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Advance your career with credentials that count

Elevate your career with SMU's Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) programs, designed for curious and motivated professionals. Each of these industry-driven programs combine cutting-edge knowledge with practical application, empowering you with the skills to navigate and lead in growing fields. 

Communications & Marketing

Learn to tell compelling stories with data and design, and craft effective marketing strategies to meet business goals in these programs shaped by market demands.

Digital Marketing

Graphic Design

Legal & Finance

Prepare for dynamic careers in the fields of law and finance with courses designed by practicing experts to help professionals gain in-demand knowledge and practical skills.

Paralegal Studies 

Spanish for Legal Professionals

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Management & Technology

Elevate your ability to execute on business strategy and government contracts with programs in project management and DoD cybersecurity mandates.

Project Management

SMU’s CAPE programs, led by expert instructors, are your launchpad to success—aligning with industry demands and providing tailored feedback to maximize your potential. Become a part of a renowned institution, engage in meaningful collaborations, and apply your expertise with real-world capstone projects. SMU CAPE is not just an educational choice—it's a strategic career move for those who want to make an impact.

Duration: ≥6 months

Format: Live online or on campus
No application required.

Navigate the lightning-paced world of marketing with SMU's Digital Marketing Certificate. This course equips marketing newcomers and seasoned professionals alike with the ability to adapt to the digital terrain using actionable metrics. Led by industry experts, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of marketing through evolving platforms, from social media to SEO, ensuring that you're well-versed in tools and techniques that align with business goals. Register now—no application required.

Career outlook:

Build skills that translate across industries, as organizations continue to prioritize digital channels, data-driven decision-making, and customer engagement strategies.

Potential career paths:

• Marketing analytics
• Content strategy
• Digital campaign management
• Brand marketing leadership

Duration: 7 months

Format: Weekly live online classes and 4 hrs/wk self-study

No application required.

Master Adobe® Creative Cloud® software to create print and digital works that resonate with your target audiences in SMU's Graphic Design Certificate Program. Courses will guide you from core design principles to building a polished portfolio that showcases your unique style. Suited for emerging talents and seasoned practitioners, this certificate paves the way for a career in visual communication. Register now—no application required.

Potential career paths:

• Graphic designer
• Visual designer
• Brand designer 
• Digital content creator

Career outlook:

Develop creative and technical capabilities to support brand storytelling across digital and print platforms in a visually driven marketplace.

Duration: 6 months

Format: Weekly live online classes or on campus

The SMU Paralegal Studies Certificate program equips you for continued excellence in the evolving landscape of law. Designed with a comprehensive curriculum, SMU’s paralegal program includes added focus on legal technology and career planning. Ideal for those new to law, current legal workers aiming to refine their skills, or students contemplating law school, the SMU certificate propels you into a market eager for your expertise.

Potential career paths:

• Paralegal
• Legal assistant
• Legal operations specialist
• Compliance support

Career outlook:

Gain foundational legal knowledge and practical skills to support attorneys and legal teams across a variety of practice areas and organizational settings.

Duration: 9 weeks

Format: Weekly live online classes and 4 hrs/wk self-study

SMU’s Spanish for Legal Professionals Certificate is designed for legal practitioners aiming to serve Spanish-speaking clients effectively, without reliance on interpreters. Bilingual fluency is crucial for legal professionals who work in a community with a large population of Spanish-speakers and it can also improve your candidacy for international law firms. Endorsed by the State Bar of Texas for CLE credit, law students, paralegals, or seasoned attorneys can amplify their marketability with this course.

Potential career paths:

• Bilingual paralegal
• Legal assistant
• Client services coordinator
• Community legal support roles

Career outlook:

Expand the ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking clients and stakeholders, supporting more inclusive and efficient legal services.

Intensive Path: 11 months; Live online

Pacesetter Path: 12 months; On campus

Traditional Path: 24 months; On campus

Transform your career trajectory with the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certificate at SMU. This program, open to current and aspiring financial professionals, fulfills the educational prerequisites for CFP® certification. The demand for qualified CFP® professionals is soaring—with a 17% expected employment increase by 2033¹ and a significant earning advantage over financial planners without certification.² Benefit from the flexibility of different paths and schedules to suit your life, with all courses accredited by the CFP® Board.³

Career outlook:

Prepare for roles in financial planning and advisory services, where personalized financial guidance and long-term client relationships are increasingly valued.

Potential career paths:

• Financial planner 
• Wealth advisor
• Investment advisor
• Financial consultant

Duration: One week (40 hours)

Format: Live online or on-campus

SMU's Project Management Certificate hones your ability to navigate complex projects, manage dynamic teams, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Apply new skills through live class activities and gain further insight with personalized virtual coaching. Whether you're a new manager or an experienced professional seeking advanced techniques, this course provides the practical tools and best practices to excel. Plus, it fulfills the educational requirements for the PMP® certification exam.

Career outlook:

Apply structured project methodologies and leadership skills across industries that rely on efficient execution, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder alignment.

Potential career paths:

• Project manager
• Program manager
• Operations manager
• Business analyst

SMU CAPE’s programs equip you with targeted expertise and practical tools to excel in your field. Connect with industry leaders, expand your professional network, and confidently embark on your next career milestone. Expand your career prospects with SMU.

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1. Retrieved on September 25, 2024, from bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm

2. Retrieved on September 25, 2024, from www.cfp.net/-/media/files/cfp-board/career-and-growth/2024-cfp-compensation-study_highlights.pdf?la=en&hash=63548414C8755B3D79F9789445B52AB4

3. Retrieved on September 25, 2024, from www.cfp.net/get-certified/certification-process/education-requirement/certification-coursework-requirement/find-an-education-program/results?limit=10&pg=1&q=southern%20methodist%20university