PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Greetings

Our university has been nationally recognized for its strong academic programs and is housed on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. The 2010 poll on academic quality by U.S. News & World Report again ranked JMU fourth in the South among public, master's level universities. JMU consistently has been ranked among the top master's level universities in its region since the U.S. News polls began in 1983. JMU also has the highest graduation rate - 80 percent - overall among public and private colleges in the South. JMU ranked 22nd in The Kiplinger 100, a listing of best values in public colleges. The Princeton Review's 2010 guide, Best 361 Colleges, quotes students as recognizing the school's "welcoming environment, " friendly and outgoing student body," and "well-ranked academics." JMU faculty are praised for their "willingness to extend learning outside of the classroom" and their "realistic method of teaching to prepare students for real-world job applications."

James Madison University, established in 1908 and located in Harrisonburg , Virginia , is a four-year university of liberal arts with a strong commitment to professional and pre-professional programs. Our institution has grown in nearly 100 years from a small state teachers college to its present-day status as an innovative public university with more than 17,000 students. The city of Harrisonburg is an attractive community of approximately 42,000 in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, 120 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The university's 472-acre campus offers a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Alleghenies on the west. The mountains provide opportunities for skiing, hiking and caving.

In this western region of the state, average temperatures range from 33F (0 C) in January to 82F (27 C) in July. There is below-freezing weather and snow in winter and daytime high temperatures above 90F (32 C) in mid-summer.

While our office serves the JMU international student population, we do not deal with admissions related questions. Make sure to consult the international student admissions office's home page where you will obtain all of the necessary information (such as: the requirements, application deadlines, and contact information).

Intensive English Language Program / Study Group

In order to enroll and be admitted to JMU you must meet the English language requirement. If your English level is not yet proficient, JMU offers an ESL Transition Program on our campus conducted in partnership with Study Group. The Foundation Year Program allows you to earn academic college credit while taking the necessary preparatory courses to become a full-time JMU student. 

Undergraduate Admissions

James Madison has 64 majors and is authorized to confer the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.Ed.), Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.).

Our university places great value in our students from abroad and encourage you to apply online. 

Graduate Admissions

The College of Graduate and Outreach Programs has no deadline, but encourages applicants to apply at least six months in advance of the anticipated enrollment date.

The university offers the following graduate degrees:

  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
  • Master of Education (MEd)
  • Master of Music (MM)
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • Educational Specialist (EdS)
  • Doctor of Audiology (AUD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
  • Master o Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

To apply and for more information go to the Graduate International Admissions home page

Financial Considerations (estimated expenses)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and James Madison University require all F-1 and J-1 applicants to provide a "Confirmation of Financial Resources" certifying your ability to finance your study in the United States. The bank statement requested on the confirmation requires a bank official's signature, or the bank may submit an official letter certifying the applicant's or sponsor's present funds available for all costs of the first year's education. In addition, you must verify that similar or additional funds will be available in future years, barring unforeseen circumstances.

U.S. immigration officials sometimes request your financial documents at the port of entry. Please be prepared to show proof of your financial support upon arrival in the United States.

Although JMU has estimated your tuition, room and board and miscellaneous expenses as closely as possible, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Following are some expenses that others have experienced:

  • Travel during school breaks
  • Clothing for the cold winters;
  • Textbook costs;
  • Medical expenses not covered by insurance, e.g., dental care.

You will also need to take into consideration the following costs:

  • A non-refundable fee is required of all applicants to James Madison University.
  • After the undergraduate applicant has been approved for admission, the applicant who intends to enroll must submit an advance a non-refundable deposit of $250 (which will be applied to the applicant's first semester expenses).
  • A visa application fee (currently US$100) will be required each time you need to obtain or renew your student visa. Individuals from some countries will also be required to pay a visa issuance fee.
  • The United States has recently implemented the requirement of an additional $100 fee to finance the support of SEVIS.