2 0 1 5 – 1 6
The world is here. Come join us.
Welcome from James Madison University. I hope this publication will help you learn more about the Madison Experience. With more than 550 international students
from 75 different countries, I know you will find a place for yourself here.
Curious learners: JMU wants curious learners, who love to learn and to approach knowledge with a fascination that encourages them to be diligent in their studies, bold in their thinking and fearless in their pursuit of answers.
Large-school resources and small-school attention: With 94 percent of our 20,000 students being under-graduates, JMU makes it a priority to offer a unique mix of the best of the research-based universities and the personal universities. Professors teach your classes and the under-graduate research opportunities are with professors who are often national experts in their respective fields. In all our academic programs, the liberal arts play a key role in the cur-riculum. Research combined with a liberal education is a powerful combination that truly prepares you for the dynamic world we inhabit.
A collegial community: JMU is proud of its reputation for being among the most engag-ing schools around. What exactly do I mean: Professors will talk to you even before you’re a student here; and professors will learn your name the first day of class and will remember you; community members hold doors open for each other; after you have graduated you will be welcomed to network with your professors and ask career help. A collegial community means a nurturing environment that will challenge you and support you in equal measure as a student and alum. JMU graduates gain a lifetime connection that often extends into your work life thanks to JMU’s prestigious alumni network of more than 117,000 Dukes worldwide.
SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITY:
Transitions: This two-day orientation program held before fall classes begin will give you an overview of JMU, explain immigration matters and policies, and provide a wonderful means to make new friends.
Madison International Program: A living-learning community for international and U.S. students.
International Student and Scholar Services: Welcome picnics, lectures, academic advising, International Career Week, and monthly activities such as snow tubing, dinners and shopping trips are among the wealth of offerings from ISSS.
Student clubs and organizations: Many of JMU’s more than 350 different student clubs and organizations are geared to international students.
Please, take some time to review the information we have here and get a glimpse at what the Madison Experience is all about. Curious learners. Large-school resources and small-school attention. Most engaging.
All these, and much more, make JMU a special place.
Michael Walsh Dean of Admissions
1www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply
Simply submit the application online along with your electronic payment.
It’s easyto apply.
2
JMU ranks No. 1 in the South for 2014 for highest educational quality, according to U.S. News & World Report.
1
3
JMU ranks No. 2 among master’s-level schools for the total number of students who study abroad in semester-long programs, according to the Institute of International Education.
2
www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply
4
JMU has spent two decades atop the U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious list of top master’s-level schools in the South.
DECADES2
www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply 5
Eighty percent of JMU graduates do research, an internship, a practicum or student teach. Many do more than one of these.
80
6
AdmissionInformation
JMU Application Deadlines
International ApplicantsFall (August) Admission: Apr. 1Spring (January) Admission: Oct. 1Summer (June) Admission: Jan. 1
Domestic ApplicantsEarly Action (non-binding): Nov. 1Regular Decision: Jan. 15
International/out-of-stateTuition/fees: $25,200 Room and board: $9,018International total: $34,218
In-stateTuition/fees: $10,066Room and board: $9,018In-state total: $19,084
I-20 financial requirement: $38,000
2015–2016
Tuition and Fees for Full-Time Students
1 Academic Program 2 Academic Achievement 3 Standardized TestsAlthough schools provide different oppor-tunities, you should pursue the most demanding college preparatory programs available. Students who challenge them-selves with the upper-level courses offered in their high school (i.e. Honors-level courses, Advanced Placement classes, International Baccalaureate, dual enroll-ment, etc.) increase their competitiveness. Because strong students come from many different types of schools, we examine each application within the context of the student’s high school experience.
To evaluate your achievement in high school, we evaluate your grades in core subject areas: mathematics, English, foreign language, social studies and lab science. A competitive candidate is an A/B stu-dent in core courses. We look at your performance throughout your entire high school career.
JMU requires that official test results be sent to us directly from the testing agency. For US citizens, we require either the SAT 1 or the ACT. For non-U.S. citizens from non-English speaking countries, we require proof of English proficiency in one of the following tests: TOEFL (81 ibt), IELTS (6.5), SAT (500 on the Critical Reading portion). For other ways to demonstrate English proficiency, please see our website.
4 Extracurricular Activities 5 Letter of Recommendation Optional Personal EssayWe are looking for quality rather than quantity. We also consider community service and part-time jobs. You must be academically competitive before your extracurricular activities are reviewed.
JMU will read no more than one letter of recommendation per applicant. It should come from someone that can write about your academic performance and potential.
The topic you write about is com-pletely your choice. The essay provides you the opportunity to help us learn something about you that may not show up on the other application materials you provide. It should be 500 words or less in length.
Application ChecklistApplication (submitted electronically)
Transcripts (must be a complete original copy, in English)
Standardized test scores
$70 Application Fee
Financial certification form (for non-U.S. citizens only, available on our website)
7www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply
MadisonWHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THE
Award-winning academics n Global perspective Dynamic, engaging professors n Gorgeous surroundings
Students from 75 different countries
EXPERIENCE?
8
Intensive English as a Second Language For international students who meet the academic entry requirements of a JMU bachelor’s degree, but whose English language needs improving, JMU works in partnership with Study Group to provide unparalleled academic opportunities for you to learn, grow and succeed. The on-campus International Study Centre offers an English Language transition program at the undergraduate level. It will fully prepare you for degree-level study at JMU.
International Year One: Fast Track to Success
The International Year One is a fast-track pathway to second-year placement into a JMU bachelor’s degree. It combines Eng-lish for academic purposes with the equivalent of the first year of university course work and academic credit.
Study Duration
The duration of your program is determined by the result of your Study Group English Language test, taken on arrival at JMU. It takes two semesters (nine months) to four semesters (16 months) to complete International Year One, depending on your level of English. International Year One improves your English while you earn all of your first-year bachelor’s degree credits, so you can fast-track your progress toward graduation. www.jmu.edu/isc
LINKersJMU has 15 students who serve as LINKers — part of the Leader for International Networking & Knowledge program. LINKers provide a strong connection between incoming and current JMU globally minded students, and are available to answer your questions. www.jmu.edu/international/isss/students/get-involved/link
Intensive English Program Connecting Students
Fine Arts Information
Students who want to major in any of the fine arts areas — music, dance, theater and musical theater, and art — need to pay special attention to audition and portfolio requirements in those respective areas.
For details, please seek out those majors at www.jmu.edu/ academics/visual-performing-arts.shtml
FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.JMU.EDU/CATALOG
www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply
Programs of Study
Undergraduate Degree Programs
EDUCATION
Adult Education/Human Resource Development, M.S.Ed.
5-year Teacher Licensure
Post-Baccalaureate
Advanced Licensure
VISUAL AND PERFORMING
ARTS
Art Education, M.A.
Art History, M.A.
Music, D.M.A., M.M.
Studio Art, M.A., M.F.A.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING
AND MATH
Biology, M.S.
Computer Science, M.S.
Integrated Science and Technology, M.S.
Mathematics, M.Ed.
BUSINESS
Accounting, M.S.
Business Administration, M.B.A.
HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES
Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S., Au.D., Ph.D.
Health Sciences, M.S.
Kinesiology, M.A.T., M.S.
Nursing, D.N.P., M.S.N.
Occupational Therapy, M.O.T.
Physicians Assistant Studies, M.P.A.S.
Psychology, Ed.S., M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL
SCIENCES
English, M.A.
History, M.A.
Political Science — European Union Policy Studies, M.A.
Public Administraiton, M.P.A.
Strategic Leadership, Ph.D.
COMMUNICATIONS
Communication and Advocacy, M.A.
Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.Ed.
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication, M.A., M.S.
Graduate Degree Programs
EDUCATION
Art Education
Dance Education
Elementary Education
Exceptional Education
Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Middle Education
Music Education
Physical and Health Education
Secondary Education
Theatre Arts Education
TESOL
VISUAL AND PERFORMING
ARTS
Architectural Design
Art History
Dance
Industrial Design
Graphic Design
Music
Musical Theater
Studio Art
Theater
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING
AND MATH
Biology
Biophysical Chemistry
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science
Engineering
Geographic Science
Geology
Intelligence Analysis
Integrated Science and Technology
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics
PRE-PROFESSIONAL ADVISEMENT
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Forensic Studies
Pre-Law
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Theology
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
BUSINESS
Accounting
Computer Information Systems
Economics
Finance
Hospitality Management
International Business
Management
Marketing
Quantitative Finance
Sport and Recreation Management
HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES
Athletic Training
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Dietetics
Health Sciences
Health Services Administration
Kinesiology
Nursing
Psychology
Social Work
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL
SCIENCES
Anthropology
English
Modern Foreign Languages
History
International Affairs
Justice Studies
Philosophy and Religion
Political Science
Public Policy and Administration
Sociology
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication
COMMUNICATIONS
Communication Studies
Media Arts and Design
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication
Contact Us
Office of AdmissionsHarrisonburg, VA 22807 USAwww.jmu.edu/ admissions/apply+1.540.568.5681 [email protected]
Study Groupwww.jmu.edu/isc+1.540.568.4981 phonejmuiscadmissions@ studygroup.com
The Graduate Schoolwww.jmu.edu/grad/international+1.540.568.6131 [email protected]
Office of International Programswww.jmu.edu/international/isss+1.540.568.6119 [email protected]
No matter which continent you call home, we think you will find that JMU and the surrounding area provide an interesting mixture of culture, outdoor life and urban amenities. Established in 1908 and located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, JMU is a public, comprehensive university with a strong commitment to profes-sional and pre-professional programs. Our institution has grown in 107 years from a small state teachers’ college to its present-day status as an innovative public university with more than 20,000 students. The city of Harrisonburg is an attractive community in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, 123 miles south-west of Washington, D.C. Harrisonburg is a safe, growing city with
a diverse population of approximately 45,000 that boasts many attractions including museums, shopping, skiing, golf, caverns, farmer’s markets, concerts, movie theaters and many restaurants.
The university’s 725-acre campus, one of the most beautiful in the U.S., offers a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. In this western region of the state, there are four distinct seasons with average temper-atures ranging from 33°F (0°C) in January to 82°F (27°C) in July.
Some of life’s best lessons await you when you venture out. Come learn them with us.
634 km
1118 km
864 km
415 km
583 km
412 km
898 km
824 km
1582 km
1915 km
198 km
198 km
465 km
U.S. South
www.jmu.edu