MS Questions, Answered
Our Specialized Masters programs serve the graduate student population that wants to align with one particular discipline. In essence, if a student is already well aware of the career trajectory they aim for (be it Accounting, Management, Business Analytics, Real Estate, or Finance), the MS degrees at SMU Cox serve that need.
And if you don't see your question below, be sure to reach out to our Admissions team here for additional support and guidance!
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).
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 on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need to come to Dallas for my interview?
At this time, all interviews are conducted virtually via Zoom.
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?
No. Applications may be submitted to only one program in an academic year. If you are interested in starting a second application, we would like to encourage you to speak with a member of the admission team about your situation 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?
Internships are not guaranteed, due to the interview and hiring process.
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 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).
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 in MSM, MSF, and MSBA.
Can I complete an internship?
Yes. CPT is offered through STEM designated programs. The MSBA program includes a Spring internship.
Who can I contact for additional information?
Feel free to contact Cox Graduate Admissions Office via email at gradadmissions@smu.edu.
When do MS Programs start?
All Specialized Master’s Programs begin in the Fall (August) of each year. However, the academic and career development process starts before classes begin. Students may be required to complete summer deliverables (e.g., Career Kickstart, Boot Camp, Background courses) to prepare for graduate studies at Cox. Students can check their email and applicant portal regularly for updates.
MSA
Are there any prerequisites to apply for the program?
MSA prerequisites are Fundamentals of Accounting 1 & 2.
Do I have to choose between Assurance and Advisory or Taxation?
Yes, students must choose a track. 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. 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.
MSBA
When is the Summer bootcamp for MSBA?
There will be two mandatory in-person bootcamps held in early August.
Do I have to choose between Business Process Analytics or Customer Analytics?
No. You will have the option to choose either elective plan when selecting electives, but it is not required.
Can international students also partake in the internship (not the Capstone project) for the Spring semester?
Yes. All full-time students will be able to do an internship or a Capstone project in the Spring Semester (January-April). You cannot do an internship in the first semester as an international student. Starting from January you can utilize your CPT as part of your internship.
If you have any additional questions about our programs or admission process, please .
Still not have all your questions answered? Reach out!
Reach out to SMU Cox MS Admissions.