Department of Lifelong Learning

Create the mind you've always wanted through SMU's lifelong learning opportunities. The broad spectrum of noncredit and college credit programs for both adults and youth can help you stimulate your mind and your imagination and expand your world.

Personal & Cultural Enrichment

The Master of Liberal Studies degree program allows adults to pursue classical learning in the liberal arts in a uniquely modern format. Courses are taught during evening hours and on Saturdays, and deal with issues in the behavioral sciences, humanities, arts, social sciences, and science and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective.

SMU Informal Courses offers short courses for adults in the areas of business and personal finance, computer education, fine arts and languages, and much more! Courses are offered at both SMU-in-Legacy and the main Dallas campus..

Youth Programs

The Summer Youth Program offers workshops that keep kids thinking, solving, designing, and building throughout the summer; workshop topics include technology, computer gaming, applied science, study skills, reading, math, the arts, and communication.  The Summer Youth Program is offered at SMU-in-Legacy, located in northwest Plano.

Gifted students looking for an academic focus might prefer the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program or the College Experience program.  Engineering programs are available through the School of Engineering, and Sports programs are available through the Athletics Department.

Professional Growth

Test preparation courses are available for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) as well as study courses in preparation for Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) certification exams.

SMU Continuing Studies Professional Courses offers classes and seminars designed to help the busy professional gain better management skills, find out how to power a job search, learn to start their own business, and refine their computer skills. SMU Professional Courses offers quality courses at great prices, conveniently located on the SMU main campus in Dallas and SMU-in-Legacy in Plano. Great results--at convenient locations and competitive rates.

Earn a certificate in Financial Planning and be on your way to earning the coveted CFP designation with this flexible, CFP Board registered program.

Adults who are interested in earning college credit but do not wish to pursue a degree may participate in the Non-degree Credit Studies program, which provides convenient access to day and evening credit courses in a variety of academic disciplines and professional areas of study.

Additional professional development opportunities are offered through the Cox School of Business, Perkins School of Theology, and the Hart eCenter.