English Language

Transition Program at JMU

Students may be conditionally admitted to JMU's undergraduate or graduate degree programs as long as they first fulfill their English language requirements by enrolling in and successfully completing an intensive English program. For students whose academic qualifications meet the entry requirements, but whose English level is not yet proficient, we offer a unique Foundation English training Program on our campus conducted in partnership with Study Group.

The on-campus International Study Centre (ISC) offers English Language Foundation Programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The program combines academic credit classes with study skills, cultural integration and English as a Second Language training. It will fully prepare you for degree-level study at JMU.

Study Group's Foundation Diploma Program at JMU provides a fast, academically focused route to regular university classes combining practical degree preparation with the opportunity to earn university credits as early as your first semester.

Students participating in the Study Group Foundation Diploma Program enjoy full university privileges and student body membership at JMU. They may become members of the International Student Organization, among other student groups, play intramural sports, participate in musical ensembles, use the fitness center, counseling services, library and computer labs.

We believe that the Study Group Foundation Diploma Program conducted on our campus is the best option for international student applicants who need additional English language preparation.

Other Options

For those students for whom our on-campus English Foundation Diploma Program is not a good fit, there are other options available. Students who are conditionally admitted to JMU's undergraduate or graduate degree programs as long as they first fulfill their English language requirements by enrolling in and successfully completing an intensive English program may complete their English language training at one of several English language centers that JMU maintains relationships with.

JMU continues to maintain its partnership with Eastern Mennonite University, which is another, smaller university also located in Harrisonburg Virginia. This allows students, for whom our on-campus English Foundation Diploma Program is not a good fit, to complete EMU's intensive English program before transitioning to coursework at JMU.