
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 acquire special expertise in evaluating and integrating knowledge from different fields of study.
- Cultivate creativity, independence, and problem-solving qualities in high demand by employers and post-baccalaureate programs.
- Complete Honors seminar, elective, and capstone requirements in the major.
- Students who double-major can incorporate coursework from the second major in their self-designed curricula. It is also possible to build an individualized major around a stand-alone minor.
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Independent Scholars News & Announcements
- 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
- 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



