
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.
Each student in the Independent Scholars program identifies an area of inquiry, and creates a plan for coursework, independent research, and experiential learning.
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.
- Complete Honors seminar, elective, and capstone requirements in the major.
- Build an individualized major around a stand-alone minor, such as JMU's African and African-American Diaspora Studies (AAAD) minor.
News
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May 19
Valley Scholars: Longtime friends find success at rival schools
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May 19
Valley Scholars a welcome resource for parents, students
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May 10
Interview: Will Rodriguez (’22) on his path to independence in the music industry
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May 10
Reimagining fashion
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May 1
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Independent Scholars News & Announcements
- May 2023 - Shukrana Shukrulla ('24) organizes JMU's first "Royal Riff-Off"
- January 2023 - senior Elizabeth Kraus discusses stress alleviation strategies for JMU's Breeze
- April 2023 - Independent Scholar Hannah McAllister uses skills to capture mission trip media
- April 2023 - Senior Deaquan Nichols recognized at JMU annual stewardship luncheon
- April 2022 - Independent Scholar E-Zine goes live!
- April 2022 - Senior Kaitlyn Gentille 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



