The JMU Academic Experience Linda Cabe Halpern Dean of University Studies

The JMU Mission We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Academics at JMU Learning is a campus wide commitment—in class and beyond Learning is aimed at the development of the individual student Understanding academic requirements is an essential part of success Your advisor will help you

Graduation Requirements

General Education: The Human Community Foundational education in liberal arts and sciences for all students About a third of undergraduate course work Mostly taken during first two years Aims at the ideal of an “educated person”

JMU Majors… Require credit hours Are organized in six undergraduate colleges Requirements based on professional, pedagogical or curricular expectations

JMU Majors … Accounting Anthropology Art History Athletic Training Education Biology Biotechnology Chemistry Communication Sciences and Disorders Communication Studies Computer Information Systems Computer Science Dietetics Earth Science Economics Engineering English Finance Geographic Science Geology Health Sciences Health Services Administration History Hospitality/Tourism Management Information Analysis Integrated Science and Technology

JMU Majors Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies International Affairs International Business Justice Studies Kinesiology Management Marketing Mathematics Media Arts and Design Modern Foreign Language Music Nursing Philosophy and Religion Physics Political Science Psychology Public Policy and Administration Quantitative Finance Social Work Sociology Statistics Studio Art Technical and Scientific Communication Theatre and Dance Undeclared

Pre-professional programs: Teacher licensure programs—must be associated with appropriate major program Other pre-professional programs, such as Pre- law, Pre-med or Pre-pharmacy—can be followed with any major, but certain courses are strongly recommended

Minors and concentrations: Majors often have multiple concentrations leading to distinct career paths JMU has about 75 different minors—these are a great way to broaden knowledge or add professional expertise

Other academic opportunities: Study abroad Undergraduate research Internships and other practical applications of course work Service learning Honors Program Honor societies Civic and service activities

Making academic progress at JMU All programs have expectations of student performance: Remain in good academic standing Fine arts programs—most have portfolio or audition requirements Many programs have some form of progression standards—students must demonstrate success in the major to continue Absolute size limits—three programs have size limits

JMU faculty are our greatest strength JMU faculty want to see you and work with you JMU faculty want you to succeed JMU faculty will challenge you to the limits of your ability JMU faculty expect you to work harder than you have ever worked

We expect each of you to graduate with the capability and the commitment to be an educated and enlightened citizen.