CAPE offers hundreds of noncredit courses every term. Please contact us at lifelong@smu.edu for enrollment options in other classes to meet your interests.
SMU Employee Discount
Professional development programs to support your success.
SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) can help you build skills to excel in your current role as an SMU employee and achieve your long-term career goals. Expand your knowledge in challenging courses facilitated by experienced, enthusiastic instructors who are leaders in their fields.
Colleagues across SMU departments — from OIT to HR to Finance — have used this benefit to earn certificates and advance their careers. Ask around — chances are a colleague in your department has!
Invest in Your Career β€” SMU Covers Half
You spend your days supporting students who are here to learn and grow — you deserve the same opportunity. SMU CAPE's professional programs are built for people like you: working adults who are ambitious, busy and ready to take the next step without putting the rest of their life on hold. With flexible scheduling, experienced instructors and an exclusive 50% tuition discount on selected programs, there's never been a better time to invest in yourself right here at home.
Featured Programs
Gain in-demand skills and apply them immediately in your job. Select the program that best fits your training needs and career path. SMU employees are eligible to enroll for 50% reduced tuition.
Get started today!
Discuss with your supervisor
Share your interest with your supervisor or department head, as part of proactive discussions about your growth, development and career objectives.
Here's a paragraph you can use:
I wanted to ask about using some of our professional development budget for a certificate program through SMU CAPE. The employee discount already cuts the cost in half, so the out-of-pocket amount for the department would be pretty reasonable. The program — (program name) — would help me build skills in (relevant area), which I think would really benefit our team with (specific project or goal). Classes are evenings and weekends so it wouldn't affect my work hours at all. Would that be something we could make work?
Apply
Complete a to indicate your interest and preferred program.
Talk with a program advisor
Contact us at lifelong@smu.edu or 214-768-2273 to learn more about specific programs, time commitment, and other details.
Why Choose SMU CAPE?
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96% of CAPE learners are likely or extremely likely to recommend their program to their colleagues or friends.
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Enthusiastic instructors facilitate your learning experience, drawing from their work as recognized, innovative industry leaders. icon for schedule
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CAPE’s programs offer schedule and delivery flexibility, designed to fit your needs as a working professional.
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Join a community of lifelong learners and build your professional network within SMU and beyond the Hilltop. Upon the completion of the course, you will earn a verified digital badge to showcase on LinkedIn.
About CAPE
SMU’s continuing education courses have been part of Dallas’ intellectual fabric since 1953.Every year, more than 1,500 learners choose CAPE to support their professional development and personal enrichment goals.
SMU Employee Discount Quick Facts
SMU full-time faculty and staff may take advantage of this exclusive CAPE tuition discount. You must be a benefits-eligible SMU employee on the date of registration and on the first day of class.
Once you have selected your program, please fill out the , following these .
When your application has been approved, you will receive an email from CAPE Advising Specialists with further information about how to enroll in your selected program at a 50% discount.
As an SMU employee, you pay just half the tuition on selected CAPE certificate programs and courses — one of the most valuable perks of working at SMU. You can register using your personal credit card, or if your department has professional development funds available, contact us at lifelong@smu.edu before enrolling and we'll walk you through the payment process. Note that course-related fees such as textbooks, materials, or software are not included in the discount, and the 50% tuition benefit is taxable — though most employees are covered by the IRS's annual $5,250 exclusion for tuition benefits, meaning you likely won't owe anything additional. Questions about your specific tax situation can be directed to tuitionbenefits@smu.edu.
Enrollment is open to SMU employees on a space-available basis, and priority will be given to accommodate regular CAPE students.
CAPE courses usually take place outside of SMU’s administrative and general office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Please talk with your supervisor prior to enrolling regarding any impact to your work schedule.
SMU employees who enroll in CAPE courses are expected to fulfill all requirements in order to receive program completion credentials.
Looking for something else?
SMU employees and family members receive a 10% discount on all other CAPE programs and courses!