Southern Methodist University, or SMU, is a private university located in University Park, a suburb just north of downtown Dallas. Founded in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, it now operates as a non-religious institution that welcomes students from all backgrounds.
SMU is recognized as a top-tier research university, classified as R1, meaning it has a very high level of research activity. It offers more than 170 degree programs across its eight schools, including:
Cox School of Business
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
Dedman School of Law
Lyle School of Engineering
Meadows School of the Arts
Perkins School of Theology
Simmons School of Education and Human Development
Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
These programs span undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, giving students a wide variety of academic and professional paths.
SMU’s main campus is known for its red-brick Georgian architecture and sits on 234 acres. Dallas Hall, one of the school’s original buildings, remains its most recognized landmark. The university has around 12,000 students, with roughly 7,000 undergrads and 5,000 grad students. These students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries.
Class sizes are small, with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for a more personal and focused learning experience.
Meadows Museum – A world-renowned collection of Spanish art, one of the largest outside of Spain.
George W. Bush Presidential Center – A major research and archive center that includes a museum and library dedicated to the 43rd U.S. president.
High-tech Research Tools – SMU supports faculty and student research with an advanced supercomputing system.
SMU’s athletic teams are known as the Mustangs, and they compete in NCAA Division I sports. Beyond athletics, SMU has a vibrant student life scene, with hundreds of clubs, leadership programs, and volunteer opportunities.
In 2025, Jay Hartzell, formerly president of the University of Texas at Austin, was appointed as SMU’s new president. He took over from R. Gerald Turner, who led the university for 30 years and now serves as president emeritus.
School Info
📍 Address: 6425 Boaz Lane Dallas TX 75205
📞 Phone: (214) 768-2000
🌐 Website: https://www.smu.edu/
