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LYLE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
ADMISSION

For detailed information regarding Southern Methodist University's admission requirements, regulations and procedures, see the University Admission section of this catalog.

Prospective students interested in undergraduate degrees in engineering apply for undergraduate admission to SMU as first-year or transfer students through the Office of Admissions, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750181, Dallas TX 75275-0181.

All first-year applicants admitted to SMU initially enter Dedman College. For students interested in majoring in engineering, a personal interview with the Office of Admission and the School of Engineering Undergraduate Enrollment Office is highly recommended. The School of Engineering Office of Undergraduate Student Experience and Enrollment Management can be reached at 214-768-3041.

High School Preparation

Because of the high standards of the School of Engineering and the rigorous character of its curricula, it is essential that the entering student be well prepared in basic academic subjects in high school.

The usual high-school preparation for entrance into SMU and study in engineering includes the following courses:

English – 4 units
Mathematics – 4-5 units
Physics, Chemistry, Biology – At least 3 units
Social Studies – 2 units
Foreign Language – 2 units
Computer Programming – 1 unit

However, a minimum of 15 academic units is required for admission. The courses listed above, with the exception of foreign languages, are recommended but are not required.

Most recently, students admitted to SMU with the intention of majoring in engineering were the most competitive applicants. To be successful in SMU engineering programs, the student should have the following academic strengths:

  1. Enrollment in an appropriate program of study in high school, as outlined above.

  2. Rank in the upper third of his or her graduating high school class.

  3. Have a minimum SAT composite of 1100 with at least a 600 math score. Equivalent ACT scores may also be submitted.

These guidelines should assist students interested in studying engineering at SMU.

Admission to Advanced Standing

Admission from Dedman College and Other Schools Within SMU

After completion of the first year, admission to the School of Engineering is accomplished by an interschool transfer. These transfers are approved by the appropriate department chair and the Associate Dean of the School of Engineering. For admission, a student must have completed 24 credit hours and must demonstrate the ability to achieve academic success in engineering or applied science by attaining a 2.00 or higher G.P.A.

For admission into the civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, or mechanical engineering program, a 2.00 or higher G.P.A. is required in the following five courses: ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302 or equivalent, MATH 1337, MATH 1338 and PHYS 1303. For admission into either the computer science or management science program, a 2.00 or higher G.P.A. is required in the following six courses: ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302 or equivalent, MATH 1337, MATH 1338, CSE 1340 and CSE 1341. If a course is repeated, both grades will be used in computing the G.P.A.

Admission by Transfer from Another Institution

An undergraduate at a junior college, college, or university may apply for admission to the School of Engineering. Admission will be granted provided the prior academic records and reasons for transfer are acceptable to the School of Engineering. Transfer credit will be awarded in courses that have identifiable counterparts in curricula of the School of Engineering, provided they carry grades of C- or better. Transfer students will be expected to meet requirements equivalent to students admitted from Dedman College and other schools within SMU.

Transfer credit is awarded only for work completed at institutions that have regional or comparable accreditation. Because of SMU’s 60-term-hour residency requirement for a Bachelor’s degree, there is a limit on the total amount of credit that may be applied toward a School of Engineering degree.