Southern Methodist University Science & Engineering Profile | CollegeXpress

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

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Science & Engineering Profile


Think Big, Do Good®

Top-Tier research, big impact.
SMU ranks among the nation’s top research universities. As an R1 university in the heart of Dallas designated by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, SMU brings government, industry and academia together to solve societal challenges. Students at SMU are given more opportunities for research and the chance to elevate engagement amongst community and industry partners.  Additionally, achieving R1 status enables SMU to attract top-tier faculty and increase collaboration with partner institutions and agencies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem—paired with entrepreneurial drive—creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Engineer your future
In SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering, students across all fields of study are encouraged to “Think Big, Do Good”. At Lyle, that mission calls students to learn and grow into their roles as builders, creators, researchers and innovators of the highest caliber. Enterprising spirits forge new pathways and encourage bold problem-solving on a global scale. Whether it's developing distribution plans that ensure access to clean water to inventing pH sensors that predict when food spoilage happens in real time, the possibilities are limitless. Join students and faculty from across the globe to harness innovative research and engineer the future. 

Explore more majors
SMU serves over 7,000 undergraduate and nearly 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools. Discover what each has to offer and find your fit: 

• Cox School of Business
• Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
• Lyle School of Engineering
• Meadows School of the Arts
• Simmons School of Education and Human Development
• Dedman School of Law
• Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
• Perkins School of Theology 

ACCOLADES

 

Ranked in the top 20% of “Best National Universities” | U.S. News & World Report 2026

 

SMU graduates earn 71% more than the national average salary for college graduates | College Factual 2025

 

The Dallas area is named the #1 “Big City for Jobs” | Forbes

Lyle School of Engineering at SMU

Lyle School of Engineering, a place where innovation, leadership, and hands-on experience are not just encouraged, but expected.

A Hub of Academic Excellence
The Lyle School boasts a comprehensive range of undergraduate programs, including Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Computer Science and Management Science. What sets SMU apart is its commitment to interdisciplinary learning. You're not just confined to one department; you're encouraged to explore and combine your interests. This flexibility allows you to tailor your education to your specific career goals, whether that's in sustainable design, cybersecurity, or the booming field of biomedical engineering.

Real-World Impact
What truly distinguishes the Lyle School is its emphasis on practical experience and leadership. Through initiatives like the Hart Center for Engineering Leadership, you'll develop the communication and project management skills that employers are looking for. The School's numerous research centers and institutes, like the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity and the Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity, offer unparalleled opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in groundbreaking research that's making a real-world impact.

The Future of Making Things Now
Imagine designing and testing a new aircraft component in a virtual world before it's ever built. At SMU's new Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing (CDHAM), this is a reality. This state-of-the-art facility is at the forefront of the next industrial revolution, exploring how digital twins, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality are transforming the way we create. As a student, you'll have the chance to work alongside industry partners on cutting-edge projects, gaining invaluable experience in the technologies that will shape the future of engineering and manufacturing.

Mustang Day
Bring your unbridled ambition to the Hilltop and spend the day experiencing SMU. At Mustang Day, you'll explore the academic programs that interest you, tour campus, hear directly from current students, and discover the many ways you can shape your SMU experience.

 

An Inside Look

What students are saying about us...

  • “SMU was my perfect decision. One of my favorite memories is giving a campus tour to SMU Board of Trustees Chair Robert H. Dedman, Jr.”

    • Abby Johnson
      Majors: Biology and Mathematics
      Minors: Chemistry
      Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
  • "I have been able to excel inside and outside of the classroom by not saying no to the challenges that have come up along the way. Additionally, my experiences at SMU and my internship have taught me that your title is just that, but the work you do is much greater."

    • Ian Perkins-Smith
      Majors: Mechanical Engineering and Physics
      Hometown: Richardson, Texas
  • “The school pride and community are incredible at SMU. We are all proud to be Mustangs and genuinely love our school.”

    • Jake Greene
      Majors: Finance and Markets and Culture
      Minors: History
      Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
  • “SMU offers fantastic opportunities for students to connect with and contribute to the Dallas community. From internships to volunteering around the community, SMU students are welcomed with open arms.”

    • John David Clark
      Major: Finance
      Hometown: Carmel, Indiana