The JMU Academic Experience

Linda Cabe Halpern

Dean of University Studies

The JMU Mission

We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Academics at JMU

• Learning is a campus wide commitment—in class and beyond

• Learning is aimed at the development of the individual student

• Understanding academic requirements is an essential part of success

• Your advisor will help you

Graduation Requirements

General Education:The Human Community

• Foundational education in liberal arts and sciences for all students

• About a third of undergraduate course work

• Mostly taken during first two years

• Aims at the ideal of an “educated person”

JMU Majors…

• Require 36-84 credit hours

• Are organized in six undergraduate colleges

• Requirements based on professional, pedagogical or curricular expectations

JMU Majors …

Accounting

Anthropology

Art History

Athletic Training Education

Biology

Biotechnology

Chemistry

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Communication Studies

Computer Information Systems

Computer Science

Dietetics

Earth Science

Economics

Engineering

English

Finance

Geographic Science

Geology

Health Sciences

Health Services Administration

History

Hospitality/Tourism Management

Information Analysis

Integrated Science and Technology

JMU Majors

Interdisciplinary Liberal StudiesInternational AffairsInternational BusinessJustice StudiesKinesiologyManagementMarketingMathematicsMedia Arts and DesignModern Foreign LanguageMusicNursingPhilosophy and Religion

Physics

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy and Administration

Quantitative Finance

Social Work

Sociology

Statistics

Studio Art

Technical and Scientific Communication

Theatre and Dance

Undeclared

Pre-professional programs:

• Teacher licensure programs—must be associated with appropriate major program

• Other pre-professional programs, such as Pre-law, Pre-med or Pre-pharmacy—can be followed with any major, but certain courses are strongly recommended

Minors and concentrations:

Majors often have multiple concentrations leading to distinct career paths

JMU has about 75 different minors—these are a great way to broaden knowledge or add professional expertise

Other academic opportunities:

• Study abroad

• Undergraduate research

• Internships and other practical applications of course work

• Service learning

• Honors Program

• Honor societies

• Civic and service activities

Making academic progress at JMU

All programs have expectations of student performance:

• Remain in good academic standing

• Fine arts programs—most have portfolio or audition requirements

• Many programs have some form of progression standards—students must demonstrate success in the major to continue

• Absolute size limits—three programs have size limits

JMU faculty are our greatest strength

• JMU faculty want to see you and work with you• JMU faculty want you to succeed• JMU faculty will challenge you to the limits of

your ability• JMU faculty expect you to work harder than you

have ever worked

We expect each of you to graduate with the capability and the commitment to be an educated and enlightened citizen.