Three-year executive education program prepares banking professionals for greater leadership responsibility through academic rigor, real-world application, and lasting professional relationships.
The SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) is now accepting applications for the 2027 session of its graduate banking program, a nationally recognized, three-year executive education experience designed to develop the knowledge, leadership capabilities, and professional relationships that banking and financial services professionals need to advance their careers and strengthen their organizations.
The 70th annual session will take place June 1–11, 2027, at SMU Cox in Dallas, Texas. The program brings together banking professionals from different markets, roles, and experiences for an immersive, nine-day summer learning experience each year over three consecutive years.
“For nearly 70 years, SWGSB has invested in the people who lead and strengthen the banking industry,” said William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB. “Our graduate program combines academic excellence with practical application and nurtures professional relationships that continue long after graduation. When banks invest in their people with SWGSB, they are investing in the future of their organizations and communities.”
The SWGSB program serves emerging leaders and experienced financial professionals, including regional presidents, commercial lenders, branch managers, portfolio and relationship managers, human resources professionals, compliance officers, marketing directors, senior auditors, operations officers, and state and federal regulators.
The program’s three-year curriculum builds progressively from analytical proficiency to leadership development and strategic visioning:
Intersession assignments following the first and second years encourage students to apply the curriculum to their own institutions while strengthening critical thinking and practical decision-making.
A distinguishing feature of the SWGSB experience is its combination of classroom learning and hands-on application. Through the proprietary BankCEO simulation, students compete through focused management decisions and see how their choices affect performance. The Living Case Study, a signature SWGSB experience, gives students the opportunity to provide recommendations to the management team of a real bank, putting their education and leadership skills into action. Both BankCEO and the Living Case Study are offered each year of the three-year program and are highly rated by students.
The program also emphasizes collaborative learning and professional relationships. Students learn alongside peers from across the banking industry, creating a network of colleagues, mentors, and resources that extends beyond graduation. The SWGSB community is more than 12,000 alumni strong, with a national network spanning the country from coast to coast.
SWGSB graduates report measurable career growth following completion of the program. According to graduate survey results, 66% advanced into greater leadership within two years, 95% increased their compensation, and 66% increased their compensation by 25% or more.
The investment for the first of three summer sessions is $7,195, which includes tuition, room and board, and digital classroom materials. A nonrefundable $595 registration fee is additional. All classes are held in person and include dedicated networking breaks. Tuition and fees for 2028 and 2029 may fluctuate slightly.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 session. To learn more or apply, visit SWGSB.org/summer2027 .
ABOUT THE SW GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BANKING AT SMU COX
Since 1957, the nationally recognized SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) has educated and empowered community bankers in all positions, regulators, experienced, new, and aspiring bank directors, and other financial services professionals with knowledge and relationships that strengthen careers, organizations, and communities. SWGSB is a leader in banking and commercial lending education, bank management training, and bank director training programs. Learn more at swgsb.org or call 214.768.2991 for more information.
