JMU College of Business Makes List of Top Business Schools Again

For the third straight year, James Madison University's College of Business ranked among the nation's top business schools according to an annual analysis by BusinessWeek magazine. 

JMU placed among the top five percent of business schools, 54th overall nationally, but moved up to the 20th spot among public universities. The business program continues to receive high ratings on the student survey. Student responses ranked JMU 23rd in the nation, 8th among public universities. 

"Challenging curriculum and classes taught by profs, not TAs, make this program shine," BusinessWeek reported. 

JMU's "challenging curriculum" includes an integrated approach to business. The college's COB 300 experience has been recognized consistently as a unique and highly effective way to teach principles of management, finance, operations and marketing as interdisciplinary and interdependent in business. 

"Our graduates understand that business is not about the silos of management or finance, but about all disciplines working together," Dean Robert D. Reid said. "Corporations that recruit and hire our graduates say our students are equipped to be successful in the company. They attribute our grads with good interpersonal and team-building skills and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get the job done."

JMU made the grade on Teaching Quality and Job Placement, scoring an 'A' in both categories, and a 'B' on Facilities and Service. 

BusinessWeek uses nine measures to rank undergraduate business programs, including surveys of business students and company recruiters. Median starting salaries, faculty-student ratios, class size and SAT score are also included in the calculation.