Graduate programs

Master of Science in Management

Fast-track your leadership career at SMU Cox

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Program format

In-person and online

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

Nine to 21 months

Overview

The Master of Science in Management at SMU Cox prepares students with or without a business background to build a strong foundation in business. Students develop skills in finance, statistics, marketing, accounting, operations and strategic management through a fast-paced curriculum  taught by expert faculty and practitioners.

Leveraging the deep relationships SMU Cox has fostered within the Dallas business community, Master’s in management students have a unique opportunity to apply classroom learning, gain practical experience and solve real business challenges for Dallas-area companies through the Management in Action practicum.

Graduates of this STEM-designated program report strong outcomes—more than 88% of the Class of 2025 achieved their career or educational goal within six months of graduation. The degree prepares students for opportunities across a wide range of industries, including financial services, healthcare, consulting and consumer packaged goods, and can help position graduates for career paths that increasingly favor candidates with advanced business education.

A Culture that sets us apart

At SMU Cox, you’ll join a community of driven peers, alumni who open doors, expert faculty and dedicated staff who support your goals as their own. Here, when you win, we all win.

Student success

The Master of Science in Management helps students translate their academic and professional experiences into meaningful career opportunities. From securing consulting positions to exploring global opportunities, graduates consistently credit the program with helping them achieve their career goals and prepare for long-term success.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Management consulting
  • Corporate strategy and business development
  • Operations and process improvement
  • Product management
  • Management roles in growing organizations
  • Entrepreneurship and startups
  • Human capital and talent strategy
  • Project management and program coordination

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

88%

of graduates achieved their desired career outcomes within six months of graduation

2025 MSM Employment Report

1/3

of graduates found job placements outside the Southwest region

2025 MSM Employment Report

Student stories

Elie Nabushosi

Elie Nabushosi, ’16, ’18, ’19

“I’m most proud of the opportunity to learn how to handle a challenging curriculum while balancing my time to network with other professionals and classmates.”

Chelsey-Caldwell.MSM

Chelsey Caldwell, ’18

“The MSM program engaged me and changed me. My coursework enabled me to travel to Dubai, and the career resources helped me secure my dream job. I cannot wait to start my next chapter in consulting.”

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Connect with a Graduate Admission team member for answers to application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

  1. Current resume
  2. Written essays
  3. Unofficial transcripts or degree progress reports that show cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken
  4. Official transcripts from any university or college where a student earned 12 or more credit hours are required after a student is offered admission
  5. Two references (Name and contact information only. Recommendation letters are not required)

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Get started here. No application fee required.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

MNGT 6203

Business Communications and Presentations

Introduction to business speaking where students gain skills to become effective storytellers, design effective visual aids, learn the language of business, determine how to respond to audience questions and study the element of persuasion in order to convey important concepts to key decision makers within an organization.

MAST 6748

Data Analytics

Develops a fundamental understanding of data and its applications to business. Focuses on solving problems, including recognizing which statistical methodology to use and applying the methodology. Students become comfortable with statistical methods for analyzing data and learn how to use statistics to help make better business decisions. These goals are achieved by discussing/solving problems in class and by working similar problems for homework.

MNO 6202

Leading Teams and Organizations

Provides students the analytical and behavioral tools necessary to effectively develop and utilize groups of people to accomplish organizational strategies and goals. Describes critical theories, concepts, and contemporary practices to successfully identify the threats and opportunities teams face and take action to improve organizational culture and structure. Provides insight into the key factors that separate successful teams from the many that fail. Explains how to harness the power of teams, relational dynamics and organizational systems to drive firm performance and innovation.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Faculty

At SMU Cox School of Business, our professors are graduates of the world’s leading business schools. They’re consultants to global corporations, top practitioners in their fields and widely published researchers investigating leading-edge topics. Cox faculty is made up of passionate teachers who bring new ideas and techniques into the classroom, challenge you to question conventional thinking and inspire you to share their excitement about the issues that drive their work.

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Benjamin Dow

Professor of Practice
Program Director, Master of Science in Management
headshot of Wayne Crawford

Wayne Crawford

Professor of Practice

Cheryl Harris

Adjunct Professor

David Jacobson

Clinical Professor
Academic Director of Online MBA and MBADi Programs
Keith McCook

Keith McCook

Adjunct Professor
Gary Moskowitz

Gary Moskowitz

Professor of Practice
Associate Dean for Strategic Planning and Accreditation

Robin Pinkley

Professor
Janet and Craig Duchossois Endowed Professorship in Management and Organizations

Nila Sinha

Adjunct Professor
Don VandeWalle

Don Vandewalle

Associate Professor
Gautam Vangala

Gautam Vangala

Adjunct Professor

Zhen Zhang

Professor
O. Paul Corley Distinguished Chair in Organizational Behavior and Administration

Justin Gressel

Professor of Practice
Program Director, Master of Science in Business Analytics

Facilities

SMU Cox master’s in management students benefit from the real-world experience the management in action project offers.

Management in Action Project

Experiential program that provides students with practical, real-world consulting experience to address true business challenges faced by local businesses.

Students in the master’s in management program at Cox can collaborate with the Career Management Center.

Cox Career Management Center

The Cox CMC partners with MSM candidates, alumni and employers to build collaborative relationships that culminate in successful careers.

Frequently asked questions

A Master of Science in Management (MSM) is a specialized graduate business degree designed to build foundational skills in areas such as finance, accounting, marketing, statistics and strategy for early-career professionals and non-business majors. At SMU Cox School of Business, the MSM is STEM-designated, OPT-certified and can be completed in as little as 10 months, with flexible full-time, part-time, on-campus or online options. The program emphasizes practical, real-world learning and strong career outcomes through Dallas-based industry connections.


A Master of Science in Management (MSM) from SMU Cox can be worth it for candidates who seek to boost earning potential, expand career opportunities and gain strong industry support. Recent MSM graduates increase their marketability and access jobs that often require advanced business training. SMU Cox reports that over 88% of MSM graduates in the Class of 2025 achieved their career or educational goals within six months of graduation, and graduates regularly secure roles at employers like American Airlines, Amazon and Deloitte with competitive starting salaries. The program also offers personalized career support through the Cox Career Management Center and a valuable alumni network to help students navigate early career paths.


With a Master of Science in Management from SMU Cox, graduates have accepted roles across business functions such as revenue management, management training, consulting, marketing and leadership development with employers like American Airlines, Amazon, Enterprise, Deloitte and Target. The program prepares students for early-career professional roles that value broad business fundamentals and leadership skills.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Management (MSM) Class of 2025 at SMU Cox reported an average base salary of $67,900. A quarter of 2025 graduates received a signing bonus, with an average one-time award of $6,600.

At SMU Cox School of Business, tuition and fees for the Master of Science in Management (MSM) are typically charged per semester and total around $25,000 for a full-time course load of 12-18 hours, plus an additional program fee and general student fees. The exact total varies by year, credit load and term, and additional living expenses (housing, meals, etc.) are not included in this estimate. Always check with your Admissions Advisor for the most up-to-date rates and fees.


It depends on your goals and where you are in your career. An MBA is the better option for strategic mid-level professionals seeking career advancement, preparation for leadership roles or significant career pivots. A Master’s in management is more appropriate for recent graduates who want to focus on core business fundamentals. Another point of difference is the MSM degree is now STEM-designated, making it particularly valuable for technical and analytical roles.





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