Southern Methodist University Reviews

"I wouldn't trade my experience at SMU for that of any other law school. While no school is perfect, SMU is perfect for me."

"I'm currently working on my Masters in Interactive technology and Game Development with an emphasis in Art Creation at The Guildhall in Plano, TX which is part of Southern Methodist University. Pros - It is removed from main campus, so our career counselor, program adviser, and tech support are all conveniently located within the same building as our classes so we get immediate help when we seek it. Our professors are current industry professionals, so that they can provide us with the information we need to be successful industry professionals when we graduate. We are brought in together as a cohort and graduate as a cohort, this gives a sense or comradeship and emphasizes the importance of teamwork which is an essential skill in the Gaming Industry. We will have 2 years of industry experience by the time we graduate, which is essential for job placement. We are provided with cutting-edge technology which we need to complete our degree. This is included in the cost of tuition, so we get to keep our laptops/wacom tablets after we graduate. Cons - It is removed from main campus, so we don't have immediate access to other campus resources. This would help us greatly when it comes to needing playtesters and working on our thesis. Our professors are current industry professionals, so for some, teaching is not their strong-suit. So you may get more out of some classes than others. Luckily, this is being improved and many of the professors are taking classes to improve their skills as educators. The program is relatively new to Southern Methodist University, so it still needs improvement. But its reputation is growing and I feel it is the best school to attend for people wanting to get into the gaming industry."

"I'm currently working on my Masters in Interactive technology and Game Development with an emphasis in Art Creation at The Guildhall in Plano, TX which is part of Southern Methodist University. Pros - It is removed from main campus, so our career counselor, program adviser, and tech support are all conveniently located within the same building as our classes so we get immediate help when we seek it. Our professors are current industry professionals, so that they can provide us with the information we need to be successful industry professionals when we graduate. We are brought in together as a cohort and graduate as a cohort, this gives a sense or comradeship and emphasizes the importance of teamwork which is an essential skill in the Gaming Industry. We will have 2 years of industry experience by the time we graduate, which is essential for job placement. We are provided with cutting-edge technology which we need to complete our degree. This is included in the cost of tuition, so we get to keep our laptops/wacom tablets after we graduate. Cons - It is removed from main campus, so we don't have immediate access to other campus resources. This would help us greatly when it comes to needing playtesters and working on our thesis. Our professors are current industry professionals, so for some, teaching is not their strong-suit. So you may get more out of some classes than others. Luckily, this is being improved and many of the professors are taking classes to improve their skills as educators. The program is relatively new to Southern Methodist University, so it still needs improvement. But its reputation is growing and I feel it is the best school to attend for people wanting to get into the gaming industry."

"The Professors are very knowledgeable, strict, but fair. The campus is beautiful!"

"I absolutely love my graduate program. Every professor truly invests in you and creates a supportive and encouraging learning environment. I could not be happier with my decision to enter the Masters in Counseling program at Southern Methodist University."

"This is a new, but great program that is constantly evolving for improvement. I recommend this program to anyone looking to work in the field of Higher Education, such as Student Affairs, Athletics, Residential Life, Legal Affairs, Student Conduct, Recruitment, etc. SMU is a great university and offers its graduates an array of opportunities, academically and professionally. Come down to the "Ivy League of the South", you won't regret it!"

"I think that Smu/ Perkins School of Theology is a great place to be getting my graduate degree. It a top school and the work is hard be well worth the effort."

"The pros are that the teachers are very accessible and social life in Dallas is great. Also, there is a lot of opportunity to work on research. The cons are that there isn't much financial aid for students who completed undergraduate school and there is lack of diversity on campus as a whole."

"The Master of Divinity program at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University is a wonderful opportunity to achieve a comprehensive degree in an intimate atmosphere. Pursuing my degree at SMU has given me valuable networking opportunities, supportive professors that have challenged me academically, and an internship program that has been both challenging and fulfilling. Additionally, the M. Div. track allows for you to take part in an immersion experience, and the first immersion trip only costs $200 and the cost of academic credits for M. Div. students. This is an invaluable opportunity to explore culture and religion around the world first hand. My immersion experience in El Salvador has had a profound experience on my world and educational outlook. Finally, having gone to Perkins, I have had access to a wonderful library and the many resources that it has to offer. In one of my classes, we were even required to use the resources in Special Collections for one of our papers, and I greatly enjoyed the process of looking through original historical documents and puzzling together the life of a former Methodist Episcopal bishop. Some drawbacks of this school are cost and location. I wish that there had been more school based aid since I was not eligible for much aid through my church. And where location is concerned, though there is public transit, the school is located in a part of Dallas that is a pain in the neck to drive in."

"Great school. A little expensive. It can really set you down the right path with all the connections you will make through SMU Alum who stay in the area. Just don't be in the bottom of the class, or you are screwed."

"The greatest pro is that SMU's law school is in Dallas, a wonderful area with a robust economy, and a low cost of living. I chose to come here because I wanted to practice in Texas, specifically in Dallas. SMU Law has a great network of prominent alumni in the area. Outside of Dallas, the school isn't so well known, so if you come here, don't expect too many national opportunities. Those are reserved for schools with better credentials. The problem with SMU Law is that it's like every other law school. Same 1L classes with professors of varying quality. Same outrageously high tuition. Same lack of development of skills. The legal writing program really does try to develop students' writing and research skills, but it still falls short of making students ready to practice. The faculty has some stars, like William Bridge, and Chris Hanna. But otherwise, they're OK. Nothing awful, but nothing to write home about. Generally, SMU is like every other law school. The differences are it's relatively small class size, and location in a city with a stronger job market. It's also unique in that it's at SMU, and maintains some of the attributes of SMU's other programs in that it attracts wealthier individuals and students from fraternities and sororities. It also has a substantial representation of non-white, and older students, especially in the evening program, but the day students tend to be wealthier, whiter, and more Greek. These aren't necessarily bad things, but it's something that one notices. Job placement is mixed, with the Wall Street Journal reporting 67% employment rate 6 months after graduation. This is probably an accurate figure, and is certainly more accurate than the Office of Career Service's ("OCS") number. OCS has very helpful staff and are very emphatic about getting graduates a job, but they don't get the job for you (and nor should they). SMU Law has some bright spots compared to other schools, but it generally is just like every other law school that isn't a top 25 institution. Above average academics, with some prominent alumni, and scarce job opportunities."

"Eh, for master level, there r two tracks, Applied and International. There are a few differences on the course selection between this two tracks. Applied one has some more technical courses, in which you will need to handle some stat software. Basically, it is not a business program and it is more academic than practical. The faculty here is good, but we also have several tough teachers just like everywhere do. The students have large differences in their levels. We have a Princeton guy and also someones who have fairly weak academic background. The workload is just OK. You never need to stay up too late unless there is an upcoming exam. But you still need to work hard to get an A."

"Applied Economics should more focus on hand-on skills. I think SAS., R and MATLAB should be our classes. A lot of companies are using these. If we don't know how to use these, we are not that competitive in labor market. But professors and faculty are very friendly and helpful."

"The Sacred Music program is unique and wonderful. The professors are amazing, and the quality of education is unmatched."

"Excellent program, with caring faculty and staff. It may be expensive, but it's definitely the best one around."

"The MA in advertising is a wonderful experience. The professors are truly dedicated to helping you get connected in the industry, and the coursework provides real-world insight."

"My graduate program is perfect for my situation because I am a teacher. The professors are very helpful and suportive. Cons. The university is very expensive."

"The campus is nice, and students are friendly. The courses are challenging. Most of the professors are adjunct and only teach one or two courses. Therefore, they are rarely accessible on campus."

"Usually the area is very safe, however campus has seen several assults recently, and the school is responding..."

"SMU has a good program but the program is slightly too theoretical during the first year. Career services provides help but they are not friendly."