Although founded in 1911 by what is now known as the United Methodist Church, Southern Methodist University is now nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to freedom of inquiry. As a private university close to the center of Dallas, Texas with an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students, the university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a variety of disciplines. The seven schools and colleges that comprise Southern Methodist University, offer classes in everything from the humanities and sciences, business, and performing arts, to engineering, education, law, and theology.

Educational opportunities don't stop on the university's Texas campus as the school also offers more than 20 study-abroad programs to students. Southern Methodist University also has a unique campus located in northern New Mexico on the site of a historic fort and 13th-century pueblo.

The university is also known for its 10 libraries -- which are home to the largest private collection of research materials in the Southwest - as well as the internationally acclaimed Meadows Museum which houses one of the best Spanish art collections outside of Spain.