Imagine a year where you can explore subjects that excite you. Whether it's coding, business, psychology, or something entirely different, the D3 programme lets you customise your learning journey. By the end of the year, you will have a clearer understanding of your strengths, interests, and career goals, setting you up for success in college and beyond.
Here’s what you can expect from the D3 programme:
Students enrolled in the D3 programme reserve seats in up to two preferred degree paths and spend their first year to explore their interests through a range of courses across SMU, before committing to a major.*
Guided by a faculty advisor and participating in dedicated discussions, talks and workshops, students discover their strengths and academic interests, enabling them to make an informed and confident choice of their destination degree major at the end of the D3 year.*
From day one, students connect with a professional and academic network, building strong relationships through direct interaction with industry leaders, academic faculty and fellow students.
*Candidates interested in designing your own major are advised to reserve a seat in the Bachelor of Integrative Studies when applying for the D3 programme. Candidates without a reserved seat may still be considered but entry into the BIS will be competitively reviewed.
Here’s How Custom-Built Learning In Your First Year Will Look Like

BEFORE TERM STARTS
- Meet your peers at Freshmen Orientation.
- Get your study plan and learn to use it during the CIS Academic Briefing.
AUG TO DEC (TERM 1)
- Tackle “Big Questions” with your peers and explore SMU courses that interest you.
- Get career advice and learn about industry trends from leaders and alumni through CIS-exclusive events and consultations.
- Get advice and insights from your assigned faculty advisor.
JAN TO MAY (TERM 2)
- Continue exploring by choosing electives that interest you, such as sustainability, business, computing, psychology, and more.
- Discover academic pathways and customised majors through curated workshops.
MAY TO JUN
- Declare your destination degree! Indicate your interest in the Bachelor of Integrative Studies (Individualised Major) [BIS (IM)] or activate one of your two reserved seats.
Candidates interested in designing your own major are advised to reserve a seat in the BIS (IM) when applying for the D3 programme. Candidates without a reserved seat may still be considered but entry into the BIS (IM) will be competitively reviewed
Connect With Like-Minded Peers, Professors And Industry Leaders To Discover Your Potential
As a D3 student, you will be part of an amazing community where you can:


