Question about MBA program at SMU

[PonySoprano]

I graduated with my MBA in 1996 and went through what they now call the Professional Program - back then is was called the part-time program (I worked full time and went to classes at night and weekends). Since it was 10 years ago, my expereince is dated, but I remember the workload being full, but not completely overbearing. Being part of a study group really helped - there was no way I would have made it through the program without the help of study group in each class.

The type of work depended on the class; however, in the majority of my classes team projects/papers were empathized. Case studies were also a large part of the assignments and there was a lot of reading in all classes.

Overall, I thought the professors were very good and they were accessible.

[Louishenry]

One of cousins did his MBA from SMU couple of years back and I remember PonySoprano he told me same things which just told. I think not much has changed since then.

[RGV Pony]

I'm in the middle of the EMBA now...which is every other Fri/Sat for 21 months. Same profs mostly that do the PMBA. I concur what's said above. I would add there is a whole bunch of reading and work outside of class. Important to not fall behind or its easy to get lost. Study groups are important, especially to the extent each member needs to pull his/her own weight.

I think CoxMustangFan did the full time MBA so he can add that perspective

[friarwolf]

When I began my MBA at SMU, I thought classes that emphasized papers and projects would be easier. I quickly learned to love classes that just had tests...............

[Mustangs_Maroons]

I didn't get my MBA from SMU, but I think the answers to your questions will depend on whether you're planning on attending the FT vs. the professional programs (part-time or EMBA).

[CalallenStang]

I didn't get my MBA from SMU, but I do realize that this thread is from 2006.

[CoxMustangFan]

.

[NewAgeMustange]

I don't know about SMU, but as a non-business grad (Biology) I got into the UTD's EMBA and I have been enjoying it so far. The EMBA works really well with a career in research and hasn't put any undue stress on my part.

[FriscoChuck]

Received my SMU EMBA in 2008. None of classes are easy but put in the study time and you will make grades. Study time w group meetings will be between 2 to 8 hours per week per class. Lots of reading but you will quickly learn what reading is critical and what is not.

If you choose SMU you will also want to budget social happy hour time each week to get to know classmates. So allow for 2 hours after class each week. The relationships you make at SMU are key. If that is unimportant to you then save your money and go to UTD.

[CoxMustangFan]

The relationships you make at SMU are key. If that is unimportant to you then save your money and go to UTD.

Agree 100%, FWIW.

[ponyboy]

I graduated with my MBA in 1996 and went through what they now call the Professional Program - back then is was called the part-time program

When I was there about the same time my class voted to change it from Part Time MBA to Professional MBA

[NewAgeMustange]

The connections are important and frankly if I hadn't gotten in with the sub-set of people that I am in with (all UTSW employees) I would probably have not picked UTD

[tristatecoog]

Wonder where the OP ended up going.

Smaller classes and better brand name also give edge to SMU over UTD. Real campus gives edge to SMU over UT-A's DFW program. For a FT program, it's about getting that first job. For a PT program, class size, resources and connections play a good part but learning is also important.

I've been a mentor to Cox MBAs for the last ten years. Excellent students and they've done well in their careers.