Chart your own path
Would you like to design your own major at JMU? The Independent Scholars program provides motivated students with the flexibility to pursue academic pathways tailored to their interests.
Why choose Independent Scholars?
- Enjoy the freedom to explore ideas across disciplinary boundaries and fields of study.
- Cultivate creativity, independence, communication, and problem-solving skills in high demand by employers and graduate programs.
- Include experiential learning (Internships, study abroad, and independent studies) in your major.
- Build an individualized major around a stand-alone minor, such as JMU's African and African-American Diaspora Studies (AAAD) minor.
News
Independent Scholars News & Announcements
- October 2023 - Alum and LGBTQ+ artist Sashathem ('20) interviewed in The Bluegrass Situation's Out Now
- October 2023 - Senior Independent Scholar Tim Custer ('23) featured in story on Valley Scholars
- October 2023 - Gabika Watson ('24) builds community as president of JMU's climbing club
- May 2023 - Shukrana Shukrulla ('24) organizes JMU's first "Royal Riff-Off"
- May 2023 - seniors Brooklyn Kier and Timothy Custer prepare to graduate with first Valley Scholars cohort
- January 2023 - senior Elizabeth Kraus ('23) discusses stress alleviation strategies for JMU's Breeze
- April 2023 - Independent Scholar Hannah McAllister ('24) uses skills to capture mission trip media
- April 2023 - Senior Deaquan Nichols ('23) recognized at JMU annual stewardship luncheon
- April 2022 - Independent Scholar E-Zine goes live!
- April 2022 - Senior Kaitlyn Gentille ('23) among recipients of Hillcrest Scholarship for Honors students
- April 2022 - Independent Scholars is partnering with the AAAD minor!
- April 2022 - Senior Diana Witt's play, "Pseudo-Psychic Medium" shows at the Forbes Center
- March 2022 - JMU senior Simon Anderson conducts research on health disparities
- September 2022 - Independent Scholar and influencer Jaeda Cohen interviewed
- January 2022 - Sophomore influencer Jaeda Cohen ('23) collaborates with coffee shops
- February 2021 - Kearney Quillen ('23) explores social movements in self-designed curriculum
- February 2021 - Check out new music dropped by Palmyra, featuring Independent Scholar grad Willis Landon ('20) on vocals and bass.
- December 2020 - Corinne Martin ('23) and Anna Lee ('23) recipients of Hillcrest Scholarship "Honorable Mention: Students of Promise" awards
- May 2020 - meet Elizabeth Elia ('20), Independent Scholar and JMU valedictorian
- March 2020 - Irene Song ('21) receives JMU student engagement mini-grant for work with online STEM accessibility
- January 2020 - Sierra Orr ('20) plays Abigail in "Walls" at Forbes Theater, directed by Ingrid DeSanctis
- March 2019 - Madison Schultz ('20) publishes independent research in JMURJ
Independent Scholars