Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences is at the heart of the SMU academic experience–where students explore big questions, connect ideas across disciplines and prepare to make an impact.
Since SMU opened its doors in 1915, the humanities and sciences have been at the core of the University’s academic experience. Today, Dedman College continues that tradition by bringing together students and scholars who are curious about the world, eager to make discoveries and ready to take on some of today’s biggest challenges.
As the University’s oldest and largest academic unit, Dedman College spans the humanities, natural and mathematical sciences, and social sciences. This wide range of disciplines gives students the freedom to explore ideas from different angles–connecting the study of people, cultures and societies with science, data and new ways of solving problems.
The College serves nearly all SMU undergraduates through the University’s Common Curriculum and is also home to world-class programs in human rights, anthropology and archaeology, particle physics and cosmology, statistics and data science, economics and more. Across these fields, faculty are conducting groundbreaking research, producing innovative scholarship and creating work that helps us better understand our world.
Through research, internships, community engagement and other hands-on experiences in Dallas and beyond, students put what they learn into action. Dedman College graduates carry their curiosity, creativity and critical-thinking skills into a wide range of careers–as scientists making new discoveries, writers and artists sharing new perspectives, analysts making sense of complex information, entrepreneurs building new ideas and public servants strengthening their communities. Whatever path they choose, they leave prepared to adapt, lead with purpose and make a meaningful difference.
