Students

What's it like to study in Taos?

51²è¹Ý's 423-acre campus in Taos, NM provides the perfect complement to the main campus in Dallas, TX. Undergraduate courses are offered during the summer and winter breaks. These short terms allow students to get ahead or stay on track for graduation. A wide variety of classes in art, engineering, business and science allow students of nearly every discipline to attend.

Now accepting applications for August 2024 and January 2025!

From starting your application to getting to Taos, we are here every step of the way to help! Contact us at smutaos@smu.edu or (214)-768-3657 for any assistance. Incoming first-year students are not eligible to attend 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos until they are fully matriculated to 51²è¹Ý, typically after their Fall semester. 

 January 2025 Deadlines:

  • Apply by October 4, 2024, for the priority deadline and priority apply for the Friends of Taos Scholarship.

  •  by November 7, 2024, for the regular deadline and regular deadline for the Friends of Taos scholarship. 

Summer 2025 Deadlines:

Honors 2025 

  • Apply by Jan 31, 2025 for priority deadline and Friends of Taos Scholarship, and regular deadline for Richter Fellowship 

  • Apply by March 7, 2025 for regular deadline and regular deadline for Friends of Taos Scholarship

May and June 2025

  • Apply  by March 7, 2025 for priority deadline and priority Friends of Taos Scholarship. 

  • Apply  by April 11, 2025 for regular deadline and regular Friends of Taos Scholarship. 

Explore the Beautiful 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos Campus

51²è¹Ý-in-Taos students discuss a project in a common area.

Campus Life

51²è¹Ý-in-Taos is a residential program, which is enhanced by the living-learning environment. Every aspect of our campus environment is intended to facilitate and foster personal and academic growth. Enjoy the perfect balance of learning and fun.

Important Dates

Visit 51²è¹Ý’s Academic calendar for more details. Information regarding program costs, financial aid, or withdrawing from the 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos program can be found on the Program Costs & Financial Aid page. Students should pay close attention to dates and deadlines.

Deadlines:

  • Oct 4 – Priority deadline for Jan applications and priority deadline for FOT scholarship 
  • Nov 7 – Regular deadline for Jan applications and regular deadline for FOT scholarship 
  • Nov 19– Pre-departure orientation 

2025 Term Dates

  • Jan 3 – Arrival of students in PRW Mountain Sports class 
  • Jan 5- Arrival of all other students not in PRW Mountain Sports class 
  • Jan 6 – First day of classes
  • Jan 3 – Payment deadline for Jan 2024 Term
  • Jan 16 – Last day of classes 
  • Jan 17 – Departure day for all students

Deadlines

Jan 31:

  • Priority Application Deadline
  • Regular Deadline for Richter Fellowship scholarships (Honors scholarships)
  • Priority Deadline for Friends of Taos Scholarships
  • Deadline for Student Worker Applications 

March 7: 

  • Regular Application Deadline
  • Regular Deadline for Friends of Taos Scholarships 

April 18 - PRW Non-Refundable Course Fee Deadline

April 22: Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation 

 

2025 TERM DATES

May 15: Arrival Day - arrive by 4 p.m. and meet in the Dining Hall 

May 16: First day of classes (classes are typically 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) 

June 17: Last day of classes, including exams 

June 18: Departure day for all students - check out by 9 a.m.

Why 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos?

51²è¹Ý-in-Taos provides a unique experience for students away from the main campus where they can engage in experiential, personalized, hands-on collaboration with classmates and professors.

Two 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos students stand together near the canyon rim.

Reach New Heights

51²è¹Ý-in-Taos is energized and always ready to take action, whether that be hiking on the tallest mountain peak in New Mexico or tackling a new academic or professional challenge.

A group of 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos students gather near Williams lake.

Discover Paradise

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and surrounded by stunning views of the Carson National Forest, 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos feels like a vacation for the body, mind and spirit.

Students and professor standing in group smiling at camera in crops field

Learn By Doing

Small class sizes, engaging faculty and a “classroom without walls” philosophy encourage experiential learning, deep dives into subject matter and tight bonds with faculty and classmates.

51²è¹Ý-in-Taos Course Highlights

Field trips are common and often include sites such as museums, Native American pueblos, local non-profits, historic churches, artist workshops, sustainable homes and many more. Adventurous learners will love this blend of natural beauty, local culture and academic pursuits.

Business

Business students are able to complete Cox subset, core and elective courses in a hands-on and supportive setting.

An 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos student watches wildlife down the hill.

Biology

Native flora, fauna and ecology, as well as global environmental issues, are the scope and focus of each biology course taught at Fort Burgwin.

Art on the exterior of a building with the sun shining just above.

Southwest Culture

Courses in anthropology explore local Native American cultures and the archaeology of the Southwest, focusing on the continuing excavation and examination of Pot Creek Pueblo and historic Fort Burgwin.

And 51²è¹Ý-in-Taos student sits on the rim of a canyon and paints a bridge.

Arts

Courses in music, painting, sculpture, theatre, and dance benefit from the natural surroundings - - far removed from the distractions of the city.

Two students standing looking up while holding a remote device for flying drones

Engineering

Students studying engineering are able to utilize the campus as their laboratory.

A mountain lake with a stand of trees and a mountain in the background.

Geology

Geologically, the region provides a diverse landscape, allowing for the investigation of a variety of formations.

51²è¹Ý-in-Taos students climb rocks in full climbing gear.