Professional MBA Admission FAQs

To ensure we evaluate every candidate based on their merit alone, we do not charge an application fee. All interested prospective students can apply at no cost. 

The Cox School of Business seeks candidates who show a strong potential for success in today’s global business environment. Candidates who demonstrate analytical capabilities, leadership experience, interpersonal and communication skills, and personal commitment and motivation are invited to apply. The Admissions Committee seeks candidates who possess outstanding academic achievement and potential, leadership qualities and management potential.

To assess these characteristics, the committee will look to the following elements to help identify a candidate’s potential to succeed in the program: previous academic records, references who can speak to the candidate’s professional performance and self-evaluation essays. GMAT or GRE graduate school admission/entry test scores are optional but all applicants are encouraged to submit them.

The Professional MBA program admits candidates on a rolling basis throughout each application cycle, with admissions decisions typically communicated within four to six weeks of submitting a completed application. Applicants who apply early may also be considered for a scholarship award upon admission. View application round deadlines here.

PMBA students are not eligible for F1 visa/sponsorship. Other programs at SMU Cox that do provide F1 visa/sponsorship are our full-time programs. Those include the Full-Time One-Year MBA, the Full-Time Two-Year MBA and our Specialized Master's degrees.

The minimum requirements are a conferred Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of full-time work experience. We welcome all undergraduate majors to apply. 

You can apply up to one MBA, one MS and one Certificate program per start term. If  you are still deciding which program to apply to, feel free to reach out to the Admissions team at gradadmissions@smu.edu or 214-768-1214.

Standardized test scores are one of several indicators used to assess academic readiness. While submitting a strong test score is encouraged, applicants may choose whether to include GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment or TOEFL/IELTS scores as part of their application. For applicants who submit test results, the Admissions Committee will consider the highest total score reported; scores are not combined across multiple exams.

Applicants who choose not to submit test scores are evaluated through a holistic review of all application materials. This comprehensive assessment considers academic preparation, professional goals, leadership potential and the applicant’s ability to articulate why SMU Cox is the right fit. In the absence of test scores, other components of the application carry greater weight in the final admission decision.

SMU Cox takes a test-optional approach to the admissions process. Applicants may choose to submit GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment scores if they believe those results strengthen their application; any submitted scores must be from tests taken within the past five years. The decision to take a standardized test--and which test to take--is entirely at the discretion of the applicant, and no single exam is given preference in the application review process.

SMU Cox requires unofficial transcripts from every higher education institution where you completed 12 or more credit hours. For evaluative purposes, you may submit scanned or digital copies through the application portal; all transcripts uploaded with your online application are considered unofficial. Transcripts must include all courses taken, grades received and GPA (where applicable).

If you are admitted and plan to matriculate, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the start of classes. Instructions for submitting official transcripts will be provided via email, and official documents must be uploaded to the application portal with your enrollment deposit.

An application is considered completed when we have received: 

• A completed application form
• A current résumé
• Two short response essays
• Unofficial transcripts
• Two professional references
• Interview (upon invitation)

The optional essay provides an opportunity to share additional context or circumstances that may not be fully reflected elsewhere in your application. This may include nontraditional academic experiences, employment gaps or other relevant background information. Applicants may also use this space to highlight professional awards, noteworthy achievements, or significant community service that supports their candidacy.

Question #1: Please describe your post-MBA goals, both short and long-term. Be as  specific as possible which might include target roles, industries or companies and why you are interested in these areas. Explain why SMU Cox will be a great partner in assisting you to achieve your professional development and career goals. (500 words or less) 

Question #2: The Admissions Committee is often asked what makes an MBA student successful at SMU Cox. Students who excel are those who display passion and perseverance when faced with difficulty. This is often referred to as grit. Give us an example (personal or professional) of a time you displayed grit. (500 words or less)

In place of traditional letters of recommendation, the Cox Admissions Committee requires applicants to provide the names and contact information of two professional references who may be contacted during the application review process if needed.

We recommend that at least one professional reference be a current or past supervisor. When picking professional references, think of people who can confidently vouch for your skills, reliability and character in a work or academic setting.

Applicants will be notified within two weeks if the Admissions Committee elects to move forward with their application and extend an invitation to interview. Following the completion of the interview, admission decisions are typically communicated within two weeks. Applicants awarded a merit‑based scholarship will be notified at the time their admission decision is released.

You will receive your admission decision in your admissions portal four to six weeks after submission of your application. Monitor your email for notification and updates.

Yes, you are welcome to reapply as many times as you would like.

Yes, until your application decision is shared, you are welcome to send any new relevant information such as new test scores or promotions to gradadmissions@smu.edu. 

The interview is an important part of assessing candidates for admission to the SMU Cox PMBA program. Personal interaction gives you the opportunity to present key aspects of your background, personality and career aspirations not easily communicated in writing. You can expect the interviewer to ask you to clarify points in your application, discuss your desire to join our program and to talk about your post graduation interests. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about SMU, the Cox School or any aspect of the program.

Interviews generally last 30-45 minutes. 

To prepare for your interview, be ready to clearly articulate your personal and professional journey, including why you are pursuing an MBA at this stage of your career. We encourage applicants to research SMU Cox and its distinctive programs and opportunities, reflect thoughtfully on their diverse work experiences, and demonstrate leadership capabilities, interpersonal skills and professional presence throughout the conversation.

A member of the Admissions team will ask more about your professional background, work experiences, career goals and more. 

There is no preference for the format. Please sign up for an interview slot and format that works best for you. 

The interview is conducted by a member of the Admissions team. It is a one-on-one conversation. 

Please request official copies of your transcript(s) from any higher education institution where you completed 12 or more credit hours. Transcripts are considered official when they are sent directly from your previous institution to SMU. This should include a final transcript from your bachelor’s degree conferring institution. 

You can submit official transcripts via electronic PDF delivery (preferred) by ordering directly from the registrar to coxgradtranscripts@smu.edu. This option is highly recommended as it is quicker and less likely to get lost in transit. 

You can also submit official transcripts via hard copy delivery. We accept official transcripts sent directly from the directly from the issuing undergraduate institution in a sealed envelope to the exact address as listed below: 

Via Postal Mail Only (USPS) 
SMU Cox School of Business 
Attn: MBA Graduate Admissions 
P.O. Box 750333 
Dallas, Texas 75275 

Via Courier Service (FedEx, DHL) 
SMU Cox School of Business 
MBA Graduate Admissions 
6214 Bishop Blvd Suite 2258 
Dallas, Texas 75205-2501 
USA

Phone: 1-214-768-3077

An official transcript is one that comes directly to our office from your institution’s registrar. Transcripts uploaded to the application are UNOFFICIAL since they are ordered by the applicant and have been previously opened. Transcripts ordered sent to you and attached in an email to our office are UNOFFICIAL since they are not sent by the registrar.

Requiring official transcripts during the application process and/or after admittance is standard practice amongst graduate schools in order to verify degrees and GPAs. We review unofficial transcripts for the admissions review process and only require the officials after an applicant has been admitted and paid the deposit.

The cohort for the Fall is around 90 students and for the Spring is around 60 students. First-year core courses are around 40-50 students and second-year elective courses are around 20-35 students. 

Yes, you can defer your admission up to one year. Please contact your admissions representative for more information.

Please send your transcript and course syllabi to your admissions representative for review of these credits. SMU Cox allows a maximum of eight credit hours to be transferred from an in-progress graduate degree. 

Orientation takes place one to two weeks before classes begin and is required for all students. The on-campus program includes team-building activities, networking, information sessions, professional headshots and presentations from campus partners such as the Business Library, Career Management Center and academic teams. If you are unable to attend, please notify your advisor as soon as possible.

Courses at SMU Cox are taught by a combination of full‑time faculty and accomplished active practitioners. Our professors are graduates of the world’s leading business schools—including institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Penn, Northwestern and the University of Chicago—and bring deep academic rigor to the classroom. Many also serve as consultants to global organizations, are recognized leaders in their fields, and are widely published scholars exploring cutting‑edge business topics. United by a passion for teaching, Cox faculty challenge students to think critically, apply new ideas in practice and engage deeply with the issues shaping modern business.

There are few virtual elective options available. The majority of the coursework is completed in-person and on-campus in the Professional MBA format. 

Tuition charges are due at the start of each semester – these due dates are included on your invoice and published online. 

Federal loan funding may be available to students who are eligible for and choose to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at StudentAid.gov each academic year. By submitting the FAFSA, students may be eligible to borrow through two loan programs to assist with educational expenses: 

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
  • Maximum of $20,500 per academic year
  • Fixed Interest Rate: 8.08% (subject to change July 1 of each year) 
  • Origination Fee: 1.057% 

There is no separate scholarship application. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships. 

Merit scholarships from the Cox School of Business can reach up to $15,000 and are offered directly through the Admissions process. 

You will be notified at the time of admission decision whether or not you have received a merit scholarship.

Admission to the SMU Cox PMBA program is highly selective. The Admissions Committee seeks a diverse group of candidates who best demonstrate the following:

• Significant professional experiences
• Strong academic capabilities, leadership potential and interpersonal and communication skills
• Personal qualities such as maturity, integrity, self-confidence and motivation
• A strong commitment to learning and achievement

SMU is proud to support members of the Armed Services, veterans and their families, and we honor the service and sacrifice of our military community, offering exclusive tuition benefits designed to support military‑connected students.

Professional MBA applicants who are 100% eligible for the Post‑9/11 GI Bill automatically qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. At SMU Cox, this benefit covers 100% of tuition costs for admitted Professional MBA students. If you have additional questions, a great resource is our main campus office for VA benefits.

SMU Cox does not offer need-based scholarships. 

SMU offers interest-free monthly payment plans for fall, spring and summer terms. These plans don’t cover miscellaneous charges or past due balances and aren’t available for January, May or August terms. Re-enrollment is required each term. A down payment may be needed if you enroll after the first installment date.  

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Applicants who submit their application by Round 1 or Round 2 will be automatically considered for a scholarship and will also be guaranteed an interview. 

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