Southern Methodist University (SMU) Courses and Fees 2025

• Difficulty Level of Course Curriculum:
  • I found the Academic Policies and Master of Social Work program at Southern Methodist University (SMU) to be difficult, but not overly difficult. The program was designed to provide a fair balance between theory (knowledge) and practice (application)—thus the areas where we were lacking in knowledge would be supplemented through our actual standpoints. Initially, the courses tended to be more knowledge-based, which was focused on core concepts, frameworks, and methodologies. Once we established some foundational knowledge, more practical assignments, case studies, and assignments were assigned, helping me make the transition between the academic (knowledge) and practical application of knowledge (workplace). Overall, my program was relatively balanced with in-class lectures, assignments, and projects (practical application of knowledge).
• Positive and Negative Aspects of the Course:
  • Positive Aspects:
  • The highly qualified faculty (research and practice) were very enjoyable, and their academic rigor and real-life experiences in class were a bonus.
  • The courses were relatively small, which was great for personal relationships and interactions with professors and peers.
  • The practical application of knowledge into projects and internships - which gave me a competitive advantage for the job market.
  • The networking opportunities we received through this program (connections with professionals in the field) and guests on specific topic areas, which ended up being prominent within the field, were a value-added bonus.
  • Negative Components:
  • Heavy workload can be a burden at times. Balancing multiple assignments, group projects, and exams at once could be very overwhelming.
  • The avenue of communication between departments could definitely be better in terms of providing students with proper messages of resources and what the expectations were with these opportunities, particularly early on in the program.

• Tuition fees: total program price is approximately $45,000 - $50,000 depending on the number of credit hours you need.
• Hostel fees (on-campus housing): total approximately $8,000 - $12,000 per academic year, depending on the options (shared room, private room, or apartment housing).
• Meal Plan (on-campus housing option only): total approx. $4,000 - $6,000 annually.
• Student Services & Health Fee: total approximately $500 - $700 per academic year.
• Insurance (mandatory for international students): total approximately $2,000 - $2,500 annually.
• Books and Supplies: estimated total $1,000 - $1,200 annually.
• Therefore, the estimated total for the entire duration of my course (normally 1.5 - 2 years for a Master's) is about $70,000 - $80,000, which covers living costs and additional expenses. Fees at SMU are charged on a semester basis.
• Each semester you will be billed tuition according to the number of credit hours you sign up for. Most graduate courses charge about $1,400 - $1,600 per credit hour. Other services such as housing, insurance, etc., are billed separately to each student each semester, either in their course registration or as an additional charge at the time of payment.
   

There is a lot of this information on their website but their tuition and fees for an academic year are around 56.000 dollars. Yes, it's pricey. Also, there are an immense of generous scholarships available after you are part of the school. Lenders beg you to get their student loans but that just depends on ourselves.

Because this school is well-known for shaping students to success. Also, it's the number 59 in the national ranking, my school is located in the heart of Dallas. In fact, I will not have to make any other expenses moving to another city and it helps me to save time commuting in my everyday life. One more thing, I have met a few people who seem successful in their field.