Southern Methodist University requires a minimum of 122 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor's degree.
If students would like to graduate in less time than normal, they can choose the accelerated degree program. SMU accepts transfer credits. The school accepts AP credit and IB credits. Additionally, SMU has a summer session, so students can earn credits during the summer.
NOTE: Around 82% of students who start college at SMU graduate within six years.
SMU offers an orientation program before the start of fall classes to prepare new students for college life.
Academic Options | Yes | No | |
---|---|---|---|
Accelerated Degree Program | √ | ||
Transfer Credits Accepted | √ | ||
AP Credit Accepted | √ | ||
IB Credits Accepted | √ | ||
Summer Classes Available | √ | ||
New Student Orientation | √ |
Reminder: SMU may have additional academic options available for new and transfering students. Make sure to check with the universty directly for any additional information.
SMU has a core curriculum, which means there are certain classes or types of classes all students must take to graduate.
Students are not required to fulfill a language requirement
Students are not required to take a computer class to graduate.
Course | Required? |
---|---|
2nd Language | No |
Math | true |
Science | true |
Computer | No |
Reminder: Check with SMU directly for more information on requirements. Individual departments or majors may have additional required courses.
When choosing a major, SMU students have several choices to make. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see a full list of majors offered at SMU.
Student Designed Majors
SMU allows students to design their own major, if desired. If students would like to study something that is not offered as an official major, designing their own major is a great alternative.
Senior Projects
SMU does not require students to complete a senior project.
Double Majoring at SMU
SMU offers students the option to double major, if they would like. Student struggling to choose just one area of study may consider a double major.
NOTE: Double majoring may mean taking more courses, but it can provide a unique combination of experience that helps students stand out when job searching or applying to grad school.
✅ SMU offers services for students with disabilities.
Prospective students can contact the college's Office of Accessibility Services to learn more about any support and accomodations offered. These conversations are usually kept confidential and will not be shared with the admissions office if you do not wish to share.
✅ SMU has distance learning options for students who are interested in taking classes online.
✅ SMU offers some credit for Advanced Placement (AP) classes taken in high school. Schools have different requirements for what AP scores they accept, so some students may not receive AP credit.
✅ SMU offers an honors program for highly-qualified applicants, but does not offer a Freshman Honors College.
❌ SMU studets are not required to complete an internship.
Students can still look for internships during the summer, or gain work experience with a part-time job. While SMU does not require internships for students of any major, internships can help students gain hands-on work experience for their resume, and explore career paths that interest them without committing to one path.
The main library on campus is the Fondren Library and there are 7 other libraries on campus.
A dual degree program allows a student to study and earn two degrees at the same time.
SMU does not have any dual degree programs available for students.
What is ROTC?
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps, which is also commonly known as ROTC, is a leadership program that prepares students to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces after graduation. College level ROTC programs prepare students to become officers in the military through physical, academic, and leadership training. ROTC programs are part of the college curriculum and usually cover the cost of tuition.
Does SMU have any ROTC programs?
Each branch of the miltary has its own ROTC program, but not every program is available at every school. Possible programs include Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, and Navy ROTC.
SMU has an Army ROTC program and an Air Force ROTC program.
Some ROTC programs are provided directly on campus and others are hosted at a cooperating instiution off campus. The ROTC program locations at SMU include:
•an ARMY ROTC branch unit on campus
•an Air Force ROTC branch unit hosted at a cooperating instution off campus
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