James Madison University

General Information about James Madison University

James Madison University was founded in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisburg. The school has since grown from an inaugural class of 209 students to an average annual enrollment of about 17,000.

Business is the most popular field of study at James Madison, but other popular fields include (in descending order) health sciences, social sciences, visual and performing arts, humanities and communications. The most popular majors overall are finance, communication studies, liberal arts studies, health services and physical education. James Madison also houses the 'Be the Change' campaign, an initiative that recognizes university students and faculty who've had significant impacts on their community.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

There are two admissions options for incoming freshmen: early action and standard admission. Early admission is competitive and is best suited for applicants with good grades, good standardized test scores, strong curriculum choices and plenty of extracurricular activities. Other than early admittance, there is no advantage to students who apply to early action instead of regular admission. In addition to the above requirement, students need to write a statement of purpose and submit two letters of recommendation. James Madison University receives about 19,000 applications every year and accepts about 58% of its applicants.

Colleges of James Madison University

College of Arts and Letters

The College of Arts and Letters houses the international and public affairs, communications and liberal arts schools. This college is also home to James Madison's pre-law program, which offers a pre-law honors fraternity in Phi Alpha Delta, course selection advisement and guidance about getting into law school.

College of Business

James Madison University's College of Business approaches business as the merger of different skill sets and, therefore, its degree programs have an interdisciplinary focus. Business school students are immersed in business practices and trained to measure value against risk. Undergraduates can choose from ten degrees, including finance, marketing, economics and management. These three graduate degrees are available: Accounting MSA, Innovation MBA and Information Security MBA. The graduate accounting program was ranked among the top 25 programs in the nation for CPA exam pass percentage by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

College of Education

Undergraduate programs in the College of Education typically are supported by a strong liberal arts education, while graduate programs focus on advanced learning in a chosen specialty area and leadership development. Computing services, an education support center, a media center and outreach programs are available as students progress through their majors.

College of Integrated Science and Technology

The Commission on the University of the 21st Century published a report that called for innovative approaches to education in 1989. The report prompted James Madison University to take on several new initiatives, the most significant of which was the formation of a new science and technology department. The college has since been offering integrated computer science health science, kinesiology and psychology degrees, among others. Programs in the college emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and offer extensive outreach and research opportunities.

College of Science and Mathematics

The College of Science and Mathematics enrolls about 1,100 students and has 110 full-time faculty. With a focus on preparing students for the workplace, professional studies or graduate studies, the college provides access to a learning center, internships and research opportunities. Awards are given out annually to exceptional students and faculty at an annual banquet.

College of Visual and Performing Arts

This college is home to the School of Music, the School of Art and Art History, and the School of Theatre and Dance. Students enjoy the Madison Art Collection, a performing arts complex and a full schedule of performances and exhibitions. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are supported.

Graduate School

A signpost of the James Madison graduate school is its continuous goal of selecting and implementing new programs. The Graduate School primarily enrolls full-time students but is expanding to serve students interested in non-degree courses and certifications. Students interested in applying to a graduate program should consult both the graduate school and their chosen program department.

Contact Information

• Address: 800 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
• Phone Number: (540) 568-6211