Applying to college can be a daunting process, but getting to know the university you’re applying to can make the journey easier. James Madison University (JMU) is a vibrant and diverse college community located in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
It offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Here’s a guide to James Madison University, so you can learn what you need to know before applying. From the admissions process to student life, you’ll find the answers to your questions and get an idea of what JMU has to offer.
With its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, JMU offers students the chance to reach their full potential through an engaging, collaborative learning environment.
Overview of James Madison University
Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public liberal arts university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 28,138 students, JMU is the largest university in Virginia. The university consists of eight undergraduate colleges and a graduate school.
The JMU curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration across a wide range of disciplines. Students can choose from over 100 majors and minors, as well as graduate and certificate programs. JMU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 and an average class size of 24 students.
JMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The JMU campus is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The campus is situated in the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley and overlooks the picturesque town of Harrisonburg.
It is a pedestrian-friendly environment, making it easy to transition from a class to extracurricular activities. The campus is also home to a wide variety of trees and plants.
Admissions requirements
To be admitted to JMU, students must first complete the online application. Applicants will need to provide basic information about themselves, along with academic and extracurricular activities, a short personal essay, and a list of standardized test scores and grades from high school.
To be a competitive applicant to JMU, students should have strong grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. For the fall 2019 semester, JMU received over 26,000 applications and accepted approximately 36% of applicants.
Tuition and financial aid
JMU is a public institution and therefore does not charge any tuition for in-state students. However, out-of-state students are charged higher tuition. The cost of attendance at JMU can be found on the university website and includes costs for tuition, fees, room and board, books, and travel expenses.
Funding is available for students who qualify and includes a combination of merit- and need-based scholarships and grants. The university also offers a variety of financial aid options such as scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Academic programs
The JMU academic calendar is broken into two semesters, and classes are offered in a traditional, accelerated, and online format. The university offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as a wide range of graduate programs.
Students can choose from a wide range of academic programs, including engineering, health sciences, and the sciences. Students are encouraged to explore as many disciplines as possible and can pursue a double major or a concurrent degree.
The university provides academic resources and support for students, including academic support centers and tutoring services. JMU also provides career services for undergraduate students, helping them identify their strengths and find their path after college.
Student life
JMU offers a wide range of co-curricular activities for students to explore, network, and pursue their passions. Students can join a club, join an organization, or get involved in service projects through the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.
These opportunities help students develop skills needed for future careers, make connections with peers and mentors, and discover passions they didn’t know they had. JMU offers students a variety of on-campus living options.
These can range from traditional residence halls to apartments, including single-sex housing. These living options offer a wide range of amenities and services to enhance students’ living experiences.
JMU has a robust campus life, including several annual events such as Fall Fest, Spring Jam, and JMU Blue and Gold Week. These events bring together the entire campus community and provide a wide range of activities for students to get involved in.
Housing and residence options
JMU offers a variety of living options for undergraduate students, including traditional residence halls and apartments. Students can choose from single-sex and co-educational residence halls, as well as suites for those who prefer a more independent living situation.
Residence halls provide a wide range of amenities for students, including social lounges, fitness centers, computer labs, and study spaces. Apartment living offers a more independent living situation and can provide a lower cost of living than traditional residence halls.
Campus activities and organizations
Students can pick from a wide range of student organizations at JMU, including academic and professional organizations, cultural organizations, and service organizations. They can start their organization if they don’t find one that fits their interests, and can receive funding from the university.
Students can also participate in a variety of clubs, including sports clubs and clubs focused on hobbies and interests. These clubs provide students with a chance to get involved in their passions outside the classroom and make connections with peers.
JMU also hosts a variety of annual events, including Fall Fest, Spring Jam, and Blue and Gold Week. These events bring together the entire campus community and provide new opportunities for students.
Career services
The university provides some different resources to help students prepare for future careers. These include career planning workshops, professional development workshops, and a career services office. These resources can help students identify their strengths and find the right career path for them.
The university also offers many career fairs and networking events to help students get ready for their job search. It works to provide students with the resources they need to succeed in their job search, including an online job search support center.
The university can help students develop their professional brand, create a resume, and get the experience they need to find a job after college.
Alumni network
JMU has an extensive alumni network of over 200,000 graduates, which makes it one of the largest alumni networks in Virginia. This network can provide students with connections for internships, job opportunities, and postgraduate studies.
The university also provides a wide range of resources for alumni, including an alumni magazine and an alumni career network. These resources provide alumni with a way to stay connected to the university and provide students with a network to turn to after graduation.
The university also hosts several events and career fairs to encourage alumni to get involved with the university.
Application process
Students can apply to JMU using the Common Application or the JMU Online Application. The applications are available between August 1 and December 1. They also must submit standardized test scores, a high school transcript, and two letters of recommendation.
Once students submit their application, they will be notified of their admission decision within two to four weeks. If students are admitted to the university, they will also receive information on how to create and activate their JMU email account.
Students can then start exploring the online portal, MyJMU, to learn more about their financial aid, academic program, and extracurricular activities.
