SMU Cox

History

The University’s origin dates back to April 17, 1911 though the classes commenced only in 1915. The Cox School was established in 1920, better known as the Department of Commerce at SMU due to the perseverance and efforts of the Dallas business community. In 1978, the School was renamed as the Cox School of Business in the honor of business leader, entrepreneur and educational pioneer Edwin Lochridge Cox.

MISSION STATEMENT

Southern Methodist University will create, expand, and impart knowledge through teaching, research, and service, while shaping individuals to contribute to their communities and excel in their professions in an emerging global society. Among its faculty, students, and staff, the University will cultivate principled thought, develop intellectual skills, and promote an environment emphasizing individual dignity and worth. SMU affirms its historical commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry, to moral and ethical values, and to its United Methodist heritage.

Core Strengths of the School

The Cox MBA focuses on imparting phenomenal business education to its participants in order to evolve them into successful global business leaders. The rigorous curriculum taught by world-class faculty in a small-size classroom setting facilitates stronger bond with the faculty members and intimate relationships among the peers. The professional relationship of the School with the business community and the alumni further elevates the learning experience of the students. The first year of the course gives a broader and deeper understanding on the fundamentals of the business concepts coupled with training the students on essential management skills like teamwork, leadership, etc. Students choose electives in the second year of the course based on their goals and aspirations. The summer term offers an internship program for the students between the first and second year that helps them enhance their professional network.

Uniqueness in MBA Pedagogy

The International Exchange Program is an initiative taken by the School to expose the students to the various cultures at a global level. As a part of the Exchange program, students get to observe the culture and economy of the visiting country closely. There are three major economies of the world- Asia/Pacific Rim, Latin America, and Europe, and students have the option to choose any country from this region. Students learn about how business is done in the visiting country and its impact at a global level. This is a platform for the students to understand the macroeconomic factors impacting the business and the interdependencies between the economic influences.

The Global Leadership Program GLP prepares the students for the upcoming business challenges in order to succeed in the global marketplace. Students immerse themselves into learning about the culture, history, politics and economy of the visiting country. They get the opportunity to interact with business leaders and top executives of the global firms who share their experiences and provide insights into the ways of handling business challenges. Liaising with government officials and understanding the political policies of another country deepens the understanding of the students regarding the economy and politics of the region. Students return back to Cox and work in groups to give a presentation regarding the business challenges of the region they visited at the GLP Symposium. The GLP Symposium is open to public and is attended by Dallas based international business executives and members of the Dallas business community. This unparalleled experience enhances the business acumen, presentation and teamwork skills of the students.

The Cox Business Leadership Center BLC aims at building the leadership character in its participants through Seminars, Coaching, Executive Roundtables and Applied Leadership programs. The 10 Executive Roundtables held in the entire one year is an opportunity for the students to network with seasoned professionals and top business executives. The Applied Leadership Programs like the Disney Institute, Nonprofit Consulting and The Leadership Challenge are initiatives taken by BLC that provide hands-on experience to the students.

The Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship offers education and training to the students who aim to start their own ventures in future. The Center provides exposure to the dynamic marketplace and technology-driven environment for the students to explore the uncertainties of the marketplace and leverage the business opportunities. Students learn to overcome the obstacles of the dynamic business environment through innovative and critical thinking approach.

CONCENTRATIONS OFFERED

LOCATION ADVANTAGES

The Cox School of Business is located at the heart of Dallas, Texas. The city is a hub for local, regional, national and international businesses. Dallas has a flourishing economy and this strategic location of the School works in the favor of students, as they get to network with eminent business leaders and top-notch executives. The city of Dallas houses an array of parks and lakes- Fair Park, White Rock Lake and Bachman Lake being the more prominent ones. The beautiful planting beds and charming pathways at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are a breathtaking sight for the visitors. The city has playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, swimming pools and picnic areas for recreation.

CAREER SUPPORT

The Career Management Center CMC aims at leveraging the corporate partnerships and alumni network of the School in order to build collaborative relationships that might facilitate employment and internship opportunities for its students. The Center helps students assess their strengths and chalks out a career plan in alignment with their long term goals. There are workshops conducted by the Center with the intention to train the students on effective job search techniques so that they are able to land into their dream jobs. The Center enhances a student’s profile by building his brand image that would highlight his areas of strengths. Students are given feedback on mock interviews, so that they can refine their answers for the final day.