MS Questions, Answered

Is there an application fee?

No application fee.

Do I need to submit GMAT/GRE scores with my application?

The GMAT and GRE are optional to submit (no waiver required).  Learn about the benefits of taking the test.

Does SMU Cox accept transfer credits?

This varies by program and considered case-by-case. Requests for transfer credit(s) are reviewed and processed after the enrollment deposit is received by the Admissions Office.

Is there any advantage to applying in an earlier application round?

Cox admits exceptional candidates regardless of the application round. However, early applicants receive priority consideration for merit-based scholarship opportunities (all applicants are automatically considered). Programs requiring background courses or summer prep work (MS Accounting, MS Finance, and MS Real Estate) are encouraged to apply by round 4.

When will I receive an admissions decision?

Admissions decisions are usually made within a month of submitting a completed application.

Is the interview required for admission?

Admissions interviews are held by invitation from the Admissions Committee.

Do I need to come to Dallas for my interview?

Candidates can select to interview via Zoom or in person on SMU’s campus.

How will I be notified if I have been accepted?

Admissions decisions will be available for review on your application portal.  Electronic letters are also sent to all applicants. If you have not been accepted into the program, you will receive an email letting you know as soon as this decision has been made.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Cox scholarships are merit-based and awarded as part of the admissions process. All candidates are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships (no separate application required).

I am reapplying, what do I need to do?

All applicants are required to for each academic year. You will be asked on the first page if you are reapplying to a Cox program.

Can I apply to more than one program?

Candidates can submit an application for one MS and one MBA program each application cycle. We encourage you to speak with a member of the admissions team if you are between two or more programs so that we can provide you with next steps and advice.

Can MS graduates return to Cox to complete an MBA?

Yes. Credits for an MS program transfer to our Full-Time One-Year M.B.A., P.M.B.A., Online M.B.A program if taken within 5 years. Please note that you must have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience before pursuing the MBA program.

How will I know if the Admissions Office received my application materials?

Applicants can check the status of their application using the Once you have created your electronic application, you will have the capability to sign into the site and see instantly what materials we have received and which are still outstanding.  

When is the next graduate admissions event?

Check out upcoming in-person and virtual events! Meet the SMU Cox Admissions Team on the road or around the DFW metroplex.

What kinds of student organizations are on campus?
Students have many opportunities to serve and lead, and the freedom to experiment and follow. For more information on campus organizations, visit the Cox Student Clubs website.

What types of student support services are provided?

SMU Cox provides students with several different types of services, such as Counseling Services, the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC), the Career Management Center, the Enrollment & Engagement Team, as well as services for students with disabilities.

Where can I find more information about SMU Student Life?

Campus Life at SMU and FAQs.

What is the difference between a career coach and academic advisor?

Career Coaches can help you with anything job or career related. Academic Advisors can discuss degree plans, class registration, or academic holds.

Contact the Enrollment & Engagement Team for more information about academic advising and to find your academic advisor.

When do I begin working with the career management center?

Meetings will be scheduled with your career coach starting in the summer before orientation begins. After your initial intake meeting, your coach will provide you with resources and to-do items in a summer program we call Kick-start. After orientation, you can schedule regular meetings with your coach for help with your job search or interviews.

Will I have an internship while completing a master's program?

Internship requirements vary by program. We encourage you to view the curriculum for the MS program you are interested in to see if an internship is required.

How do I register for career events?

Contact the Career Management Center by phone at 214-768-6227 or e-mail at coxcareers@smu.edu to learn how to register for specific events.

Who is my career coach?

Click here to find your MS program’s career coach.

Which programs are STEM designated?

The MBA, MSBA, MSA, MSAIB, MSM, MSESM and MSF programs are STEM designated.

Do I need to submit English proficiency tests scores with my application?

The TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo exams are accepted, but are optional to submit a complete application (no waiver required).

Are WES evaluations required?

Candidates are not required to have their transcript evaluated by an outside provider. Transcripts must be translated into English by a certified provider for the application process.

Who can I contact with questions about F-1 Visas?

For visa questions or concerns, please contact 214-768-4475, the International Student and Scholar Service department here.

For an I-20 form, what should be included in on my bank letter?

    Name of account holder must be present
    Amount of money in the account must be listed -OR- letter must state that the holder has enough money in the account to cover the estimated costs
    Must be in English, or include a certified English translation
    Type of account (eg. savings, checking, time deposit) must be included
    Type of currency must be included

What do I need to submit in order to receive my I-20?

After paying the enrollment deposit, the office of admission will generate a personal upload checklist for you which could include identifying documents, dependent documentation, and proof of finances.

Does Cox have an international admissions deadline?

International applicants are encouraged to apply to Cox as soon as possible to allow adequate time for the I-20 and Visa process. There is no set deadline as each student situation and country interview appointment availability can vary. We encourage applicants to learn more about visa appointment availability in their area if they are considering applying in a later round.

When will I receive my I-20 request form?

Admitted students who have confirmed their intent to enroll at SMU by successfully submitting their enrollment deposit can begin working on their I-20 request form. Students can check their applicant portal for I-20 process information and updates.

I have a three-year degree; can I still apply?

A three-year bachelor’s program is not considered for the Master of Science in Accounting program, but can be considered for MSAIB, MSBA, MSESM, MSF, MSM, and MSRE admission. Additional information or credentials may be required for admission into our program with a three-year bachelors degree.

Can I complete an internship?

yes, and this varies by program. Programs that require an internship in the curriculum will work with ISSS and their academic advisor on CPT paperwork. The MSBA and MSRE programs include a spring internship.

Who can I contact for additional information?

Feel free to contact Cox Graduate Admissions Office via email at gradadmissions@smu.edu.

Are there any prerequisites to apply for the program?

Candidates applying for the MSA program must have already completed Fundamentals of Accounting I/Financial Accounting and Fundamentals of Accounting II/Managerial Accounting with a grade of B or higher prior to submitting their application.

Do I have to pick a track of focus?

Yes, students must choose a track. SMU Cox offers three tracks: Assurance & Advisory, Taxation, and Information Systems & Controls. This requirement allows students to take specialized courses that match their interests and career goals.

How will the courses prepare me for the CPA exam?

The MSA program is built around preparing students for the Texas CPA certification and partners with CPA preparation companies. Cox MSA students consistently surpass national averages.

Can I take my background courses at SMU?

Yes. The summer schedule at SMU offers nine credit hours of courses comprised of Intermediate Accounting I and Federal Income Tax in the first session (roughly the month of June) and Intermediate Accounting II and Audit in the second session (roughly the month of July).

Can I take background courses concurrently with the MSA program?

Background courses cannot be completed concurrently under any circumstance. They must be completed before the program begins.

Is an internship required for the program?

No. The MSA program does not include an internship. Students are well prepared to take on careers after completing the program and have the assistance of the Career Management Center in finding full-time placement.

What tracks/specializations are offered? 

Students will have the option to choose between AI Project Management, AI Analytics, and AI Strategy Consulting. 

What experiential learning opportunities are there? 

Students will have hands-on learning in a variety of different tools including Hadoop, Spark, NodeXL, SAS, R, Python, Google Analytics, Alteryx, Tableau. 

How is MSAIB different from the MSBA program? 

The MSAIB program is specifically designed to focus on predictive and generative AI, machine learning, AI ethics, analytics, and AI implementation and strategy.  

Are there any prerequisites to apply for the program? 

No, however, summer prep work is required of all students regardless of academic background. Incoming students will be required to complete online self-paced work in business finance and accounting. The MSF coursework begins during orientation with a one-week intensive Managerial Finance course for credit and grade. 

Can I apply to the MSF with a three-year bachelors degree? 

Candidates with three-year bachelors degree will be required to provide additional certifications or degrees for application consideration. Please be prepared to upload additional transcripts, exam scores, certifications, or license paperwork in your application submission. 

Are there tracks or specializations in the program? 

The MSF program includes four core competencies: alternative assets, energy finance, real-time markets and trading, and investment portfolios. Students can choose elective options in the MSF program that dive deeper into those competency areas. 

Are there any prerequisites to apply for the program? 

No, the MSM program is designed for business and non-business majors. The coursework during the program prepares candidates for all industries post-grad. 

What modalities are available for the MSM program? 

The MSM program is available in a full-time 9-month on campus format, part-time 21-month on campus format, and part-time 17-month online format. Full-time is designed for recent graduates or those wanting a shorter timeframe to completion. Part-time is designed for working professionals who want to take classes exclusively in the evening or those living outside of Texas. 

Are there any prerequisites to apply for the program? 

Candidates are not required to have background courses completed to apply for the program. However, admitted students will be required to complete Business Finance and Financial Accounting with a grade of B or higher before the program begins. These background courses can be completed through a student’s bachelors degree or are offered at SMU over the summer. 

Is an internship required for the program? 

Students will have the opportunity to complete an internship or capstone project during the spring semester. The Career Management Center can assist in the recruitment process for internships.