About Dedman College
Dedman
College is the heart of SMU. It is home to the humanities, social sciences,
and natural and mathematical sciences – disciplines fundamental to the
traditions of higher education. Based in historic Dallas Hall, Dedman
College provides the solid foundation of a liberal arts education to
all SMU students through the University’s General
Education Curriculum.
SMU undergraduate students begin their studies here. Students complete courses while in Dedman College to prepare for their majors and to explore options before declaring a major at the end of their first or second year. About 40 percent of SMU’s undergraduates choose majors in Dedman College.
Not only the oldest academic unit at SMU, Dedman College is also the largest and most diverse. More than 250 full-time faculty members, including 23 endowed professorships, are based in Dedman College. Undergraduate students in Dedman College may major in more than 50 baccalaureate degree programs and minor in more than 50 areas. There are 16 departments, as well as numerous interdisciplinary and preprofessional programs. In addition, there are 18 graduate programs leading to a Master’s degree and 12 programs leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Other Dedman College Programs and Initiatives- Academic Advising Center – professional academic counsel and special support services to all entering undergraduates
- SMU-in-Taos – summer credit courses in Northern New Mexico
- University Honors Program – an intellectual community for SMU’s most talented undergraduates
- Centers & Institutes
- Lectures and Symposia
- Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
- SMU Inter-Community Experience (ICE Program) – Through an active presence in a multi-ethnic Dallas neighborhood, the ICE Program seeks to transform the lives of SMU students and neighborhood residents.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) – Created in 1998 within the Office of General Education, Dedman College offers Universitywide academic ESL support for students whose primary language is not English.
- Foreign Language Teaching Technology Center – The center facilitates the study of foreign languages and literature, which lie at the very center of the humanities.
Dedman College was named in 1981 for the late Robert H. Dedman Sr. and his wife, Nancy McMillan Dedman, SMU alumni whose gift endowed the college and enables SMU to remain committed to its legacy as a liberal arts university.
