what the usual course load for smu students

How much does it cost to attend SMU?

Amounts may vary depending on the individual students’ degree plan, number of hours enrolled, choice of housing, and specific program of study. It should only serve as a point of reference for students and their families to determine how much it may cost to attend SMU. It is NOT the amount you will be required to pay.

What is the SMU common curriculum?

The SMU Common Curriculum is a general education framework that prepares students to be lifelong learners in a rapidly changing, interconnected world. The Common Curriculum is the twenty-first century reboot of the classical university education, challenging students to know the past, understand the present, and build the future.

What kind of school is SMU?

About SMUMaps & DirectionsAnnual ReportSMU MagazineStrategic PlanGeorge W. Bush Presidential Center A nationally ranked private university with seven degree-granting schools, SMU is a distinguished center for teaching and research located near the heart of Dallas.

Why study at SMU?

The University is strengthened by its partnership with the Dallas region,a global center of commerce and culture. SMU students, faculty and alumni are changing the worldthrough their chosen fields, civic engagement and service to society.

What is the typical class size at SMU?

22 studentsThe average class size is 22 students, and SMU has an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

What is a typical full-time course load for a college student?

A college student is considered to be enrolled on a full-time basis for student financial aid purposes if they are enrolled for at least 12 credits a semester. Since a class typically requires at least three credits, 12 credits will require four classes per semester.

How many hours is a full-time student at SMU?

A full-time load in the fall, spring and summer terms is 12 hours for undergraduates. Students who enroll for fewer than these minimum hours are designated part-time students. The normal undergraduate enrollment for each of the regular terms is 15 credit hours.

What is a standard course load?

Taking on a full course load In University Programs, a full course load is normally 5 courses per semester, or 15 semester credits. No students may register in more than 18 credits per semester.

Is 4 classes a semester too much?

Taking 12-15 credits is considered “full-time” in college lingo. That amounts to 4-5 classes, and for young students, that course load is really heavy (let's be honest, it's heavy for MOST students of any age).

Is 5 courses a semester too much?

So on average, you would expect to take five classes a semester. That's above the usual minimum, which is 12 hours, and below the maximum, which is normally 18. If you are wondering “how long are college classes?”, the answer is that each course varies, but typically one credit equals one hour per week.

How many credit hours is one course at SMU?

Undergraduate students are considered part-time when they take less than 3 courses per term (6 credit hours). A full course load typically consists of 5 courses per term (15 credit hours). You cannot register for more than 6 courses per term (18 credit hours). Double check all class times.

What is a good GPA in Singapore Management University?

3.0 to 3.5 GPAUsually, a 3.0 to 3.5 GPA is considered a good GPA on a 4.0 scale grading system. This is equivalent to a grad “B” above average. A 3.5 GPA is used as a general benchmark when defining a good university GPA. For a 5.0 scale grading system, a 4.0 above GPA score or a 4.5 above GPA score is considered a good GPA.

How many courses are there in SMU?

The SMU Core Curriculum is a menu of twelve carefully selected course units (CUs) to initiate undergraduates into their journey to become fully realised SMU graduates.

How do I calculate my course load?

To find your course load percentage for each term:Divide the number of units you're enrolled in by the 100% course load for one term.Example: enrolled in 9 units, 100% is 15 units: 9/15 = . 6 or 60% course load.

What is 60 of a full course load?

Your course load is the number of courses or credits you're taking. For OSAP , your course load is expressed as a percentage of a full course load. For example, if a full course load for your program is 5 courses and you're taking 3 courses, that's 60% of a full course load.

Is 14 credits too much?

College students who take fewer than 15 credits per semester during their freshman year are less likely to graduate within four years (i.e., on time), according to a new analysis from college consulting firm EAB. Its data shows 44 percent percent of incoming college students register for 12 to 14 credits.

How many hours of credit can I earn at SMU?

These programs are offered in January, May, and Summer terms. Students can earn 3, 6, 7, or 8 hours of credit while spending one to eight weeks studying, researching, or interning abroad. All courses are either taught by or approved by SMU faculty.

What is general education at SMU?

All SMU undergraduates participate in general education. General education provides students with a broad background in the liberal arts, which is essential to their growth as educated human beings. The general education curriculum is designed to help students put their majors into context, to promote valuable skills that students acquire in and outside the classroom in preparation for the modern workplace, to enable and encourage students to engage in their civic responsibilities at the university and beyond, and to create a passion and platform for life-long learning. The elements of general education are foundation, breadth, depth and co-curricular proficiency requirements. These elements are designed to build on one another over the four-year undergraduate experience. Students begin in foundations with a focus on writing, quantitative foundations, second language proficiency, wellness, and ways of knowing. The latter exposes students to interdisciplinary problem-solving by providing multiple, intellectual lenses through which to view a particular problem or issue, while comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. The breadth requirements, typically met in the first two years, provide students an opportunity to explore a variety of disciplinary frameworks for learning. Depth requirements, often met in the major, enable students to apply what they learn in breadth courses to an area of focus. Finally, during their time at SMU, students gain a set of skills that are recognized through the co-curricular proficiency requirements. These include writing in the discipline, oral communication, diversity of and engagement in the human experience, and information literacy. Thus, general education is an integral part of students’ learning and growth as they work toward graduating with a major or majors.

What is SMU Big IDEA?

Big iDeas at SMU supports entrepreneurship training and experience that fuels innovation. All undergraduates are invited to ignite their passions for starting a business, building a foundation, designing a product, or providing a service through the Big iDeas program. The entire SMU and wider Dallas communities are invited to participate in programming, networking, and organizational development opportunities at the Incubator@SMU.

What is an SRA at SMU?

The Office of Engaged Learning’s Undergraduate Research Assistantships (URA) and Summer Research Assistantships (SRA) provide research opportunities for students in all disciplines. Students work side-by-side with faculty mentors, for whom the Office of Engaged Learning provides matching funds to a department, school, or research grants. This office also matches SMU scholarship awards, including the Hamilton and McNair, and provides start-up funding to innovative developments in areas where there is high student interest and fewer resources for recent faculty research endeavors in areas such as digital humanities, oral history, and sustainability.

When did SMU start?

The University offers a range of distinguished graduate and professional programs, and since its beginnings in 1915, SMU has remained committed to the concept of a rigorous and relevant liberal arts undergraduate education.

What are the breadth requirements in college?

The breadth requirements, typically met in the first two years, provide students an opportunity to explore a variety of disciplinary frameworks for learning. Depth requirements, often met in the major, enable students to apply what they learn in breadth courses to an area of focus.

How many hours a week do you have to practice language?

At the beginning of each term, all students are notified via campus email of the opportunity to practice their language skills in an informal, one-on-one setting out-side the classroom for one to two hours a week.

What is general education at SMU?

All SMU undergraduates participate in general education. General education provides students with a broad background in the liberal arts, which is essential to their growth as educated human beings. The general education curriculum is designed to help students put their majors into context, to promote valuable skills that students acquire in and outside the classroom in preparation for the modern workplace, to enable and encourage students to engage in their civic responsibilities in college and beyond, and to create a passion and platform for life-long learning. The elements of general education are fundamental, breadth, depth and co-curricular proficiency requirements. These elements are designed to build on one another over the four-year undergraduate experience. Students begin in fundamentals with a focus on writing, quantitative reasoning, foreign language proficiency, wellness, and ways of knowing. The latter exposes students to multiple lenses through which to view a particular problem or issue while comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. The breadth requirements, typically met in the first two years, provide students an opportunity to explore a variety of interdisciplinary interests. Depth requirements, often met in the major, enable students to apply what they learn in breadth courses to an area of focus. Finally, during their time at SMU, students gain a variety of skills that are recognized through the co-curricular proficiency requirements. These include writing in the discipline, oral communication, diversity of and engagement in the human experience, and information literacy. Thus, general education is an integral part of students’ learning and growth as they work toward graduating with a major or majors.

What is engaged learning at SMU?

The Engaged Learning initiative helps students develop a significant and sophisticated understanding of disciplinary knowledge by putting their learning into practice. As a result, students cultivate professional skills related to their chosen fields.

What is the International Student and Scholar Services Office?

The International Student and Scholar Services Office provides immigration services to students, scholars and professors from around the globe who are engaged in academic studies or cultural exchange projects at SMU. ISSS coordinates pre-arrival information, ensures compliance with current federal guidelines and provides cultural and educational programming opportunities to SMU’s international community. ISSS is located in the Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building in the International Center, which supports students and faculty who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, as well as their families.

What is SMU abroad?

International experience is an integral part of an undergraduate education at SMU. The SMU Abroad Office serves the University by developing and coordinating international undergraduate programs, and by providing support services during and after the experience abroad. SMU Abroad programs are comprised of faculty-led interterm and summer programs as well as SMU-approved affiliated programs offered during the academic year. SMU Abroad programs offer opportunities for students to encounter diverse global communities and intellectual traditions through SMU’s international partnerships and global initiatives. SMU Abroad courses also enhance and enrich the University’s curriculum with experiential learning experiences around the world.

What is the SMU advising center?

Through the University Advising Center, every student entering SMU as a first-year or premajor transfer student collaborates with a professional academic adviser. Advisers help students acquire the skills to plan their majors and minors, schedule courses, and resolve academic problems that may arise. Computerized Degree Progress Reports provide students with detailed information concerning completion of degree requirements. The Advising Center, which is located on the fourth floor of the Blanton Student Services Building, has received national recognition for its innovative programs and outstanding staff.

How many hours a week do you have to practice language?

At the beginning of each term, all students are notified via campus email of the opportunity to practice their language skills in an informal, one-on-one setting out-side the classroom for one to two hours a week.

Where is SMU located?

The University maintains an academic campus at Fort Burgwin, located 10 miles southeast of Taos, New Mexico. Academic terms are regularly offered at the SMU-in-Taos campus in January and during the summer.

How many credits do you need to be a full time undergraduate?

To be considered a full-time undergraduate student, you need to be registered in a minimum of 3 courses per term (9 credit hours). Undergraduate students are considered part-time when they take less than 3 courses per term (6 credit hours). A full course load typically consists of 5 courses per term (15 credit hours).

Do you have to take a full course load?

Take a manageable number of classes. You are not required to take a full course load. Many courses include labs and recitations. Make sure you leave enough time for assignments and studying for exams. (Note: Taking fewer courses may extend the length of your degree.)

Academic Programs

SMU offers degrees in five undergraduate and graduate schools and three graduate professional schools: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Edwin L. Cox School of Business, the Dedman School of Law, the Linda and Mitch Hart SMU Guildhall, the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering, the Algur H.

Engaged Learning: Research and Entrepreneurship Programs

Over the last decade, the Office of Engaged Learning has developed and refined experiential education opportunities for SMU students through a cluster of research and entrepreneurship initiatives built on a cycle of action, reflection, and implementation.

Academic Advising for SMU Pre-Majors

Through the University Advising Center, every student entering SMU as a first-year or premajor transfer student collaborates with a professional academic adviser. Advisers help students acquire the skills to plan their majors and minors, schedule courses, and resolve academic problems that may arise.

Academic Advising for Majors

After completing 24 credit hours and meeting other program admission requirements, students may be eligible to declare their major and transfer their records to an adviser in the school that houses their major field of study. Those who elect study in the humanities, sciences or social sciences enter Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

English as a Second Language Program

Students whose first language is not English may encounter special challenges as they strive to function efficiently and succeed in less familiar cultural and academic settings. Dedman College offers the following ESL courses to students from all schools and departments of SMU.

SMU Abroad

In a globalized economy, employers increasingly demand job candidates with intercultural competence. Studying, interning, and researching abroad builds global experience, which is an integral part of an undergraduate education.

International Student and Scholar Services

The International Student and Scholar Services Office provides immigration services to students, scholars and professors from around the globe who are engaged in academic studies or cultural exchange projects at SMU.

What is general education at SMU?

All SMU undergraduates participate in general education. General education provides students with a broad background in the liberal arts, which is essential to their growth as educated human beings. The general education curriculum is designed to help students put their majors into context, to promote valuable skills that students acquire in and outside the classroom in preparation for the modern workplace, to enable and encourage students to engage in their civic responsibilities in college and beyond, and to create a passion and platform for life-long learning. The elements of general education are fundamental, breadth, depth and co-curricular proficiency requirements. These elements are designed to build on one another over the four-year undergraduate experience. Students begin in fundamentals with a focus on writing, quantitative reasoning, foreign language proficiency, wellness, and ways of knowing. The latter exposes students to multiple lenses through which to view a particular problem or issue while comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. The breadth requirements, typically met in the first two years, provide students an opportunity to explore a variety of interdisciplinary interests. Depth requirements, often met in the major, enable students to apply what they learn in breadth courses to an area of focus. Finally, during their time at SMU, students gain a variety of skills that are recognized through the co-curricular proficiency requirements. These include writing in the discipline, oral communication, diversity of and engagement in the human experience, and information literacy. Thus, general education is an integral part of students’ learning and growth as they work toward graduating with a major or majors.

Where is SMU located?

The University maintains an academic campus at Fort Burgwin, located 10 miles southeast of Taos, New Mexico. Academic terms are regularly offered at the SMU-in-Taos campus in January and during the summer.

What is the International Student and Scholar Services Office?

The International Student and Scholar Services Office provides immigration services to students, scholars and professors from around the globe who are engaged in academic studies or cultural exchange projects at SMU. ISSS coordinates pre-arrival information, ensures compliance with current federal guidelines and provides cultural and educational programming opportunities to SMU’s international community. ISSS is located in the Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building in the International Center, which supports students and faculty who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, as well as their families.

What is SMU abroad?

International experience is an integral part of an undergraduate education at SMU. The SMU Abroad Office serves the University by developing and coordinating international undergraduate programs, and by providing support services during and after the experience abroad. SMU Abroad programs are comprised of faculty-led interterm and summer programs as well as SMU-approved affiliated programs offered during the academic year. SMU Abroad programs offer opportunities for students to encounter diverse global communities and intellectual traditions through SMU’s international partnerships and global initiatives. SMU Abroad courses also enhance and enrich the University’s curriculum with experiential learning experiences around the world.

What is the SMU advising center?

Through the University Advising Center, every student entering SMU as a first-year or premajor transfer student collaborates with a professional academic adviser. Advisers help students acquire the skills to plan their majors and minors, schedule courses, and resolve academic problems that may arise. Computerized Degree Progress Reports provide students with detailed information concerning completion of degree requirements. The Advising Center, which is located on the fourth floor of the Blanton Student Services Building, has received national recognition for its innovative programs and outstanding staff.

What is SMU CGI?

SMU is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative University Network (CGI U), a consortium of colleges and universities that support, mentor, and provide seed funding to student leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. SMU is one of more than 60 colleges and universities worldwide who have joined the CGI U network.

What is SMU Big IDEA?

Big iDeas at SMU supports entrepreneurship training and experience that shapes the intelligence and potential necessary of world changers. All undergraduates are invited to ignite their passions of starting a business, building a foundation, designing a product, or providing a service through the Big iDeas program. The entire SMU community is invited to participate in programming, networking, and organization development opportunities at the SMU Incubator.