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Types of degree

Undergraduate students earn one of these types of bachelor's degree. See all majors.

  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
  • Bachelor of Music (BM)

Graduate students earn one of these types of master's degree. See all majors.

  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
  • Master of Education (MEd)
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
  • Master of Music (MM)
  • Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Structure of degrees in America

The semester system

The University's academic year takes place over two equal semesters. Each semester is 15 weeks in duration.

The fall semester usually runs from mid August until mid December. There is then a 3 week winter break. The spring semester runs from mid January until early May, and is followed by 3 month summer break, or an optional academic summer session.

At the International Study Center, programs are taught throughout the year - in the fall semester, in the spring semester and in the shorter 12-week summer semester. See semester dates on the FAQ page.

Undergraduate degrees

Undergraduate degrees at James Madison University and across America are taught over a minimum of four years. When you have successfully completed your program, you earn a bachelor's degree. Your degree is structured as follows:

First Year

In your first year, as a freshman, you study on the International First Year program with other students at the International Study Center. The focus is on:

  • improving your English language to the level necessary for success at university in the USA
  • building study skills
  • learning about American culture and American university life
  • gaining all the academic credits (up to 31) required to complete your Freshman year at James Madison University
 

Second Year

In your second year or sophomore year, you join mainstream undergraduate classes at the University, and learn with American and other international students. You will:

  • study a core curriculum - 'The Human Community'
  • choose electives in subjects that especially interest you
  • begin taking prerequisite classes for your major if you have decided on it (however, you are not required to formally declare a major)
  • complete 30-34 academic credits

Third Year

In the third year, as a junior, you will:

  • have declared your major
  • undertake more focused and in-depth study
  • begin the advanced coursework for your major
  • complete 30-34 academic credits
 

Fourth Year

In your fourth year as a senior, you will:

  • take your last exams
  • complete the final classes required for your degree
  • have earned at least 120 credit hours over your entire program to be eligible for graduation

Academic progression

You must maintain academic good standing to continue to the next year of your degree program. The university measures this ability by your cumulative grade point average (GPA). To help you maintain satisfactory progress toward attaining a degree, the University provides many academic support programs. Read about JMU's teaching and learning methods.

Graduate degrees

Master's programs
Most Master's programs can be completed 2 years, but may take longer depending on the number of credits required. The James Madison University master's degrees that you can progress onto after the Pre-Master's Program are between 30 and 36 credits. Full-time students usually take 9 credit hours of graduate course work each semester.

To complete a master's degree you will be required to submit a thesis, dissertation or research project.

Doctorate programs
Doctorate degrees are normally studied after completion of a master's program, but you may be able study for some doctorate degrees at post-bachelor's level. JMU doctorate degree programs are around 90 credits.

To complete a doctorate degree you will be required to submit a Doctoral Dissertation, and often undertake an internship or other practice-based experience.

Read more