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The quality of academics at SMU are somewhat variable, but the dedication is consistent. Even in struggling departments, you can tell that the professors really care and try to improve the situation. I've been very inspired by the passion and encouragement from professors. I've only taken science and humanity classes, so I don't know much about engineering, business, or art school classes. I've enjoyed all my classes so far, and all my professors (except maybe two) know my name. Even though I'm taking all the introductory courses, my largest class has had 80 people in it. People participate frequently in the smaller classes, and professors are extremely willing to meet with students outside of class. The Honors College at SMU has been the best part of my academic experience. Other Honors students are competitive in an inspirational, supportive way, and always have interesting things to talk about. We form study groups and make studying fun, since we have to study so often anyway. The Honors College curriculum complements SMU's requirements, which I find to be very well rounded and focused on learning for its own sake.

Academics at my school are challenging. I'm currently double majoring in Business and English, and minority in Psychology. The business school as I have experienced it has been incredible. The teachers know my name, where I'm from, my academic and life goals, and they show a real concern for students. They not only hold regular office hours, but are willing to schedule appointments with students for one-on-one help, and work with you through the class material. This is just as true in the Dedman School (through which I am working on my English major and psychology minor), and is what I hear about the other schools that my friends are involved in. Also offered are the very helpful career services center, advising offices (each school has their own specialized advising program), and the A.L.E.C. Tutoring center. SMU wants its students to succeed, and provides all the resources a student might need, and then some. The academic requirements are challenging, but all the help offered makes every academic goal achievable. I'm even involved in multiple extracurricular activities, including student senate, finance committee, and kappa kappa gamma, but I am able to manage and balance my academic life with these quite easily.

I have yet to be in a large class; however, i've heard they do exist for economics and some introductory business classes because a lot of the kids here have come here for the amazing business school. Foreign language classes and english classes are never really more than 15 students, and math classes are usually around 40. That's provided for a nice variety of where the teacher knows you so well (to the point where you can't miss a class without them knowing) and where you can just sneak into the back ten minutes late and copy notes from the kid next to you without it being a big deal. I don't really see a whole lot of people studying, but i think that differs depending on if you're in one of the specified honors or "scholars" dorms or if you're in a party dorm, like Boaz. I have found that it's really easy to get to know your professors, and when I wanted to learn more about a major, I met with the head of the department and he talked to me himself, giving me more contacts if I wanted to know about different ways to use the skills I would learn outside of the classroom.

SMU has a very academically focused student body. Most students applied to other elite schools, such as Vanderbilt and Yale, but chose SMU because of its balance between academics and social life. Classes are generally small, and the majority of professors know your name and establish a relationship with individual students. Most professors are very helpful and accommodating during office hours, and professors truly want students to learn. Professors in the Cox School of Business have a great deal of real world experience (my current accounting professor was a partner at Earnst and Young), and they provide students with great professional connections as well as firsthand insight into the business world. Students study very often (I study roughly 3 hours a day), but they maintain a healthy balance between campus involvement, socializing, and academics.

The academics usually are either too easy or very difficult. Well at least in engineering.

All Professors know you by your name and always have plenty of office hours so you can reach them at any time. One of my favorite class was Intro to Environmental Engineering (My major) because it gave you real life examples of how we can protect our environment and make it healthier for people to live in.Students are competitive which is great because it helps SMU increase their standards.You don't have to an A+ student be at SMU, if you have other activities or organizations you are involved in, then you would love SMU.

The academics are rigorous and challenging because the professors really encourage high performance in classes. All of the professors know you by name, even if you don't always make the effort to stand out in the class. I have never had a class I did not enjoy, unless it was due to lack of interest in the subject matter. My philosophy classes have been my most favorite because the class participation makes for interesting conversations. Students are competitive to a degree, but everyone seems to be more competitive with themselves than with each other. The communications department is a little more competitive than the others, but the experience gained is worth all of the work. I have spent time with different professors outside of class, whether for events or advice, because they have all been more than happy to talk with me. I feel like SMU has high standards for academics and both the faculty and the students rise to the occassion.

I really don't know why SMU might not have a good reputation in the sciences. I am a double major in chemistry and mathematics, and I am having the best times of my life! The faculty are just awesome and extremely intelligent. They really want to help the students!

Southern Methodist University is known worldwide for the Cox school of business as well as other schools on campus. I am in the Cox school of business studying finance. I love my campus, the classes are small and professors are helpful, friendly, and always willing to help. SMU offers unique courses such as the Business Leadership Institute (BLI), a course where students learn important fundamentals in effective business presentation skills, writing skills, team presentations, and interpersonal communication. Also, SMU professors are experts on their fields of expertise which makes their lectures interesting and fun. Furthermore, students have a chance to learn from many successful professional such as one of the Dallas Fed officer Harvey Rosenblum who teaches a class in Finance and Economics. BLI has been one of my favorite classes at SMU, in this class we had three presentations per semester where the professor tape the students during the presentation and then send comments for improvement. Professor Miao, adds his knowledge and wisdom from this many successful business worldwide to the class. He memorized the name of the students after the first class and from then on you will be expect to be called by your first name, he also help students prepare for impromptu presentation, and the doors of his office are always open to students. He enjoys helping students our and he has written many recommendations letters for me and other students on campus. One of the biggest advantages of being part of SMU are the networking opportunities that this school has to offers. Cox school of business holds career workshops, resume workshops, classes, training, mock interviews, and many other resources that help student land a job before graduation. Moreover, having a staff of professionals create better connections for the students. Professors pay attention to those students that excel in their classes and refer them to organizations or professionals with whom they maintain close relationships with. Students also enjoy the challenge that this school represents. The acceptance rate for the Cox School of business is highly competitive, and students take pride on their school. I personally receive many complements outside of campus from friends and family about my school. In the personal level I can say that this school has pushed me to go above my limits. Every class is a competition. In my finance course only 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the classes can receive an A or A-, this means that every student is doing their best to land on that top 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. It is very competitive, but it is also rewarding to know that sacrifices pay off at the end. Although, my department represents, challenge, pride, recognition, and competition, it also offers opportunities for growth outside of school. There are many business organizations that focus on networking outside of school. At these organizations students talk about their classes, their projects, they internships, homework’s, and more. I am currently the VP of Programs of ALPFA, an Association of Latino Professional in Finance and Accounting. At this organization we worked together to bring companies to talk to us about their expectations from new employees. They also come to recruit students for internships and full time jobs. Overall SMU has been the best experience of my life. I have grown so much professionally, and I have made so many friends, and have wonderful experiences inside and outside of school. I am proud to be a Mustang.

Southern Methodist University is known worldwide for the Cox school of business as well as other schools on campus. I am in the Cox school of business studying finance. I love my campus, the classes are small and professors are helpful, friendly, and always willing to help. SMU offers unique courses such as the Business Leadership Institute (BLI), a course where students learn important fundamentals in effective business presentation skills, writing skills, team presentations, and interpersonal communication. Also, SMU professors are experts on their fields of expertise which makes their lectures interesting and fun. Furthermore, students have a chance to learn from many successful professional such as one of the Dallas Fed officer Harvey Rosenblum who teaches a class in Finance and Economics. BLI has been one of my favorite classes at SMU, in this class we had three presentations per semester where the professor tape the students during the presentation and then send comments for improvement. Professor Miao, adds his knowledge and wisdom from this many successful business worldwide to the class. He memorized the name of the students after the first class and from then on you will be expect to be called by your first name, he also help students prepare for impromptu presentation, and the doors of his office are always open to students. He enjoys helping students our and he has written many recommendations letters for me and other students on campus. One of the biggest advantages of being part of SMU are the networking opportunities that this school has to offers. Cox school of business holds career workshops, resume workshops, classes, training, mock interviews, and many other resources that help student land a job before graduation. Moreover, having a staff of professionals create better connections for the students. Professors pay attention to those students that excel in their classes and refer them to organizations or professionals with whom they maintain close relationships with. Students also enjoy the challenge that this school represents. The acceptance rate for the Cox School of business is highly competitive, and students take pride on their school. I personally receive many complements outside of campus from friends and family about my school. In the personal level I can say that this school has pushed me to go above my limits. Every class is a competition. In my finance course only 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the classes can receive an A or A-, this means that every student is doing their best to land on that top 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. It is very competitive, but it is also rewarding to know that sacrifices pay off at the end. Although, my department represents, challenge, pride, recognition, and competition, it also offers opportunities for growth outside of school. There are many business organizations that focus on networking outside of school. At these organizations students talk about their classes, their projects, they internships, homework’s, and more. I am currently the VP of Programs of ALPFA, an Association of Latino Professional in Finance and Accounting. At this organization we worked together to bring companies to talk to us about their expectations from new employees. They also come to recruit students for internships and full time jobs. Overall SMU has been the best experience of my life. I have grown so much professionally, and I have made so many friends, and have wonderful experiences inside and outside of school. I am proud to be a Mustang.

They're better than you think. It's a big school but you get what you're paying for.

SMU has great and amazing academic opportunities. There's so much but you have to go out and look for them. Sometimes there's so many you become numb to all the ads that you wont do any.

classes at smu are all completely different. some are really small and personable but some are in huge lecture halls and your professor doesn't know your name unless you make it a point for him/her to. some take attendance, some are total bullshit classes where you just show up on the day of the exam. theres a huge variety of classes so students come away each year knowing lots of random (but useful) things. a lot of people major in business because the business school at smu is one of the best in the country. another popular major is communications.

business school is top knotch, engineering is really good, classes are small

Class sizes are usually smaller discussion style classes, but the rigor of courses is honestly up to the student. You can make your degree as easy or as difficult as you wish. If you are willing to learn, the faculty generally love to help you on your way in any way they can. The best and most unique class I have taken was a class on feminine divine (goddesses) which was taught by a professor who understood how to make class interesting, yet challenging. He would use pop culture references in a way to help students understand without trying to seem like he was trying too hard.

Small classes most of the time. Professors may not not your name but will recognize you as a class member. Hate English... Love CCPA and Buisness School classes. Education at SMU is most definitley geared toward getting a job.

I enjoy classes when teachers call out the people who are not working hard or focused on their academics. I hate when other students waste the teacher and other students' time. I wish we could take more than one class with teachers we specifically enjoyed, it's too difficult to get to know teachers over your four years here, which causes challenges when consideirng who to get recommendation letters from.

Academics at SMU, depending on the major, is difficult and challenging. As an anthropology major I know many of my professors and other staff members are some of the leading experts in the field worldwide. It is very comforting knowing that I am being taught and mentored by these people. The professors are almost always available to talk to whether about the class or other topics related to the field. The requirements to get into SMU are difficult, especially if you want scholarships but I think its good that they just dont let anybody in.

so far, i have loved all of my professors here at SMU. they all know your name, even in classes of 100, and want to see you do well in their classes. My favorite class so far has been my Religion and the Holocaust class. the professor is really laid back and the discussion topics are interesting. in almost all classes at SMU, student participation is a must (most professors include it in their grading break down). students are definitely competitive in class, but it is'nt overwhelming. the most unique classes i've taken so far have been my Honors English classes. the discussions are always interesting and thought provoking, plus i had a fabulous professor. the academic requirements are somewhat annoying, as they can become complicated and difficult to fit into your schedule, but what general requirements aren't that way.

Class participation is common in classes for majors. General education classes tend to have plenty of students who do not want to be there. Students are competitive but many also boast about how little they work. It always depends on what classes/majors people are in. Some of my classes I learned absolutely nothing while in others I learned so much. I think it depends on the teacher and the school you are in (meadows, cox, dedman, etc) I think that all of the general education classes could be tougher.

Academics are good. Resources past graduation will be great! Just like any University you need to research the professors before you sign up for their classes. Some teachers don't care, don't teach and just want you through their class so they can get a paycheck. On the other hand, some teachers are fair, difficult, challenging and personable. Just remember they all have lives outside of the classroom as well and they know what it was like to be in your shoes!

class sizes are actually really great because your intro classes are probably anywhere between 75-150 people so they're bigger than other classes but you're not sitting in a class of 500 people getting completely lost. most teachers are extremely willing to help you if you do your work, but there are high standards of expectations in that they want you to take responsibility for yourself. i am a finance major and the connections that you can make at SMU through faculty or alumni open up a world of opportunity after college. i truly think one of the greatest attributes academically of SMU is its ability to create connections, especially in texas.

Like every school, SMU has large lecture classes but I have never had a class of more than 100. It takes effort on the student's part, but professors are very willing to discuss any questions or concerns. There are definitely "easy" classes, but if a student wants to be challenged they won't choose to go that route. Getting into the advertising school has been my biggest academic challenge thus far at SMU and the competitveness makes me feel great knowing I was chosen.

The Academics are not way to hard to where you have no time for anything but studying, but they do require that you put effort into your classes in order to excel. If you ever need help, you can go visit your teachers. It is very easy to get to know your teachers. There is always help if you need it. We have a free tutoring program that is there to help you in any class.

My advise is to find the classes that challenge you and make you excited about learning. I love my major because it's something I'm passionate about and I have the support of amazing professors to guide me through my college career. The CCPA department has been wonderful in giving me guidance and direction and inspiring me to realize my potential. The opportunities within the department are endless and as a rising senior I feel prepared and excited about my future working career.

Because most classes are small, there is enough time for your professors to get to know your name. This is always helpful to the student because if you're struggling in a class, the professor may be able to personally help you in giving suggestions on how to improve.

Professors at SMU are wonderful and not only know your name, but as far as I've seen want to know about you and are very fair. Academics have been, in my opinion, the best part of SMU. The professors are all very welcoming and encourage students to come in outside of class. SMU definitely sets it's students up to succeed in the future. It helps it's students get jobs in Dallas, and academically students wind up going to graduate schools all over the nation. The business school is also very renowned.

Academics don't get enough credit at SMU! SMU is really academically rigorous--especially if you push yourself! Class participation is sooo common! I personally hate the General Education Curriculum requirements, but what can we do? The first year or so, you're learning just to learn, then as you specialize, learning starts to actually pertain to what you want to do with your life.

The honors program is good because the classes are small and discussion based. The political science department is probably the most academically rigorous. A lot of students get academic scholarships, but there still seems to be too little focus on learning for learning sake. A lot of people want to go into business.

It is hard to fail a class at SMU. However, it is even harder to earn an A. There are some easy blow off classes and there are ones where you are thankful to receive an C. Largest class I have ever taken consisted of 50 kids. You may not have to attend every class to do well but if you want the teacher to know your name and have respect for your academic success, you better plan on attending. I have had teachers Id love to take out for a beer and teachers I wished the worst upon.

Professors do know my name due to either my cynical retorts in class and my test scores, which are so bad that a muffled chuckle from the professor, as he is handing back tests, tells me that he will DEFINITELY remember me! My favorite class would have to be the one I ended up dropping Spring Semester my Freshman year. It was Gen. Chem. at 10am. I never went, but when I did I had the best time ever. My teacher probably hated me, but it taught me one very important thing...NEVER take a class before 12.

Professors will get to know your name, especially if you go to their office hours, email/talk to them outside of class, etc. If you show that you're interested, they'll take an interest in you. The type of education you receive is based on what classes you choose. You can choose to take all easy classes just to get an easy A, but you won't be challenged. If you want to get an academically prestigious education, you need to seek out the hard classes and maybe give up the A, but you'll learn a lot more. A lot of the Honors classes are great, because they are smaller, you get more individual attention, and they are discussion-based, which helps you learn the material better.

As a psychology major, there usually is a lot of group work and participation, such as presentations. I've always loved psychology, its very interesting and any of the psychology courses at SMU are great and I highly recommend them! Im also in the Premed program therefore, the students in my class in the Premed program study alot. Again, we are all "in the same boat" so we all help each other constantly. Every professor in biology, chemistry always are at hand by email ALL the time, and offer office hours for one on one help. SMU is definately geared toward preparing students to getting in the best medical and graduate schools, as well as getting the best jobs. I feel I have had the best education at SMU.

All of my professors knew my name. I loved Creative Writing, Elementary logic, Geology, and any Film and Digital media classes.

Classes vary from 15 to 150 students, but most professors are very accessible and if you make the effort to contact them, they usually respond. Business school requires 3.3 GPA for admittance after two years at SMU. You can usually get a B or C by doing minimal work. An A requires a lot more effort. Students do have intelligent conversation outside class, but discussion of social activity is much more common. Students are competitive and you will never feel like a loser for studying instead of partying despite the huge party atmosphere. It is generally understood that you are almost guaranteed a job at graduation because of all the connections SMU has especially in the Dallas area.

I know every one of my professors names, they so far have been very good and i can't complain. There is the variety of how much students study just as in every school. I studied really really really hard in highschool and i came to college thinking i was going to be riding easy, SMU is actually alot more challenging then i thought. Most of the students just party like crazy and come back and some how make good grades, but i would go out and have fun then be up until crazy hours studying and getting my work done, first semester is either be social or make amazing grades. If you can accomplish both you are a superstar. You can go to office hours which are really helpful but other then office hours you dont spend time with your professor outside of class often! The education at SMU is geared towards preparing you for whatever job you want to pursue, you also learn just for the heck of wanting to learn things that you as an individual are interested in.

I am a double major with a biology (BS) and psychology major. The biology (pre-med) is much more difficult than the psychology so I suppose one can make college as "easy" or difficult as desired.

SMU is challenging. The Professors are wonderful and have such a passion for what they teach. Most classes are small, with only 20-30 students in each class. Some of the freshamn level classes are bigger, but for the most part, the classes are small and there is a lot of student participation in the classes. The professors, for the most part, are willing to meet with students outside of class. Business is probably the most popular major at SMU and it takes a minimum of 3 semesters to get into the business school. SMU's education is definitely geared toward getting a job in the future, no matter what major you choose, you will gain so many connections into the job market from going to SMU.

-predominantly small classes improve focus in class and promote teacher-student relationships -some interesting classes -well respected cirriculum and colleges

ive had some awesome classes, and some horrible ones. some of the teachers are the crappiest teachers ever and i cannot believe that they actually have a job as a teacher, but others are completely amazing and are the best teachers ive ever had in my life. it is totally a toss up. there are both types of teachers in every department. i suggest taking meadows classes even if u arent a meadows major just because they are fun!

The rhetoric classes are very small, and they seem like an advanced high school english class. Class participation is common, and it is not shameful to sit in the front row. I have enjoyed all my classes, but not all classes are so small.

All of my professors know my name. Teachers are very accessible. Students find classes challenging but not unbearable. I am an Art major and find my classes very difficult in the Art school, but the general education classes are of average difficulty and are managable. The library is needed at times but there are lots of great places to study on campus and always a group to study with.

Everything is professional here. We go here to network and get a job.

philosophy classes SUCK!!!! DON'T TAKE THEM!!!!!

I am surprised that professors from previous semesters actually know my name and talk to me, but they do. The lower level business courses are usually very large, but they empty out as the year progresses, and, occasionally, the professor will get to know you if you fill the silent voids in the room by answering their questions. Many students at SMU have religious, philisophical, health and political related conversations. (at least from MY experience). Yes it is Southern METHODIST University, but, as a non-religious person, I never found an issue with this. The CTV department is very close-knit. Upper and lower class-man often know each-other well, and professors and students are also very close-knit. SMU is well known in the Dallas area, and there are lots of internship opportunities and perks that go with having an SMU degree.

AMAZING. The classes are small, so your profs know your name. they are always willing to help and hope you will ask for it. There are some rando classes here and they are usually the best and most interesting ones

Classes here at SMU aren't too bad. You do have to study to make good grades and it helps if your professors know who you are and what type of student you are.

I guess we don't have incredible prestige, but we're pretty widely respected by adults. Most professors are great and I've only had one or two that I thought shouldn't have their job due to a lack of rigor and college-level thought stimulation. SMU is harder than records suppose and you're going to have to do a decent amount of work, probably more than those at A&M or other sub-par but better-ranked schools. Many classes, to a degree, require attendance. Learn from your mistakes freshman year about scheduling 9:00's. Professor's are extremely accommodating and classes are small. Every one of my professors knows my name which is shocking to those at state schools. Networking is supposed to be great. I'm not worried about getting a great carreer when I get out of here.