Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find answers to some commonly asked questions we get at ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education. If you don't see your question answered here, please reach out to us at execed@smu.edu. We'd love to hear from you!

What is ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education?

ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education offers a variety of noncredit programs to enhance your life and help you reach your academic or career goals. ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education programs include professional development for both individuals and organizations.

Who do I contact if I need help?

The best way to reach us is to email execed@smu.edu. You can also call the ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education office at 214-768-3335.

What is the application or enrollment deadline to register for ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education courses?

Online registration deadlines vary by program. Late registration may be possible. If online registration has closed for your preferred program, please contact ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education at execed@smu.edu or 214-768-3335 for other options.

Who is eligible to take ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education classes?

ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education offers courses available to anyone wanting to advance in their career, transition into a new career or simply augment their personal skills. Our programs are specifically designed for adult students 18 years old and older.   Some programs may have specific criteria, such as level of professional work experience, for enrollment.

Formal admission to ҹɫÍõ³¯is not required to enroll in an ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education course. Participating in an ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education program does not in itself provide preference in admission to any ҹɫÍõ³¯degree program.

Do ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education programs have prerequisites?

Not necessarily. Some programs may require a certain level of education, prior training, demonstrated skills or previous coursework completed in order to enroll. Be sure to read the details and recommendations listed for a particular program.

Do I have to formally apply, submit transcripts or provide test scores to be accepted into an ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education program?

In general, no.  However, some programs may require a certain level of education, prior training, demonstrated skills or previous coursework completed in order to enroll. Be sure to read the details and recommendations listed for a particular program.

What is the application or enrollment deadline to register for ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education courses?

Online registration deadlines vary by program. Late registration may be possible. If online registration has closed for your preferred program, please contact ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education at execed@smu.edu or 214-768-3335 for other options.

Where will my class meet?

For all ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education classes, you will receive individualized communication before class with further instructions to find your classroom or to access an online meeting room.  Unless otherwise specified, all on campus programs will be held in the James M. Collins Executive Education Center at ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox.   There are several parking garages within 1-2 blocks of this building and you will be provided with parking pass.  For additional assistance to find your classroom location and parking on campus, please consult the ҹɫÍõ³¯Campus Map.

What do I need to bring to class?

Most programs do not require specific textbooks, equipment or other materials. You will receive individualized communication before class with further instructions and recommendations from your instructor.

May I bring my laptop to my in-person class?

Yes, for many programs laptops will help you to complete in-class exercises and activities. ҹɫÍõ³¯classrooms generally are not equipped with computers for students’ use. While attending class on the ҹɫÍõ³¯campus, you may access SMU’s complimentary guest wireless network.

What if I need to miss class for religious observance of a holiday?

If you need to miss class for religious observance, you are expected to notify your instructor in advance of your absence and are required to make up any missed work.  While students are expected to notify instructors at the beginning of the term if they will need an adjustment to assignment dates or exams, instructors are encouraged to work with students to make proper arrangements for accessing course materials and making up missed work in a timely manner.

I will be traveling from out of town to attend.  Does ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education recommend particular hotels nearby? What about parking?

Yes, ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox does partner with hotels in the area to offer discounts and transportation to campus.  Please visit the Hotels and Accommodations page for details. When you park on campus, you will likely park in Binkley Parking Garage. Your Executive Education Client Engagement team member will ensure you have directions and a parking pass for the days of your course.


Can I register and pay tuition when I arrive at my class?

No. Students must register and pay before attending a course. Instructors cannot accept registration fees.

What if my preferred program is full when I attempt to register?

You may join the wait-list for courses that have reached maximum enrollment. If space becomes available, or if additional sections are added, wait-listed students will be notified and may proceed with registration. Joining a wait-list does not obligate you to register if/when a space becomes available.

My company is paying my program fees; how do I process this payment?

If your company is paying for your tuition, please register for your desired program, but do not pay when prompted.  Email execed@smu.edu to request an invoice that can be given to your company for payment.

Does ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education offer a payment plan?

At this time, ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox does not offer payment plans for Executive Education programs.  However, if you would like to pay in installments or need alternative arrangements, please email execed@smu.edu and a member of our team will help provide options.

Do you have recommendations on how to secure employer financial support for an ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education program?

We have created this sample letter or email you can customize and use with your employer.

Are any discounts available?

Yes!  We offer a variety of discounts for early registration, ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox alumni, Military Veterans and Active-Duty military, individuals working in non-profit or the Government, and ҹɫÍõ³¯employees.  Many of the ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education programs offer group discounts for 3 or more participants from you corporation or place of work. Please visit the Financial Discounts page for details.

Are veterans or active military entitled to any tuition assistance for ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education programs?

Yes, ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education offers a 20% discount.  Please visit the Financial Discounts page for details.

What is included in the program fee?

The program fee for programs includes program materials, on campus parking, breakfast and lunch.  Some programs also include dinner and/or a reception as a part of the program.  Please review individual program website for complete details.

What if I have to cancel my registration for an ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education program?

Withdrawal and cancellation policies vary by program. Please notify us in writing by sending a message to exed@smu.edu if you need to cancel your registration. ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education staff can assist you with options for transfer, deferment, or withdrawal.

Failure to attend class does not constitute withdrawal. Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for more information.

Why might a course be cancelled by SMU?

While rare, ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment. Classes may also be cancelled due to inclement weather or other extenuating circumstances.

ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education staff will make every effort to notify students of program cancellations in advance. Should ҹɫÍõ³¯cancel a program, students may be offered refunds, transfers, or opportunities to place funds in escrow to apply to future enrollments.

What is required to successfully complete an ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education program?

Completion requirements vary by program and may include attendance policies, participation expectations, assignments or other assessments.  Please review specific program expectations prior to enrollment.

Can I earn CEUs, CPE or PDU credit?

Yes! Many ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education programs can be used for contact hours or Continuing Professional Education hours (CPEs). Upon request, we can verify student enrollment and hours associated with a course. Please check with a professional organization prior to enrollment to see if your preferred program may qualify for any professional development credits.

Can I take a ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education programs for university academic credit?

ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education courses do not offer college credit, but they can be an excellent way to build professional skills or explore an interest.

What will I receive when I complete a certificate program?

You will receive a certificate of completion as well as a Credly digital badge that can be used in email signatures, digital resumes or on social media to share your accomplishments.  For more information please visit the What is Credly page.

Now that I know what a course looks like, can I suggest a course idea?

If you'd like to propose a course idea or would like to teach a class for ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education, please email us at execed@smu.edu.

If I complete a program from ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education, am I considered an ҹɫÍõ³¯graduate?

No. You are only considered a graduate of ҹɫÍõ³¯when you earn an academic degree from a degree-granting unit or department. However, completing an ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox Executive Education program shows potential employers that you have had an educational experience from a highly reputable institution. Additionally, you will receive ongoing benefits from ҹɫÍõ³¯Cox such as invitations to special events on campus such as leadership speakers. 

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