51Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes
About SMU Lyle School of Engineering
The Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University (SMU), based in Dallas, Texas, brings together nearly a century of engineering education with a clear focus on where the field is heading next.
Named in 2008 after alumnus and industry leader Bobby B. Lyle, the school reflects a strong connection between academic study and professional practice. That influence still shapes the way students learn today, through a focus on practical problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world impact.
As part of SMU, a private research university classified among the top tier of U.S. research institutions (R1), Lyle offers a graduate environment that combines academic depth with applied learning. The school’s approach is guided by a focus on developing engineers who can think critically, adapt to new technologies, and lead in changing industries.
Studying at Lyle also means leveraging industry networks in Dallas, one of the United States’ major business and technology hubs. With strong links to sectors including engineering, technology, energy, and finance, the city offers opportunities to build experience, connect with employers, and take your next steps while you study.
Explore more about life at the Lyle School of Engineering via their Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
About SMU Lyle School of Engineering
The Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University (SMU), based in Dallas, Texas, brings together nearly a century of engineering education with a clear focus on where the field is heading next.
Named in 2008 after alumnus and industry leader Bobby B. Lyle, the school reflects a strong connection between academic study and professional practice. That influence still shapes the way students learn today, through a focus on practical problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world impact.
As part of SMU, a private research university classified among the top tier of U.S. research institutions (R1), Lyle offers a graduate environment that combines academic depth with applied learning. The school’s approach is guided by a focus on developing engineers who can think critically, adapt to new technologies, and lead in changing industries.
Studying at Lyle also means leveraging industry networks in Dallas, one of the United States’ major business and technology hubs. With strong links to sectors including engineering, technology, energy, and finance, the city offers opportunities to build experience, connect with employers, and take your next steps while you study.
Explore more about life at the Lyle School of Engineering via their Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
Available programmes
University information
Applying to a graduate program at SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering involves a review process designed to assess both your academic background and your potential for advanced engineering study.
Admissions Requirements
- Complete application
- Application Fee
- All Transcripts
Applicants must submit transcripts from each higher education institution attended, regardless of whether a degree was earned. Lyle School of Engineering will accept unofficial transcripts for admissions review, but all admitted applicants must provide official transcripts before course registration at SMU.
International Admissions
If you’re applying as an international student, there are a few additional requirements:
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOEFL - Minimum Score: 4 on the band scale
- PTE - Minimum Score: 55
- IELTS - Minimum Score: 6.5
- Duolingo - Minimum Score: 110
- Home Based Tests Accepted
English Language Proficiency Waivers
A student may waive English Language Proficiency Requirements if the student received a bachelor's or master's from an English Language Institution located in: United States, Canada (except Quebec), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, American Samoa, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Singapore, Trinidad/Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, U.S. Pacific Trust.
Master
As a student at SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities where engineers become future ready for the global landscape.
You’ll also benefit from wider university facilities that support study, research, and student life:
- Libraries and study spaces, including access to academic journals, research databases, and quiet work areas such as the Fondren Library Center
- Recreation and fitness facilities, including gyms, fitness classes, and sports spaces at the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports
- A range of on-campus dining options, cafés, and social spaces, including hubs like the Hughes-Trigg Student Center
Student life
Graduate life at SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering is shaped by hands-on learning, collaboration, and the opportunity to build real connections in a major U.S. city.
As an engineering student, your day-to-day experience is likely to include:
- Working closely with classmates and faculty on projects, research, and real-world engineering challenges
- Spending time in labs, collaborative spaces, or innovation hubs bringing ideas to life
- Developing practical skills that connect directly to your career goals
We offer flexible graduate programs with in-person and online options in full or part-time programs.
You’ll also be part of the wider SMU community, with access to:
- Networking events and social activities
- Fitness and recreation facilities to help you recharge
- Arts, culture, and athletics in the vibrant city of Dallas
- Spaces to study, meet friends, or take a break between classes
Cost of Living
As a graduate student at SMU, you can choose between university-managed apartments and private off-campus housing.
SMU manages a series of apartment properties in University Park, near campus, that are available for rent on a 12-month contract for currently enrolled upper-division (Juniors or higher) undergraduate and graduate students. For more information, visit the SMU Apartments page.
The Dallas Regional Chamber has also created a Dallas Cost of Living Calculator to understand what life in DFW might cost.
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Employability
Career preparation is a key part of the graduate experience at SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering, with a strong focus on helping you build industry connections and take the next step in your career.
You’ll have access to a range of career-focused support, including:
- A dedicated Career Development Center, a resource for resume assistance, career coaching, career fairs and more
- Access to internships and job opportunities through SMU's 12twenty premier job search software, internships and SMU's vast corporate networks.
- Mentorship providing access to guidance from experienced alumni and industry professionals.
Graduate outcomes reflect this strong career focus:
- About 90% of graduates secure employment within six months
- Graduates move into roles across engineering, technology, consulting, finance, energy, and related sectors
- Many students use their degree to progress within their current organization or transition into more specialized roles
Graduates from Lyle go on to roles across areas such as:
- Civil and environmental engineering
- AI
- Network engineering
- Quantum engineering
- Data science and machine learning
- Cybersecurity
- Manufacturing Leadership
- Systems engineering
- Management
- Datacenter Systems Management
- Digital Twin Technology
Campus locations
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Frequently Asked Questions
SMU Lyle offers a wide range of graduate programs across the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Multidisciplinary Programs, and Operations Research and Engineering Management.
At SMU Lyle, you can take advantage of our customizable and stackable degrees with flexible in-person and online options.
Admissions Requirements
- Complete application
- Application Fee
- All Transcripts
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOEFL - Minimum Score: 4 on the band scale
- PTE - Minimum Score: 55
- IELTS - Minimum Score: 6.5
- Duolingo - Minimum Score: 110
- Home-Based Tests Accepted
English Language Proficiency Waivers
A student may waive English Language Proficiency Requirements if the student received a bachelor's or master's from an English Language Institution located in: United States, Canada (except Quebec), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, American Samoa, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Singapore, Trinidad/Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, U.S. Pacific Trust.
Graduates from SMU Lyle move into leadership roles within engineering fields and also in fields that are connected to technology. SMU's strong global network provides opportunities at top industry-leading companies.
Many students advance and are promoted within their current employer, and others find new opportunities.
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