THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
LEADING THE CHANGE #1 JMU is the #1 most innovative university in the South — U.S. News & World Report An Inclusive Academic Community We are an inclusive academic community committed to excellence in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. At JMU, diversity is the opening of windows in your mind and your life. We are committed to learning about and from others through their experiences, their cultures and their ideas. We bring different perspectives and voices to the conversation that help us understand who we are and who we wish to be. Explore ways you can connect at j.mu/belong
Passionate contributors. Unique leaders. People who ask the right questions and find answers that spark change in their professions, communities and nations.
Graduate school provides an opportunity for students to try out new ideas in a safe place, to work with teachers and mentors who are also experts in their fields, to hone their thinking, and to share their insights in clear and direct ways. Crafting the knowledge. Walking the walk. Guiding the way. Saving the day. Leading the change.Startyour journey at j.mu/leadingthechange
Graduate education helps forge thinkers who see the world as it could be—and then resolve to make positive change a reality.
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At JMU, the graduate curriculum is rigorous and life-changing. Our faculty include researchers who discover new knowledge, creators whose productions inspire, and clinicians who develop and apply best practices in real-world settings. Our faculty take our graduate students with them along their journeys, mentoring them as they develop their own skills.
Many students participate in JMU’s annual Graduate Showcase, a spectacular display of research and creative projects through presentations, posters, art installations and musical performances. Explore our showcase to sense the energy and accomplishments of JMU’s graduateForstudents.moreinfo, visit j.mu/academics
SHARING YOUR PASSION
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THE EXPERIENCEACADEMIC
n Education across all formats: All programs—whether in-person, online or hybrid—offer students exceptionally high-quality educational experiences.
n Research opportunities: At JMU, our research has impact. We develop new knowledge, identify best practices, test ideas, share our expertise and find new solutions to important problems.
n Access to expert faculty: Our faculty are both experts in their fields, and teacher-mentors dedicated to student success.
JMU supports students with a Health Center, Counseling Center, Office of Disability Services, an outstanding University Recreation Center and much more. We provide students the resources they need to take care of themselves during graduate school.
The JMU Learning Centers assist graduate students with writing, presentations and multilingual services. The Office of Research and Scholarship provides financial resources to support professional conference presentations. The Cohen Center fosters student-faculty collaborations. The University Career Center helps students prepare application materials, find internships and jobs, and launch their careers.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
LIFE,HEALTH AND WELLNESS SUPPORT
JMU Libraries provide students with online and in-person resources, including books, journal articles, databases, and so much more. Friendly staff can help you plan research, find and manage information and help you share your scholarly writing.
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We offer a comprehensive range of support for academic and other wellness needs. Resources are available to all students. In 2021-22, the Office of Research and Scholarship awarded 41 travel grants to students representing 16 graduate program areas. Our RecreationUniversityCenter is open more than 100 hours each week during the school year. From fitness classes and an amazing indoor adventure center to more than 100 cooking classes, UREC has something for everyone. 41 100+ Dig into all of these resources and more at j.mu/success ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND RESEARCH ASSISTANCE
FORRESOURCESSUCCESS
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organizations at j.mu/community
uniquely connective and collaborative—less competitive than other graduate schools. This
family Explore our graduate
supports individual creativity and intellectual freedom. #1 The most recommended school in
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The Graduate Community is atmosphere the students to their friends and student
A JMU graduate degree prepares students to be change agents. It cultivates the kinds of thought diversity and intellectual flexibility to approach problems in innovative ways. It helps students achieve unmatched success.
#1
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JMU is the Best College in Virginia for Getting a Job for the third straight year, according to U.S. Department of Education stats compiled by Zippia 98% of JMU’s 2021 advanced-degree graduates were employed, in graduate school, or engaged in other career-related endeavors within six months of their graduation. 98% Explore what’s possible at j.mu/careers 100% first-attempt licensure exam pass rates for Audiology, Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Family Nurse Practitioner. 100% A and96%remarkableofClinicalSchoolPsy chology, Psy.D. graduates were licensed shortly after graduation. Physician Assistant Studies students in the Class of 2022 posted a 97% PANCE rate on their first examination attempt. 96% 97%
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There is always something to do on campus: Concerts, movies, sports events, plays, guest speakers, art installations, a planetarium, a 125-acre arboretum; the list goes on and on. With 30 on-campus dining options, JMU has been rated for decades among the top 15 schools in the U.S. for dining. Nearby housing for graduate students is available.
AN ACTIVE CAMPUS
NEARBY CITIES
Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia, are only two hours away by car. A regional airport is a 20-minute drive and features direct flights to major hubs in D.C. and Chicago. Virginia and the region offer many opportunities for entertainment, cultural enrichment and the exploration of history.
AN ANDPLACEAMAZINGTOLIVELEARN
A PERFECT COLLEGE TOWN
Harrisonburg is a diverse community, boasting the variety of a larger city and the charm of a small town. Harrisonburg has over 200 restaurants, five breweries, hundreds of places to shop, vibrant arts and entertainment, and many community events throughout the year.
BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS
Harrisonburg is a welcoming place and an ideal home base. To learn more about JMU and the surrounding community, visit j.mu/ourlocation
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Our home is in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, a region known for the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, rolling farmland and breathtaking views. With many nearby rivers and lakes, the region offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Record Exam (GRE), Graduate
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that may include: • Test scores from the
ADMISSIONS
We welcome applications from individuals from all countries. International applicants must meet admission standards required of all candidates, and must provide proof of English-language proficiency. Students completing their bachelor’s degree in countries where a 3-year degree is the acceptable standard may apply for admission to all JMU graduate programs. JMU can provide VISA-application assistance to accepted international students once those students have submitted financial documentation that they have sufficient resources to cover their costs.
For more details and to begin your application, visit j.mu/gradapply
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Scholarship programs are available through the Commonwealth of Virginia, and veterans may be able to take advantage of special opportunities. Find more information on potential scholarships at j.mu/scholarships
We recommend that all applicants who are U.S. citizens complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for all financial support opportunities. Learn more at j.mu/financialmatters
Admission Test (GMAT) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) • Letters of recommendation • Portfolios, resumes, auditions, personal statements and/or writing samples • Personal interviews INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Non-discrimination James Madison University does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination in its employment, programs, activities, and admissions on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information (including family medical history), marital status, military status (including veteran status), national origin (including ethnicity), parental status, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or on any basis protected by law, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. JMU complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, affirmative action, and anti-harassment. The responsibility for overall coordination, monitoring and information dissemination about JMU’s program of equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and affirmative action is assigned to the Office of Equal Opportunity. Inquiries or complaints may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity via OEO website, email oeo@jmu.edu, or phone (540) 568-6991.
n Individual graduate programs
Graduate assistantships provide students with both tuition support and a stipend to work at the university, typically 20 hours per week. Apply for an assistantship through the JMU graduate program to which you apply, or through joblink.jmu.edu
Completing a graduate degree often increases a stu dent’s lifetime earnings, but it is important to complete your graduate education without accumulating more debt than you are likely to be able to afford. Tuition at JMU is competitive with comparable institutions and substantial tuition discounts are available to Virginia residents. For tuition information, visit jmu.edu/ubo
INFORMATION FINANCIAL MATTERS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS n
Concurrent employment is a definite possibility. Many of our programs offer course work during evenings, weekends or online to allow students to continue their current position or find full- or part-time employment during graduate school.
PAYING FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL
Anyone who has or will obtain a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or a comparable degree from an officially recognized college or university outside the U.S., may apply for graduate admission. All applicants must demonstrate that they have earned grades that predict graduate-school success. Programs make admission recommendations based on transcripts from previous schools attended. usually have additional admissions requirements Graduate Management
THE COST OF GRADUATE SCHOOL
JMU prohibits sexual and gender-based harassment including sexual assault and other forms of inter-personal violence. The responsibility for overall coordination, monitoring and information dissemination about JMU’s Title IX program is assigned to the Title IX Coordinator. Inquiries or complaints may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator: Amy Sirocky-Meck via Title IX website, email titleix@jmu.edu or phone (540) 568-5219. (JMU 2022)
Student loans, when modest, can be a reasonable option given the future earning potential that comes with an advanced degree. The Office of Financial Aid can help with applications and managing other financial concerns. Visit jmu.edu/financialaid
AssessmentArtAdultAccountingEducationand Measurement Athletic CommunicationCommunicationCollegeClinicalBusinessBiologyBehaviorAudiologyTrainingAnalysisAdministrationPsychologyStudentPersonnelAdministrationSciencesand Disorders Computer HistoryHigherExerciseEnvironmentalEnglishEducationalEducationalEducationCyberCounselingScienceIntelligenceLeadershipTechnologySustainabilityPhysiologyEducationAssessment Human Resource Development WritingTeacherTeacherSportSpeechSpecialSpanishScienceSchoolSchoolPublicPsychologicalPhysicianPoliticalOccupationalNutritionNursing,NurseNurseNurseMusicMathematicsLiteracyLeadershipEducationAdministratorLeaderPractitionerAdvancedPracticeTherapyScienceAssistantStudiesScienceAdministrationCounselingPsychologyandTechnologyforEducatorsEducationandLanguagePathologyandRecreationLeadershipLicensure Within these areas of study, JMU offers many master’s educational specialist doctoral degree programs, concentrations and certificate programs. Programs may be offered on campus, off campus, online or abroad. Visit our website to learn more. To learn more about our graduate programs, visit j.mu/graduateprograms PROGRAMS James Madison University offers graduate programs that prepare students for the following professions or fields:
Message from the Dean A JMU graduate education empowers you to focus on your passion, and refines your raw talent into the expertise you need to change the world. - Linda Thomas, J.D., Ph.D., Dean, The Graduate School jmu.edu/grad
