Southern Methodist University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

It is obvious that sometime in your college career, you will encounter the teacher that everyone has been avoiding. There is no way to dodge that ball. SMU can make no guarantees, just like any other institution, but at least they offer a number of intelligent professors that are interesting. Most are either here to continue research or have already attained their doctorate. The likelihood that you will encounter a boring teacher is quite low. Students tend to agree that your class is as stimulating as you make it. SMU professors are enthusiastic about their subject matter as well as friendly. Every professor is required to post office hours, but most will go out of their way after an arduous day to make sure that every one of their students’ questions—even the most mundane— are answered. I have had several professors that allowed me to call them at home or have worked around my schedule. Even the most stringent professors secretly cheer for you in the shadows.

The courses are noteworthy and challenging enough to force you to find the library. Some professors are lenient with assignments while others make you feel as though you are already in law school. SMU teachers are very strict on one thing in particular though: attendance. The well-known phrase at SMU is “Go to Class!” Adhere to it or watch your grade slowly plummet to its death. At SMU, you can feel confident knowing that at any time you can change majors without having to change schools. Every program here is in high regard nationwide and is constantly being enhanced. Most students say that the academics become harder every year—so be prepared to lose sleep.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

In the University Honors Program... In the University Honors Program at SMU, professors are very engaging in the classrooms, a lot of reading is required, and students do a lot of papers. Along with the small size of classes comes an intimate setting inside the classroom and a close relationship with professors outside the classroom. I have found this to be very beneficial. For example, I can get coffee with any of my professors to talk about materials in class, or maybe just talk about other interests. This makes class so much more interactive and very interesting; not like a lecture at all. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Most teachers in beginning level... Most teachers in beginning level classes are nice but not very personal. Once you are in a major-oriented class, then the teachers can have fun and make what you are learning lively. They are definitely more personal and much more willing to help outside of class. They remember your name and most are available all the time. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

The first year, I didn’t think the... The first year, I didn’t think the classes were that interesting because we were required to take lots of general education classes. However, once I declared my major, I got to take the classes that really appealed to me. As for the teachers, all of mine have been really fair and understanding. They completely understand if you get sick and have to miss a class. All of them have been willing to help me and let me come by during their office hours. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

The teachers are great. Although... The teachers are great. Although way too many of them do not speak English well enough for an hour and a half of pure lecture. Overall, the classes are very interesting, especially when you get all of the boring prerequisites out of the way. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Most of the teachers here are... Most of the teachers here are awesome. On the whole, they enjoy teaching. My classes are intriguing, but that usually rests on the professor. If the professor can communicate something as boring as calculus in an interesting and relevant manner, then I will enjoy it. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

SMU features a Tate Lecture Series every year, where students are given the chance to listen to honored and celebrated guest speakers. Past guests have been Julie Andrews, Tony Blair, Tom Brokaw, Dick Cheney, Wade Davis, Bob Dole, Jane Goodall, Al Gore, John Irving, Nicholas D. Kristof, Bill O’Reilly, Sidney Poitier, Martin Sheen, Stephen Stephanopoulos, Ted Turner, Barbara Walters, and many more.

The Meadows Museum is home to the largest and most inclusive collection of Spanish art outside of Spain. Some of the original works by El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo, Goya, Miró, and Picasso are all showcased here.

The “Campaign for SMU: A Time to Lead”  raised over $532 million for educational needs, campus construction, and renovations over a period of five years. In September of 2005, the first phase of renovations to the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports was completed and features two basketball courts, an extended track, a climbing wall, swimming facilities, indoor soccer, and much more. Also, in 2005, construction of a new business education building was completed. SMU has a substantial amount of funding to maintain the beauty of its campus.
 

At a campus rally September 12, the University kicked off the public phase of the campaign and announced the goal of $750 million for "SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign." The campaign already is off to a running start, with 29,488 donors providing $317 million in commitments during the two-year quiet phase of the campaign. This includes 49 donors who have made commitments of $1 million and above. The five-year public phase will coincide with the centennial of the University's founding in 1911; the University opened in 1915.
 

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Peter Goldschmidt
Hometown: Jefferson City, MO
Major: Financial Consulting

Peter likes to run marathons.

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