Intensive English 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. JMU participates in agreements with several English language centers. JMU also has an partnership with Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), (http://www.emu.edu/iep/) which is another, smaller university also located in Harrisonburg, that allows students to complete EMU's intensive English program before transitioning to coursework at JMU.
The intensive English program at EMU provides 20 hours of classes per week to develop students' academic language skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This program prepares students to begin studying for a degree at the university level. Students are evaluated at the end of each session and may move on to their JMU degree program when the staff recommends it. The recommendation to continue or move on to JMU depends on the student's performance in English classes and on placement test scores. Students typically complete the intensive English program in 4 to 16 months, depending on their English proficiency at the time of entry. Students in the intensive English program students enjoy full university privileges and student body membership at EMU. 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, computer labs, etc.