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Advance your career with credentials that count

Elevate your career with Southern Methodist University'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. Specializations can enhance your knowledge in quickly-changing disciplines. Seize the opportunity for career-defining advancement through flexible, noncredit certificate programs.

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

Certified CMMC Professional

Dive deeper with CAPE specializations and target an area of knowledge that's particularly vital for your industry.

Explore CAPE Specializations

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Duration: One week (40 hours)

Format: Live online or on-campus

Consulting for or employed at an organization preparing for a CMMC assessment?  The Certified CMMC Professional Certificate prepares you to meet the challenges of working with DoD mandates for cybersecurity to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information. By mastering the CMMC framework and federal IT standards, you'll be prepared for the exam required to become a CMMC Certified Professional (CCP).

Duration: 4 months

Format: Monthly on-campus sessions and bi-weekly live online sessions

SMU's Tech CxO Certificate transforms ambitious technology professionals into confident C-suite leaders through strategic leadership development, real-world projects, and executive mentorship. Led by practicing CIOs and CTOs, this program combines essential skills in financial planning, cybersecurity, risk management, and performance optimization with the executive presence needed to excel at the highest levels. Connect with 40+ industry guest speakers and build lasting relationships in small cohorts designed for personalized attention and peer collaboration.

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.

Add any specialization to your certificate to deepen or expand your knowledge or complete a specialization individually to earn a badge. These short programs help you quickly gain the professional, people and technical skills that employers are looking for now, so you can stand out in your profession or the job market — all in just a few weeks.

Duration: 6 weeks

Format: Live online

Learn to shape, validate and present compelling business cases that align with organizational goals. Aligned with the PMI Talent Triangle's Business Acumen domain, this program focuses on mastering the skills to lead the front-end phase of strategic projects and will empower you to think strategically, act decisively and influence effectively.

Duration: 5 weeks

Format: Hybrid online

Aligned with the needs of today’s tech-driven workplace, this specialization equips you to strategically apply generative AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Midjourney to boost productivity, enhance communication, and drive innovation across industries.

Duration: 6 weeks

Format: On-campus

Grounded in real-world application, this program prepares paralegals to confidently support family law attorneys with essential legal knowledge, case procedures, and interpersonal skills for navigating emotionally complex cases.

Duration: Self-paced

Format: Online

Learn to manage the benefits and policies that support an effective staff at your organization, including: employee relations, compensation, policy-making, performance management, and employee appraisals.This self-paced program equips you with a broad understanding of HR principles—plus AI tools—to enhance your impact across HR and non-HR roles alike.

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