Connections are the heartbeat of JMU.
Come here and you’ll join a community that fosters connections with people and learning, dreams and goals, ideas and the world.
We care. We celebrate hard work. We cheer for our Dukes. We learn from each other.
We are family.
We’re all about giving you room to grow. Your best awaits you.
Walking the walk.
Guiding the debate.
Crafting the knowledge.
Helping the cause.
Saving the day.
Fueling your dreams.
Top Public SchoolsNational Universities
U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24
n James Madison University was founded in 1908
n Public university
SPORTS AND MORE
n School colors are purple and gold
n Mascot is Duke Dog
n 17 NCAA Division-I sports
n 50+ non-varsity club sports that battle teams from other colleges
n 5,000+ Dukes who have fun and compete in intramural sports
90% first-year retention rate
n Students from 52 states and territories and 100+ countries
n 58% female / 42% male
n 23% students of color
n 1% international
311 square miles of national park and 1.9 million acres of national forest nearby
n Over 130 undergraduate programs of study
n Average class size = 24
n 89% of classes have fewer than 50 students student faculty ratio
libraries 1.5 million library visits a year 17:1
28% of students study abroad
LOCATION
Harrisonburg, VA
80% of our undergraduates do research, a practicum, an internship or student teach by the time they graduate.
JMU graduates succeed because they have a remarkable combination of being able to work collaboratively and independently. This is the foundation of a JMU education.
You will learn new, exciting ways of thinking. Your journey will be filled with intellectual challenges that will build your confidence and fill you with more than just knowledge.
At JMU, you will have hands-on experiences and your mind challenged. This combination creates a graduate ready to change the world.
Since we opened our doors in 1908, JMU has challenged students to give their best and embrace big ideas.
of JMU classes are taught by professors, a rarity for schools our size.
At JMU, our professors invest themselves fully in the teaching process. Their focus is on undergraduates, and they will welcome your involvement in their realworld research and experiences.
Faculty mentors await you. Expect to be challenged and supported. You will receive guidance from top professors in their fields, including opportunities to meet with them one-on-one for questions or advice.
Our graduates say the relationships they forged with JMU professors made a significant difference that continues to last long past graduation. This partnership is life-changing.
Kamille Booth loves the active role her favorite professor Lori Hostetler takes in overseeing her pre-student teaching training. Involved, present, genuine and authentic are words Booth uses to describe Hostetler. For Booth, the extra care from JMU education professors is turning out to be a true game-changer.
Reading and lectures are important facets of the learning equation. At JMU, your focus will also be on bringing learning to life through real-world problem-solving.
You will have access to your professors and great academic programs that have an eye on the future. You will meet classmates who are just as hungry to learn and grow as you are.
Learning happens everywhere at JMU. The satisfaction of understanding is beautiful, and you get to experience that time and time again. Our version of hands-on learning promises to change much of how you see the world.
For Jabril Al-Hamdy, substance matters. When you’re in charge of $500K of somebody else’s money, you learn some things. How to assess risk. How to ask for help. How to pay it forward. How to win in ways you never thought possible. JMU sets the table. Al-Hamdy and his team are cooking their way to some bright futures.
The National Council on Teacher Quality gives JMU’s undergraduate teacher prep program an A+, one of 7% in the U.S., for preparing future elementary teachers to teach children to read. Hands-on learning is a core component for JMU academics.
Miranda Stanhope followed her sharp mind and her servant heart as she changed her major from biology to health sciences. The cross-country and track star says health sciences better aligns with her interests in human health and her background of being an athlete invested in her own health at such a high level. Stanhope says the Madison system allows plenty of flexibility in making whatever switches you may need.
College is about exploration. At JMU, this means an academic framework that allows you to explore the opportunities and discover your interests. We’ll support you as you find your way. You don’t need to know what you want to do on day one. And it’s OK to change your mind.
If you know your path, you can get started immediately. We will be here to challenge, support and cheer for you.
When you find yourself involved in two or three different majors or your academic interests change along the way, we are here to support you and help guide your journey.
Gear up, explorers.
43%
of our 2024 graduates changed their majors. JMU Dukes can find their purpose and still graduate on time. Your success matters to us!
More than 1,200 students participate in study abroad each year.
Four types of experiences
n Internships abroad
n Study abroad short-term
n Study abroad semester-long
n Study elsewhere in the U.S.
Open to students of all majors, the JMU Washington Semester program explores the wealth of political and cultural opportunities available in the Washington, D.C. area. Highlights include semester-long internships, networking opportunities with JMU alumni working in the D.C. area and courses taught on site at the JMU Washington Center. JMU-arranged housing in one of the city’s most vibrant, centrally located neighborhoods is another huge upside to participation in this life-changing experience.
Honors students focus on the concept of global citizenship in the context of a week-long international service-learning trip. Students also experience contemporary social, political, cultural and economic conditions within the DR through servicelearning, structured outings, events, guest speakers and course work designed to expose students to Dominican culture. The course allows students to appreciate who they are and how they connect with the rest of the world.
semester-long international programs
short-term study abroad programs
educational exchange partners across the globe, including Oxford and Cambridge
With possibilities everywhere, JMU students have found new worlds of learning by studying abroad and around the U.S.
With so many options, we can help you find an experience that’s right for you. What’s in it for you?
Independence. Growth. Breathtaking beauty. Expert mentors. Memories that last a lifetime.
Unleash your world of possibilities.
M ORE ABOUT STUDYABROAD
JMU’s Semester in Spain program offers students a unique educational experience that effectively combines academic work with extensive exploration of this amazing country. You will soak in the cultural richness of Salamanca as your exposure to theaters, concerts, cinemas and other performing arts groups will unveil a new aspect of cultural learning. In addition to academic expectations, students are constantly engaging with the community through school internships, exchange with Spanish students and excursions.
Alumni success is in our DNA. With more than 160,000 alumni, you will find a connection through the growing JMU Nation that spans the globe.
JMU alumni are sought after for meaningful jobs because they know how work gets done. Our graduates can work in teams. And also on their own.
Every JMU Duke knows what hard work looks like, what trying again feels like, what success tastes like.
Join us and you will, too.
Johnny Nguyen Nguyen (’16), owner of MidnighTreats, the U.S.’s first 100% plant-based cookie franchise, says his biggest takeaway from JMU “was learning how to learn.“ The company’s slogan is “Be Kind. Spread Love. Eat Cookies.“
JMU is ranked among TIME.com’s top 100 Best Colleges for Future Leaders, a mark acquired from a polling of CEOs and business leaders from across the country. Over and over, JMU grads rise to the top.
Mia Brabham Nolan Nolan (’16) is a Shondaland.com staff writer covering entertainment and lifestyle by day, and a dreamer of all sorts by night. Her debut book, Note to Self, is a short collection of life lessons that is in the hands of readers all over the world.
Tim Mulligan and Connor Feroce Mulligan (’16) and Feroce (’17) landed a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 spot for the spectacular success of BeatGig, their online marketplace start-up that connects musicians with venues and event managers looking for talent.
Emily Warden, a 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Art & Style list honoree, found inspiration for her gift of art from JMU professors Mark Rooker and Allyson Taylor. The 2017 graduate’s meteoric rise through the ranks of the handcrafted custom jewelry world is remarkable.
Adventure here
Hike, bike, snowboard, kayak or whatever else makes your heart happy. This beautiful area has it all.
With 1.5 million annual visits, JMU Libraries are much more than just books.
Chill here
On a warm day, relax on the Quad or toss a Frisbee with friends. You will certainly not be alone.
Eat here
D-Hall is among 28 amazing on-campus choices. There is a reason why JMU dining has been top 15 in the U.S. for decades!
Our spectacular University Recreation Center has something for everyone.
School spirit is alive and well at JMU. There are five state-of-the-art on-campus venues where fans can let the world know that their Dukes rule.
Wayland Hall is among 23 residence halls that house first-year students on campus.
With 400+ clubs and organizations on campus, you are destined to find something that will pique your interest and help you grow.
We know that happy minds thrive. You will find the right balance between work and play at JMU.
Clubs. Alternative Break trips. A cappella groups. Faith-based organizations. Movies. Concerts. (You get the idea.) The list also includes national-class food that you will enjoy with your people, and spending sun-drenched days hanging out on our Quad.
Speaking of play, there are so many different outdoor recreation choices that we would need a whole book to include even half of them.
A typical day at JMU is packed with learning, laughing and sharing. Hanging with friends. Finding time to study in your favorite spots. Soaking in the rhythm of this place that is here to help you find the best in yourself.
N’Deye Sock says her on-campus experience has been a spectacular mix of convenience and exposure to new friends, ideas and the world. From living and taking classes with international students in her first year to staying on campus in apartmentstyle luxury, Sock feels at home and excited for what comes next.
8
28
different places to eat on campus, with so much variety that you’re guaranteed to find plenty of options you will like. Great food is a big deal to us.
2,000
The approximate number of residence hall programs each year, giving you chances to socialize, learn new things and have lots of fun.
Residential Learning Communities that offer first-year students interested in the same academic fields the chance to live together, take classes together and do community service.
#29 among colleges with the best student life in America, according to Niche from its 2024 survey.
There’s so much to do here. The Madison Experience extends beyond the classroom. You will have many chances to have fun, be part of a team and make an impact. You’ll also make friends for life.
Elena Finelli’s involvement in JMU clubs and organizations — especially the budding Edible Food Forest Garden — has changed how she wants to make the world better. The next stage of this geography major’s amazing academic journey includes master’s degrees from JMU and the University of Malta.
8,000+
JMU Dukes take part in some level of sport each year. This includes intramurals and club sports that play against teams from other colleges.
1,293,321
visits in 2023 to JMU’s University Recreation Center and UPARK outdoor facility include everything from yoga classes and massage sessions to ropes courses and sharing stories while on the treadmills. Opportunities are everywhere.
unique wellness and cooking classes offered each year through University Recreation. Your well-being drives much of what we do.
Community engagement is one of the many ways you get real-world practice for skills you learn in the classroom.
100+
local nonprofits are supported by JMU student volunteers each year.
The Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management’s longtime investment in nearby Still Meadows Enrichment Center and Camp is classic JMU. Launched in 2016, this partnership is a shining example of multiple layers of hands-on learning tied up in the community service wrapper — a hallmark of the Madison Experience for so many.
You will have unlimited opportunities to make a difference. Internships. Community service. Research. Endless choices to promote the greater good.
Serving the community — especially one as remarkably diverse as the greater Harrisonburg community — is a significant passion for many JMU students and faculty. The growth you’ll experience from this will set you up for the rest of your life.
We care about serving the community because it is a crucial part of being an engaged citizen of the world.
There’s a peace about this place that calls on you to explore more. Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain ranges in the western part of Virginia, Harrisonburg is a breath of fresh air and a bit of a pleasant surprise for first-time visitors. The same is often said of JMU.
53,000
Population of Harrisonburg, an incredibly diverse community, with the variety of a larger city and the charm of a small town.
The dining destination of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg was Virginia’s first Downtown Culinary District city. 125
Acres of peace and tranquility in the JMU Arboretum, located on the southeastern edge of campus.
Lucien Anderson has found it easy to combine his geology major with his passion for all things outdoors at JMU. His JMU journeys have taken him, among other destinations, to Switzer Lake, High Knob Fire Tower and rock climbing in West Virginia. He expects to carry what he has learned and done — including all the exposure to amazing people and places — with him as he writes the next chapter of his success story.
2,744
UREC made 2,744 adventure equipment rentals in 2023 for students pursuing their own outdoor opportunities.
There’s nothing like the celebrations from a packed house at 25,000-seat Bridgeforth Stadium to send the message that JMU is all about school spirit.
No matter the sport or the venue, our Dukes know how to win. And JMU fans truly bleed purple.
We throw purple and gold streamers at every touchdown at Bridgeforth Stadium. We rock out to the JMU Pep Band during basketball games at the spectacular Atlantic Union Bank Center.
We joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2022. This move matches the overall growth and evolution of JMU perfectly, and our teams continue to make their collective presence felt again and again.
We work hard, play hard and compete with the best in the country.
When it comes to winning, our Dukes make their mark.
So many choices. Built-in flexibility if you change your mind. Experts to help you along the way. There’s something here for you!
Accounting
African, African American and Diaspora Studiesm
American Studiesm
Anthropology*
Architectural Design
Arabicm
Art*
Art Education LicensureP
Art History*
Asian Studiesm
Astronomym
Biochemistry and Molecular Biologym
Biology*
Biophysical Chemistry
Biotechnology
Book Artsm
British Communication and Mediam
Business (General)m
Business (see specific majors)
Business Analyticsm
Business Frenchm
Business Germanm
Business Italianm
Business Management
Business Spanishm
C
Chemistry*
Chinesem
Chinese Business Studiesm
Christian Studiesm
Chronic Illnessm
Civic Leadershipm
Classical Studiesm
Climate Sciencem
Coaching Educationm
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Communication Studies*
Computational Analyticsm
Computer Information Systems*
Computer Science*
Creative Writingm
Criminal Justicem
Cultural Communicationm
Dance
Dance Education LicensureP
Data Analyticsm
Dietetics
Digital Studiesm
Digital Video and Cinema#
Disability Studiesm
Early Childhood Education (Inclusive)
Earth Science
Economics*
Education (see individual programs)
Educational Mediam
Elementary Education
Engineering
English*
Entrepreneurshipm
Environmental Humanitiesm
Environmental Information Systemsm
Environmental Managementm
Environmental Sciencem
Environmental Studiesm
Ethicsm
Exploratory (undeclared)
F
Family Studiesm
Film Studiesm
Finance
Foreign Language Education Licensure (French, Spanish, German)P
Frenchm
General Studies
Geography*
Geology*
Graphic Design
Geophysicsm
Germanm
Global Religions and Cultures
Global Religion and Global Issuesm
Global Supply Chain Managementm
H
Health Communicationm
Health Sciences
Health Services Administration
Historical Archaeologym
History*
Honors Interdisciplinary Studiesm
Hospitality Management
Human Resource Developmentm
Humanitarian Affairsm
I
Illustrationm
Independent Scholars
Individualized Study
Industrial Design
Information Technology
Integrated Science and Technology* Intelligence Analysis
To learn more about all academic programs, visit jmu.edu/programs
Minor m | Major also available as a minor* | Concentration # | Prep program P
International Affairs
International Business
Italianm
JJazz Studiesm
Journalism#
Justice Studies
KKinesiology L
Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studiesm
Latino Community Engagementm
Legal Spanishm
Legal Studiesm
Linguisticsm
Logic and Reasoningm
M
Marketing
Materials Sciencem
Mathematics*
Mathematics for Middle Grades Teachersm
Media Arts and Design
Medical Humanitiesm
Medical Spanishm
Medieval and Renaissance Studiesm
Middle Eastern Communities and Migrationsm
Middle Grades Education
Military Leadershipm
Modern European Studiesm
Modern Foreign Languages*
Music
Music Education LicensureP
Music (General)m
Music and Human Servicesm
Music Industrym #
Musical Theatre
Nonprofit Studiesm
Nursing
Nursing RN to BSN Program P
Philosophy
Physical and Health Education
Teacher Education#
Physics*
Physics Minor for Engineersm
Political Communicationm
Political Science*
Pre-Athletic Trainingm
Pre-Dentistrym
Pre-LawP
Pre-Medicinem
Pre-Occupational Therapym
Pre-Optometrym
Pre-Pharmacym
Pre-Physical Therapym
Pre-Physician Assistantm
Pre-TheologyP
Pre-Veterinary Medicinem
Psychology (General)
Public Administration
Public Policy and Administrationm
Quantitative Finance
Queer Studiesm
RReligionm
Roboticsm
Russianm
Russian Studiesm
SScience, Technology and Societym
Secondary Education
Social Justice#
Social Justice Studiesm
Social Studiesm
Social Work
Sociology*
Spanishm
Spanish-English Translation and Interpretationm
Special Education
Sport and Recreation Management
Sport Communicationm
Statistics*
Substance Use Disorder Educationm
TTelecommunicationsm
Theatre*
Theatre Education LicensureP U
Urban and Regional Studiesm W
Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studiesm
World Literaturem
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communications*
Y
Youth Justicem
Nonbinding Early Action – Nov. 1
Regular Decision – Jan. 15
TWO REQUIRED
1
2
Application – Apply online at jmu.edu/applynow
Transcripts – Official high school transcripts and senior year schedule must be sent by the application deadline.
OPTIONAL INFORMATION
n One letter of recommendation
n Personal essay/statement
n Standardized test scores (18% of applicants submitted in 2023-24)
n SAT mid-50% range: 1210-1370
n ACT mid-50% range: 26-31
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS REQUIREMENTS
Most fine and performing arts areas require an additional application, audition or portfolio review. For details, visit jmu.edu/arts/admissions
Admission to JMU is competitive and strong applicants are selected based on the following criteria:
n Core academic courses: English, social science, foreign language, lab science and mathematics*
n Grades: Mostly A’s and B’s in core academic classes
n Rigor of course work: AP, IB, Dual Enrollment and Cambridge International, in addition to honors-level courses.
Other things considered include involvement in extracurricular activities and additional information found in the letter of recommendation and in the personal essay/statement.
Students can earn college credit for AP, IB, DE and CI courses taken in high school. More info: jmu.edu/admissions/earncredit
* Mathematics requirement: One full year beyond Algebra II in a course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. If you have questions, please contact your JMU Admissions Counselor. jmu.edu/admissions/contact
2023-24 First-Year Acceptance Rate 69%
Applications: 39,776
Applicants accepted: 27,449
Applicants enrolled: 4,750
Spring – Oct. 15
Summer – Feb. 1
Fall – March 1
TWO REQUIRED
1
2
Application – Apply online at jmu.edu/applynow
Transcripts – All official college and high school transcripts must be sent by the application deadline.
n A completed college class in each core area: English, mathematics, lab science, social science
n Grades: Mostly A’s and B’s earned in core academic classes
Learn more: jmu.edu/admissions/transfer
JMU Next is an academic advising program assisting transfer students with course selection and scheduling, prior to applying to JMU, to ensure application and academic program requirements are met.
Learn more: jmu.edu/transfer/next
(full-time student per year)
*Courses within the College of Business and School of Nursing have additional course fees.
To determine your eligibility for assistance, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
FAFSA Open date: Oct. 2024
Priority filing date: March 1
JMU’s Federal School Code: 003721
More at: jmu.edu/financialaid
JMU awards more than 500 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The process is very competitive due to the high caliber of students admitted. Signature scholarship programs at JMU include:
Madison Award for Academic Excellence Scholarship Academic colleges and departments are responsible for selecting individuals who possess scholastic achievement within a particular area of study. This award is equivalent to 75 percent of in-state tuition and comprehensive fees.
Second Century Scholarship
First-year students enrolling in one of JMU’s STEM programs may apply to receive a Second Century Scholarship. The scholarship amount is equivalent to in-state tuition and fees per year for four years.
Centennial Scholars
The Centennial Scholars Program provides financial assistance and a multi-level academic support network for under-represented students from Virginia. The scholarship amount is equivalent to in-state tuition and fees per year for four years.
Honors College Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship
The Honors College Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship is awarded based on demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, leadership and community service. The scholarship amount is equivalent to in-state tuition and fees per year for four years.
The above scholarship opportunities and all others may require an additional application. For more details, visit jmu.edu/admissions/scholarships
