Accepting Applications Now for Summer and Fall 2023
Preferred Deadlines for Admission
The preferred deadlines for applications are May 1st for Summer admission, December 15th for Spring admission and July 1st for Fall admission. If you have missed one of our deadlines but are still interested in applying, call our office at: 214-768-4273 for information about a possible extension.
Criteria for Admission
SMU strives to enroll motivated and enthusiastic students prepared and interested in rigorous graduate education. All applicants must have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university.
Apply now for Master of Liberal Arts Studies (MLS) degree-seeking application
Apply now for Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) application
Apply now for MLS non-degree application
Degree-Seeking MLS Admission Information
Southern Methodist University's Master of Liberal Studies program (MLS) accepts and reviews applications throughout the year on a rolling basis for Summer, Fall and Spring semesters. The preferred application deadlines are May 15 for Summer admission, January 1 for Spring admission and July 1 for Fall admission.
SMU strives to enroll motivated and enthusiastic students prepared and interested in rigorous graduate education. All applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Our most successful applicants typically have a GPA of about 2.7 - 3.5 from their undergraduate institution; however, every aspect of the ¬-application submitted is carefully reviewed and considered for the experience and contribution each student brings to the SMU classroom.
To apply for admission to the Master of Liberal Studies program please submit the following for consideration:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• SMU online application
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two letters of recommendation.
• An essay, one – two pages double spaced, explaining interest in studying dispute resolution.
• Critical writing sample or academic paper – three to five pages double spaced
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Interview with admissions faculty
• Application fee
• Note: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required but applicants may submit their scores if would like them considered with their application.
• International applicants for admission decision: Translated foreign transcripts and proof of English proficiency. If accepted: documentation required to receive student visa (https://www.smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/international/For-Scholars/New-Scholar-Information).
Upon acceptance into the program, students should participate in the new student orientation.Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Admission Information
Criteria for admission to the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies Certificate
Applicants to the CAGS program must submit the following:
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• SMU online application
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two letters of recommendation.
• An essay, two pages double spaced, explaining interest in studying dispute resolution.
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Interview with admissions faculty
• Application fee
• Note: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required but applicants may submit their scores if would like them considered with their application.
• For applicants with foreign transcripts, they must be translated and proof of English proficiency. Student visas not eligible for graduate certificate programs.
Non-Degree MLS Admission Information
The SMU MLS program offers to help students explore graduate interdisciplinary study with a non-degree option. This could be a great way to discern whether the MLS program is the right graduate program for you! Non-degree students may take up to 6 credits of coursework with good achievement apply these credits to a future degree program.
Criteria for non-degree admission:
- Online MLS Non-Degree application.
- Unofficial transcripts from all the colleges and universities you attended.
- Brief personal statement.
- Application fee.
If you have any questions about the online admissions process
Please contact the Graduate Liberal Studies office at:
Email: mls@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-4273