| How do I qualify? |
To qualify, you must have been out of high school for at least three years without being a full-time student. To be admitted to the University as a degree seeking student, you must have a minimum of 30 semester hours of transferable college credit. These hours may be an accumulation of credit from various institutions. |
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| How do I learn more about JMU's Adult Degree Program? |
Information meetings are conducted the 4th Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. If you cannot attend a scheduled meeting, contact us for more information through e-mail or by phone at 540-568-6824. |
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| How long will it take to complete my degree through the Adult Degree Program? |
Each adult student comes to the program with differing amounts of
transferring credit and experiential college level learning, and time
available to take classes. Therefore, it is impossible to state a length of
time for degree completion. A total of 120 semester hours is needed to
graduate from James Madison University. A minimum of 30 hours must be
earned at JMU. Credit may be earned in
non-traditional ways. |
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| What is the curriculum for the Adult Degree Program? |
The major for students in the Adult Degree Program is Individualized Studies.
The curriculum is individualized by the adult
student. A concentration of at least 30 credit hours is developed.
The concentration must contain a minimum of 24 upper level hours and at least
15 JMU hours. The concentration is usually interdisiplinary and has a
professional and academically valid focus. The concentration is
complemented by required courses in the liberal arts (general education). The general education
core requirements differ for the specific degree (B.I.S./B.A./B.S.) the
student designs. Each individualized degree contains 120 hours, with 60
(minimum) from a 4 year institution, and 30 (minimum) from JMU, and may
include transfer or JMU courses, and non-traditional
credit such as ACE/PONSI credit, CLEP tests, and Experiential Learning credit.
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| How will an Individualized Studies degree benefit me? |
Graduates of the Adult Degree Program are employed in business,
industry and government positions. Many companies and organizations benefit from having their
employees complete the Adult Degree Program. Forty percent of the graduates of the program
go on to earn a Master's degree. Several Individualized Studies graduates have completed
doctoral degrees. |
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| How will employers and graduate schools view a nontraditional degree? |
We send a follow-up survey to our graduates and
one of the questions relates to how their degree is
perceived by employers and graduate schools. The response
has been that employers consider all bachelor's degrees as
equal for employment purposes. Prestigious graduate
schools; such as, The University of Virginia, Harvard, and
Washington and Lee, have all accepted graduates of the
program, without reservation.
Return to FAQ List |
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| How can I apply for experiential learning credits? |
James Madison University recognizes that not all learning takes place in
the college classroom. Individualized Studies majors who have gained college level learning
from work, self-study, or volunteerism may submit a portfolio of experiential learning
for evaluation by JMU faculty members in the department related to the learning.
All Individualized Studies students who expect to submit a portfolio must complete a 1 credit
course, BIS 200C, Portfolio Development. Portfolio credit may fulfill concentration,
general education or elective requirements. The Portfolio Development course
meets one time per week for five weeks, or is available on-line. |
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| What is the Senior Project? |
The Senior Project is the capstone project in the area of the student's
concentration. The project experience will also enhance presentation
techniques through the Senior Project Forum. The forum is held each Fall and
Spring semester as an opportunity for the student to present the learning
gained from the concentration and Senior Project. |
BIS Handbook
This page maintained by:
Adult Learning Services
Office of Continuing Education, JMU