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How to apply to

Graduate School at SMU

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Applying to a Graduate Program at SMU

The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields. SMU graduate programs are offered across four different colleges and schools: 

  1. Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
  2. Lyle School of Engineering
  3. Meadows School of the Arts
  4. Simmons School of Education and Human Development

These programs help our students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions in both academia and industry.

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SMU’s Grad School Application Requirements

Each SMU school has distinct graduate admission requirements, but all programs uniformly require transcript submissions and an online application. Get more information about applying and submitting your transcripts below. 

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International Graduate Admissions Requirements

Our campus has significant representation from international students, and we welcome applicants from all over the world to join us at SMU. Students with diverse perspectives and backgrounds are invaluable in graduate education and strengthen our research and work.

Like many other United States institutions, we ask international applicants to provide additional items as part of their application. For more information about what you need to prepare, please check with your program’s school or college to learn more.

All international applicants for whom English is a second language must complete a TOEFL or IELTS test. Learn more about language testing.

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Download the guide below for more tips to acing English proficiency tests, exclusive instructions for Visa application, and a detailed look at available funding!

INTL eBook PDF

Download our Guide to Getting Your PhD as an International Student

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Additional College & School Requirements

Read the following blogs for advice and best practices to help you prepare your most competitive PhD application!

Writing a Strong Statement of Purpose: Some Practical Advice and Answers to FAQs

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Easy Steps to Get the Best Letters of Recommendation for Grad School

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How to Prepare for a Graduate School Interview

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I Successfully Navigated the PhD Application Process—Here’s How

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SMU houses four additional schools with professional programs designed to prepare students for success in their respective fields. Each of the following manages its own in-house admissions process and has its own set of requirements. Read below to learn more about what they have to offer and how to connect with them directly.

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Cox School of Business

Situated on a tree-lined campus that’s just minutes from the beating heart of Dallas, SMU Cox is a powerful ally for your future. Long regarded as a top U.S. business school, the Cox School of Business is growing in international stature. You’ll kindle relationships through dozens of student clubs, speaker series, and mentoring programs — all designed to connect you with the best business minds around the globe.

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Dedman School of Law

As the first law school in Dallas, we are fortunate to be in a city with a thriving economy, many corporate headquarters, and an outstanding legal community. SMU Dedman School of Law continues to strive to develop the next century of leaders. 

The SMU Law faculty is recognized throughout the region, nation, and even internationally for its contributions to the law. Prominent SMU law alumni include Texas Supreme Court justices, members of the U.S. Congress, an ambassador, a governor, foreign ministers and members of the highest courts worldwide, as well as partners at leading law firms and general counsels at major corporations.

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Perkins School of Theology

Perkins School of Theology is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church. We are one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools that offer Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Ministry, Divinity, Sacred and Pastoral Music, and Theology. Whether your vocation is as pastor, educator, musician, youth leader, missionary, scholar, or committed layperson, the faculty and staff of Perkins will work with you to gather the spiritual, intellectual and financial resources necessary to answer your special calling.

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SMU Guildhall

Recognized as one of the best graduate schools for game design, SMU Guildhall works collaboratively across disciplines and industries to train the next generation of game developers. Established in 2003, we were the first in the world to offer a master's degree in interactive technology and are the only program with specializations in all four cornerstones of game development: Art, Design, Production, and Programming.

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Resources for PhD Students & Applicants

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How to Get a Ph.D.: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to Ph.D. Programs

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The Graduate Student’s Guide to Living in Dallas

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Competitive Funding & the Student Experience

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Get To Know the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Still have questions? Tell us a little about yourself and the Moody Graduate School’s Admissions Office can help point you in the right direction.