Admissions

Our admissions team looks forward to working with you throughout the application process. We look holistically at the components of your application to determine if you're a competitive fit for the program. Additionally, we provide opportunities for you to get to know the community, program, and campus to learn how SMU Cox can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Applying for the Cox MSESM

While your application and interview are very important to us, it’s equally important that we get to know you and your goals so we can ensure the program is a good fit. We encourage you to connect one-on-one with an admissions advisor early in your consideration process, and attend an admissions event or arrange to visit a class to experience the SMU Cox difference for yourself. Connections matter – starting now.

Your admission process begins with a submitted online application, followed by an opportunity to complete an admission interview over Zoom with a member of our admissions committee.


The SMU Cox Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability Management (MSESM) is an Early Action 4+1 program. Meeting certain criteria, Cox undergraduates can supplement their business education by joining the MSESM program immediately after graduation. The 4+1 program comes with a guaranteed scholarship. Ask us how!

Admissions Criteria

MS in Energy and Sustainability Management Prerequisites

We welcome applicants from all undergraduate majors to apply. Applicants to this degree program ideally have demonstrated success in quantitative coursework which could include, calculus, algebra, or statistics at the undergraduate level. 

What You Need to Apply

All Applicants students will need these items to complete an online application:

  • Current resume
  • Written essays
  • Unofficial transcripts or degree progress reports
    • Degree progress reports must show cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken
    • Official transcripts from any university or college where a student earned 12 or more credit hours are required after a student is offered admission
  • Two references
    • Name and contact information only
    • Recommendation letters are not required
  • Optional: Unofficial GMAT or GRE score report

International Students have the additional option to submit a TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score as a part of their application. This testing component is not a requirement. For applicants without a test score, we will assess the application based on a holistic review process that takes all your application components into consideration.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for the MSESM program are below. For any questions about Fall admission, please email gradadmissions@smu.edu to connect with a member of the admission team.

Deadlines for 2025 - 2026 Entry
Round  Application Due
 (11:59pm CST day of deadline)

1

 January 14, 2025

2

 March 11, 2025

3

 April 29, 2025

4

May 27, 2025
 Rolling Admissions based on availability after May 27, 2025

*Priority deadline for scholarships and fellowships

Tuition & Financing

We recognize that financing your degree is an important part of your decision-making process. The Cox MSESM program offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships, automatically available to all applicants—no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and GMAT/GRE scores.

Pursuing a graduate education is one of the most significant investments you’ll make, delivering substantial returns both professionally and personally. While it can elevate your career and earning potential, it also fosters personal growth. For those seeking additional funding, a range of loan and private scholarship opportunities are available.

Admitted MSESM students will be connected with the SMU Graduate Financial Aid Office for guidance on the financial aid process and resources tailored to graduate students.

 

Your MSESM Investment

Investing in a graduate degree - a Master's level education - is an investment in yourself that yields an incredible return. Beyond the coursework, the network and support at SMU Cox catapult your career trajectory. This is understandably a big financial decision, so if you need additional funding, you'll find that a variety of loan and private scholarship opportunities are available. See below for the program's estimates (be sure to also check current tuition rates to the Bursar's website as we plan ahead for future entry terms).

Estimated Annual Tuition & Fees:

Item
32 Credit Hours
Tuition
$47,372
University and Program Fees
$9,538
 Health Center Fee
 $300
International Student Fee*
 $200
Total
$57,410

 

Estimated Living Expenses*:

Housing $20,857
Books and Supplies
$2,080
Transportation
$2,604
Misc. Expenses (health ins., etc.)
$4,080

*This fee may not apply to all students and depends on international student status.

**This estimated total is based on a 9-month school year for the 2024-25 academic year. The cost may be more or less depending on the student's lifestyle, whether the student lives on-campus or off-campus and whether any family members accompany the student. If family members accompany the student, add $8,600 if 1 dependent (spouse or child) and $4,300 for each dependent after one (1).

FAQs

Click here to find answers to frequently asked questions




This graduate program at SMU Cox will have its first cohort in Fall 2025, contingent upon approval by the SMU Board of Trustees.