Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

This programme is offered through the Cox School of Business and combines core Bachelor of Business Administration coursework with a concentration in Management and Operations. The curriculum builds foundations in accounting, finance, marketing and organisational behaviour before focusing on the tools and methods used to design, manage and optimise operations.

• Core business foundations: introductory accounting, microeconomics, finance fundamentals, marketing principles, business law and ethics.
• Management and operations core: operations management, supply chain management, production planning, service operations, quality management and lean/six sigma principles.
• Analytics and quantitative methods: business statistics, operations research, data analytics for decision making and forecasting methods.
• Strategic and organisational topics: strategic management, organisational behaviour, project management and change implementation.
• Capstone and experiential learning: operations-focused capstone projects, industry case studies, internships with Dallas‑area employers and opportunities for live projects with corporate partners.
• Electives and special topics: technology in operations (ERP systems), procurement and sourcing, global logistics, sustainability in supply chains and entrepreneurship electives for students interested in operationalising new ventures.

Many students customise their programme with minors or certificates in areas such as business analytics, information systems or sustainability to complement the operations focus. Small class sizes in upper‑level courses emphasise team projects, simulations and applied problem solving.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BBA programme is through Southern Methodist University and the Cox School of Business. Typical entry requirements include a completed secondary school diploma or equivalent and a strong academic record with evidence of quantitative ability. Applicants commonly present coursework in mathematics (algebra, pre‑calculus or calculus) and English.

For domestic applicants, submission of standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) may be part of the application process depending on current admissions policies. International applicants are usually required to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications. Additional materials often requested include a personal statement, letters of recommendation and a résumé or list of extracurricular activities.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of completed introductory business or quantitative courses; many students transfer into Cox after completing general education and foundational courses at another institution. The programme values evidence of teamwork, leadership and practical experience such as internships or relevant employment.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Management and Operations concentration enter a broad range of roles that focus on improving organisational performance and delivering operational value. Common entry and early‑career roles include:

• Operations analyst or operations manager
• Supply chain analyst, planner or logistics coordinator
• Procurement/sourcing specialist and buyer
• Project manager or programme coordinator
• Process improvement or quality engineer (Lean/Six Sigma roles)
• Business analyst with an operational focus and management consulting roles specialising in operations

Graduates work across industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, technology, transportation and professional services. Many use the BBA as a foundation for professional certifications (e.g. APICS/ASCM, PMP, Lean/Six Sigma) or continue to graduate study such as a specialised Master’s in Supply Chain, an MBA or related fields.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

Studying Management and Operations at SMU offers close engagement with the Cox School of Business, where curriculum design emphasises applied learning and connections to the Dallas–Fort Worth corporate community. The university’s location provides access to internships, company projects and networking with major employers in logistics, energy, finance and technology.

Cox supports students with dedicated career services, industry speaker programmes and alumni mentorship. Faculty combine academic research with practical experience in operations and supply chain topics, and students benefit from experiential courses, capstone projects and student organisations focused on operations, analytics and consulting.

The programme’s flexibility allows students to pursue double majors, minors or certificates, and SMU promotes study abroad, co‑op and internship opportunities to gain global perspectives on supply chains and operations management. Small class sizes and a collaborative campus environment help students develop leadership and team skills valued by employers.