Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) a valid, recognized degree?
2. I'm thinking of changing career fields but I'm not sure what I want to do. What do you advise?
3. I regret that I did not apply myself when I was in college before. Can I still get into your program if my earlier grades weren't good?
4. I'm not sure I can find my way around the library and find the materials I will need for my class.
5. How much will it cost?
6. Is financial aid available?
7. Is financial aid available?
8. I'm interested in becoming a teacher. Can the IS program provide teacher licensure?
9. When and how do I register for classes?
10. How do I qualify for admission?
11. How long will it take to complete my degree through the Adult Degree Program?
12. How will an Individualized Study degree benefit me?
13. How will employers and graduate schools view a nontraditional degree?
14. How can I apply for experiential learning credits?
15. What is the Senior Project?
16. Can you change to another major?
17. How difficult will it be to college 30 upper level JMU credits if you cannot attend regular classes? How hard is it to get into non-traditional classes such as theatre arts, music, etc. other than the "Appreciation" classes? Will I be able to take the classes I need in the evenings? Do the professors usually work with students who have odd schedules?
18. Are advisors reluctant to take on IS students?
19. Are the professors understanding of life situations?
20. After a program agreement is approved, how hard is it to change? Can I change my program at anytime?
21. Can I take classes at another college or university to fulfill my JMU requirements?
22. When are information sessions held?

1. Is the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) a valid, recognized degree?
   

   This is probably the most-asked question about our program. The BIS is as valid as any other degree offered. Many employers encourage their employees to seek and will often provide tuition and other assistance, because flexibility and other unique features that is has to offer. Approximately 40% of our graduates can also earn a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts through our program.

2. I'm thinking of changing career fields but I'm not sure what I want to do. What do you advise?
   

   The IS 200 class is designed to examine your personal and professional goals and aptitudes, and compare the results with career options.

3. I regret that I did not apply myself when I was in college before. Can I still get into your program if my earlier grades weren't good?
   

   The minimum GPA for entering the Adult Degree Program is a C average, or 2.0 GPA. If your GPA is lower, you might consider taking classes at a community college to raise that GPA. 

4. I'm not sure I can find my way around the library and find the materials I will need for my class?
   

   Elizabeth Haworth is the Library Liaison for the Adult Degree Program. She can work one on one with you on research methods and resources. After you are enrolled in the program, you may call her at (540) 568-5730 or email at hawortex@jmu.edu to schedule an appointment.

5. How much will it cost?
   

   The cost is based on the number of credit hours that the student needs to take. Details can be found at the University Business Office website at http://www.jmu.edu/ubo/

6. Is financial aid available?
   

   Yes! However, since financial aid is based on complex specific guidelines, we refer all questions concerning scholarships to the Financial Aid office. You may reach them at (540) 568-7820 or stop by their office located on the ground floor of Warren Hall. Their home page is http://www.jmu.edu/finaid/

7. When are classes offered?
   

   Some classes are available at night, but some departments offer theirs primarily during the daytime hours. The majority of ADP students attend part time at night. Online classes are frequently available during the summer, and more and more are being offered during the fall and spring semesters. 

8. I'm interested in becoming a teacher. Can the IS program provide teacher licensure?
   

   We have had many students go through our program to teach. The Education department is currently going through changes with the Virginia Standards of Learning for Individualized Study as an approved major; however, it must be obtained through the College of Education. Currently, students may build their concentrations to meet the requirements for teacher licensure, please contact the College of Education at (540)568-6274.

9. When and how do I register for classes?
   

   Class schedules are available several weeks prior to the time of registration on the Internet. Go to http://ecampus.jmu.edu/ to search for classes. This will be your most up to date listing.

10. How do I qualify for admission?
    

    Students can qualify to be accepted into the Adult Degree Program if the student has a minimum of thirty (30) college credits with a letter grade "C" or better. This can be an accumulation of credit from various institutions.

11. How long will it take to complete my degree through the Adult Degree Program??
    

    The average time it takes a student to complete the program is 2.75 years. However, each adult student comes to the program with differing amounts of transferring credits, experiences, and the time available to take courses. Therefore it is impossible to state a definite length of time for degree completion. A total of 120 semester hours is needed to graduate from James Madison University. A minimum of 25% hours must be taken at the university.

12. How will an Individualized Study degree benefit me?
    

    Graduates of the Adult Degree Program are employees of industry and government positions. Many companies and organizations benefit from having their employees complete the program. Forty percent of the graduate program go on to earn a Master's degree. Many graduates completed doctoral degrees.

13. How will employers and graduate schools view a nontraditional degree?
    

    We send a follow-up survey to our graduates and one with questions relating to how the Adult Degree Program is perceived by graduate schools. The response has been that employers accept all bachelor's degrees as equal for employment purposes; and many students have gone on to prestigious graduate schools such as Harvard University and Washington and Lee.

14. How can I apply for experiential learning credits?
    

    James Madison University recognizes that not all learning takes place in the college classroom. Individualized Study participants have gained college level learning from work and . All Individualized Study students who submit a portfolio must complete a one credit course in Portfolio Development. Portfolio credit may fulfill college general education or elective requirements.

15. What is the Senior Project??
    

    The Senior Project is the capstone project in the area of the student's concentration. The project experience will be presentation techniques through the Senior Project. The forum is held each Fall and Spring semester as an opportunity for the student to present the learning gained from the degree process and Senior Project.

16. Can you change to another major??
    

    No. This program is not a back door to get into another degree. If you are unsure of which program you want, the best thing to do is stop now. In order to switch later, the ADP would have to come first--a student would have to somehow justify why secondary majors would be appropriate. The student would need to supply the ADP office a new JMU application with the current correct fee and personal statement with a clear reason why the change is needed. Then a student will need to go through Admissions competing with all other students who want to join JMU. The process is done through our office.

17. How difficult will it be to complete 30 upper level JMU credits if you cannot attend regular classes? How hard is it to get into non-traditional classes such as theatre arts, music, etc. other than the "Appreciation" classes? Will I be able to take the classes I need in the evenings? Do the professors usually work with students who have odd schedules?
    

    Getting classes at JMU can be a challenge for traditional and non-traditional students alike. You have probably read studies that discuss traditional aged students needing at least five years to receive an undergraduate degree because of the lack of ability to get into classes. The ADP cannot guarantee the class you want will be available and open every time it is needed. The ADP only has jurisdiction over "IS" classes. However, many students work and go to school part-time and they get a degree. Ways to get a class that looks impossible:

    • If a class you want is closed, contact the instructor and ask for an "override" or "permission to enter the class." Once you get that, you are set!
    • Contact the department secretaries. They may have a secret that can help you!
    • Go in person to make your contacts whenever possible. When they see you are an adult, that may make a big difference.
    • Mention you are in the Adult Degree Program. It can help!
18. How will I find an advisor?
    

    Many JMU faculty are delighted to work with adult students, and advising an ADP student is not a lot of additional work. Advisers assist adult students in identifying and achieving educational goals. Students, with the direction and assigned faculty advisor, will design a unique academic program to their individual continuing education needs. We will help you find your advisor during your IS 200 Orientation class. 

19. Are the professors understanding of life situations?
    

    Some may not but most will. For every credit hour worth, the "rule" is you will spend five (5) hours a week working on the class. For example, a three (3) credit course may require 15 hours outside of the classroom to get the work and studying completed. This will be "Individualized" for each person and each class.

20. After a program agreement is approved, how hard is it to change? Can I change my program at any time?
    

    You just need to do an amendment form. Please contact Pamela Hamilton at brownpg@jmu.edu or 540-568-6824 to do this.

21. Can I take classes at another college or university to fulfill my JMU requirements?
    

    Yes, but you need to complete the forms. Contact the ADP office for more information.

22. When are information sessions held?
    

    Information Sessions are held on the second Monday of every month, February through December, at 12 noon and 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall, Room 3165. Reservations are NOT required and you may attend the session that best fits your schedule.