Explore our Programs
Learn skills, solve problems through research and innovation, contribute to meaningful change, and create new opportunities for your future through our professional fields of education and human development.
Changing Minds
As a catalyst for transformation and change, the Simmons School provides real solutions to issues challenging our community and the world.
Make an Impact
The SMU Simmons School of Education & Human Development is ranked in the top 11 private schools in the nation and the top 3 public and private schools in Texas. The U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings place the Simmons School in the top tier of graduate education schools.
Transformative research in action
Transformative research in action
Simmons researchers design projects to have real-world impact on education and applied physiology. View our active projects.
Commitment to advancing knowledge
Commitment to advancing knowledge
With a total funding of over $9.3 million and 93 active external projects, an impressive 77% of tenure-line professors are engaged in funded research. View our annual research snapshot.
Dedication to community engagement
Dedication to community engagement
The Toyota USA Foundation, Simmons School, and Dallas ISD have formed a partnership to develop a K-8th grade STEM-focused school in West Dallas.
Top Stories & Research News
Simmons Solutions
Simmons Solutions features the School’s exciting research, people, and events.
- The story of Counseling alums who are treating victims, relatives, and friends of the Camp Mystic tragedy of summer 2025
- Faculty research designed to improve learning in schools and safety in our communities
- Building a legacy through philanthropy and service
- Service to the Dallas community through the Budd Center and the Family Counseling Clinic
Michael S. Harris, identified in the magazine as interim dean of the Simmons School, was named the Leon Simmons Endowed Dean of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development on February 24.
Simmons Research has Real-World Impact
Whether collaborating on interdisciplinary research or identifying processes to improve literacy, technology-enhanced learning, STEM education, academic leadership, or sports management, the Simmons faculty pursue evidence-based solutions that change lives through the application of new research findings and innovative technology. Simmons researchers shed light on what can be done better.
Upcoming Events
We host the engaging Simmons Lecture Series, featuring keynote speakers on various topics in education and human development, alongside travel-study programs that combine your education with exciting travel opportunities.
Find your Home in Simmons
Catch a glimpse of campus life through the eyes of students and faculty.
SMU Simmons by the numbers
2024-25
21
degree and certificate programs
$13.9 million
research award to Simmons, which constitutes the largest grant ever awarded to SMU
18%
ranked in the top 18% of graduate education schools by US News & World Report
70%
of graduate students received scholarships
76%
of tenure-line professors engaged in research
77
active research projects
Simmons Students Shine
Five undergraduate Sport Management students — Dev Dondra, Lily Hewitt, Aiden Millis, Lily Podolsky, Matthew Bloomenthal — represented the Simmons School in the Sport Business Journal (SBJ) National Sports Forum Challenge Cup Competition in fall 2025 . Simmons’ team earned third place in the national finals, marking the first time in the program’s three years competing that the SMU team has advanced to the finals. School teams were required to develop a marketing campaign for the LPGA in the 2028 Solheim Cup to a panel of sports industry professionals and academic experts.
