MEDIA RESOURCES

 

CONTACT: communications@mail.cox.smu.edu

DALLAS, Texas (SMU) - SMU's Cox School of Business has received a record number of applications for the full-time MBA class entering in Fall 2002, eclipsing last year's number by more than 150 percent. The increase in applications, attributed to the Cox School's rise in national and international rankings, has yielded a highly qualified group of candidates, allowing the school to be more selective in its admissions process. As a result, the first class of Edwin L. Cox Distinguished Scholars will represent the best of the best, comprising the top 10 students from an outstanding field of candidates.

"The Cox School offers students a real-world business education in a rigorous academic environment where the experience is paramount," said Albert W. Niemi, Jr., dean of the Cox School of Business. "By attracting some of the brightest business minds in the world, the Cox Distinguished Scholars Program enhances the school's ability to enrich the educational experience for all our students."

The size of the Cox School's incoming full-time MBA class for Fall 2002 is expected to remain comparable to last year's class of 134 students. While final admissions averages are not yet available, the Cox MBA Admissions Office has reported a higher overall quality of candidates.

"Historically, Cox MBA programs have done well during tough economic times," said Marci Armstrong, associate dean of MBA programs. "However, this has been a record year for us at this point. As a result, we're noticing a more diverse pool of applicants, both domestic and international, as well as a stronger group of candidates in terms of their academic and professional achievements."

Created to recognize and attract exceptional MBA candidates, the Cox Distinguished Scholars Program offers unique opportunities that greatly enhance the overall MBA experience. In the fall of 2002, as many as 10 MBA candidates will be awarded full-tuition scholarships. Those Cox Distinguished Scholars also will participate in educational trips to New York City's financial district and to a public policy forum in Washington, D.C.

SMU's Cox School of Business offers a full range of business education programs, from BBA and full-time MBA to Professional MBA (PMBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), and Executive Education. Cox is ranked among the top business schools nationally and internationally by major publications including BusinessWeek, Financial Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report. In addition, the school's Business Leadership Center (BLC), Caruth Institute of Owner-Managed Business, American Airlines Global Leadership Program (GLP), and Associate Board executive mentoring program are recognized nationally and internationally.