.

See Cahoon's full bio
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Charles "Chuck" Dannis

Vice Chair for Academics, Folsom Institute for Real Estate

A veteran real estate appraiser and consultant, Dr. Dannis is an active industry leader and a director of the TIER real estate investment trust, valued at some $2 billion. A recipient of the Eugene T. Byrd Endowed Faculty Innovation Award, Professor Dannis teaches Real Estate Markets and Valuation.

See Dannis's full bio
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Catherine Weber

Senior Lecturer in Business Law

“I have been teaching at SMU for 31 one years and have loved every minute of it,” says Weber. What’s kept her devoted to the Mustang community? “The people. It has been a such pleasure to work with the faculty and staff in the Cox School, and I’ve known some really great kids through the years. I could not have asked for a more fulfilling profession.

See Weber's full bio