SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) programs provide accessible and meaningful learning experiences in a broad range of professional topics and academic subjects. Pivoting quickly in response to the global pandemic, CAPE served more than 1200 noncredit students this school year through remote classes. Before COVID-19 became a household name, the CAPE team already planned to launch three new interactive online programs to serve adult students in 2020-2021; these programs extend CAPE’s impact beyond Dallas to students who live throughout Texas, across the country, and even abroad.
Data Visualization and Communication
Next cohort begins August 12
Pairing visual representations like charts, diagrams, infographics and dashboards with storytelling techniques, students learn how to share data in compelling ways with different audiences. The Data Visualization and Communication Certificate program empowers professionals to translate complex data into accessible information that can inform decisions across organizations. The principles covered in class are applicable to a number of fields and industries, including government, finance, marketing, consumer goods, service, education and more.
Esports Business Management
Next cohort begins October 6
The Esports Business Management Certificate program gives students a comprehensive understanding of this exciting and rapidly growing industry, covering the nuances of revenue streams, sponsorships, events and fan engagement. With curriculum developed with faculty from SMU’s Cox School of Business and Simmons School of Education, students complete rigorous academic coursework that also draws from the dynamic esports business landscape in Dallas.
Spanish for Legal Professionals
Next cohort begins July 1
The Spanish for Legal Professionals Certificate program is designed for professionals who work in law offices, corporate legal departments and as advocates for the Hispanic community to gain confidence communicating in Spanish with clients and other stakeholders. Through an interactive and hands-on approach, offered fully online, this program helps students build a foundation for continuous development of Spanish language skills, specifically tailored to the legal field.
In addition to these new programs, CAPE offers more than 14 professional certificates and boot camps in technology, communications, marketing, design, law and finance as well as interactive live and on-demand short courses focused on impacting careers and inspiring creativity. Pre-college students can explore academic and professional topics in weeklong online workshops this summer.