At JMU X-Labs, students jump in (no experience required!) to prototype, problem-solve, and build skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. JMU X-Labs is also home to JMU's esports program, where students' technical and leadership skills grow. Through courses, gaming, and events, JMU X-Labs is a place for students to innovate at JMU!

JMU X-Labs spaces - The Lab, Loft, Tank, and Arena - have the tools in place to support your creativity, invention, research and more. Learn more about our home in Lakeview Hall: JMU X-Labs Spaces.

In this fast-paced, immersive program, students collaborate with industry partners to tackle real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions.

Highlights:

• Held outside the academic calendar, research labs are ten weeks with a dedicated 2-hour lab meeting time. Additional student work hours are scheduled by the students (expected additional hours: 4 per week). 
• Students work in a multidisciplinary cohort of 10 to 15 students.
• Students may receive a stipend or research credit, and may be eligible to apply the program towards an internship within their department. 
• The research lab is held in non-traditional experiential learning spaces equipped with the latest technology and equipment, as well as tools to inspire collaboration and innovation. 

Check out our current research labs: Current and Upcoming Research Labs.

Students in JMU X-Labs courses collaborate with peers and faculty from different colleges and diverse disciplines, using a design-thinking approach to tackle real-world problems. You’ll be working with students and faculty inside and outside of your major – a key ingredient to fostering imagination and innovation!

Curious about what makes JMU X-Labs courses unique?

• Focused on a Real-World Problem to Solve: Each course at JMU X-Labs starts with a big question or challenge. From there, we follow a special problem-solving approach called design thinking.
• Taught by Teaching Teams: Every course session is team-taught by professors from different colleges, a design-thinking facilitator, and occasionally an industry expert.
• Small Class Sizes: With an average course size of 20-30 students, students benefit from guided discussions and meaningful team collaborations with students outside their discipline. 
• Held in Non-Traditional Experiential Learning Spaces: Courses take place in The Arena (Lakeview Hall 1160), The Lab (Lakeview Hall 1150), and The Tank (Lakeview Hall 1160) - all equipped with the latest technology and equipment, as well as tools to inspire collaboration and innovation. 

Check out our current course offerings: Current and Upcoming Courses. 

The Innovation and Impact Student Fellowship Program offers opportunities for students to work alongside the JMU X-Labs team, gaining leadership and career experience while serving as ambassadors of JMU X-Labs across campus.

Learn more about becoming an JMU X-Labs student fellow: Innovation & Impact Fellowship Program.

Launched in January 2022, the JMU Esports program is growing rapidly and serves students as players, casters, and marketers.

Learn more about the program: JMU Esports.