BACHELORS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA)

Academic Programs

SMU Cox offers eight business majors, a specialization within one major, a minor in business, and a minor in business administration. Most students select their business major after completing introductory courses in the various business disciplines as part of the core courses common to all business majors.

Cox strongly encourages students to seek additional majors and minors in areas outside of business, and to take advantage of the many study abroad opportunities available through SMU.

Curriculum

SMU Cox has a long tradition of excellence and expertise in business education and is recognized annually for its outstanding faculty, effective teaching techniques, and cutting-edge curriculum. You will be taught by some of the most renowned thought leaders in business, learn from a variety of teaching styles, and be challenged by a motivated and diverse group of peers. At Cox, you will develop a solid foundation in the fundamentals while enjoying the flexibility to customize your education based on your personal interests and professional goals.

Methods

No one method is effective for teaching all subjects. That is why the teaching methods at Cox vary between theoretical overview, lectures, discussions, case studies, team projects, independent projects, simulation, role-playing, and one-on-one mentoring. This type of interactive education demands your active participation. Doing so will result in a significant advantage over job candidates and business competitors, alike.  

Core Subjects

All Cox BBA degrees require the completion of a minimum of sixteen business courses.  Ten of these courses are in core subjects including accounting, finance, statistics, marketing, law, management, operations management, and strategy or entrepreneurship – all with special emphasis on teamwork. This well-balanced program mirrors real-life and prepares you to enter the business world with superior managerial skill sets and the ability to lead with confidence. 

Business Majors

In addition to the eleven courses required in the business core, all BBA students also complete the courses required for one of the eight business majors:  Accounting, Finance, Financial Consulting, General Business, Management, Marketing, and Real Estate Finance, Risk Management and Insurance or the Finance Specialization in Alternative Assets Management.

Business Minors

Cox offers two business minors. The Minor in Business Administration is a general business minor available for non-business majors.  Students in the Minor in Business Administration must fulfill the same prerequisite courses and admission requirements as business majors, and are enrolled in the same core business courses as majors. 

The new Minor in Business is a summer-only program for non-business majors. This minor is available to any non-Cox student, and consists of 18 hours (6 courses) that provide a solid business foundation in business basics.  The Minor in Business will take two summers to complete.