James Madison University prepares students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives. Exemplary teaching, learning and assessment methods are practiced by expert faculty:

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Teaching

A dedication to teaching is shared throughout JMU's faculty and benefits students in all majors. You'll have terminal-degree faculty in your classroom from day one and a one-of-a-kind student success program.

Access to faculty

You will benefit from a level of personal attention from professors that is rare at other universities of JMU's size. Professors are accessible and supportive because they view teaching as their first priority. A 17-to-1 student-to-professor ratio and an average undergraduate class size of 29 promote the strong relationships found between JMU professors and students. JMU graduate programs also feature low student-to-faculty ratios which encourage mentoring with prominent faculty.

Teaching methods

At James Madison University, high-quality teaching methods use a variety of contexts. Most courses combine lectures, discussion groups, lab sessions (for relevant subjects) and experiential class activities. You may also be taught through special lectures, seminars, independent study, group work, class projects, field teaching etc. Proficiency in the use of computers, databases, and software, along with information seeking skills, are essential in all courses at the University.

Student engagement

JMU students rise far above their college peers in 'student engagement'. This means they work hard, play hard, get involved in organizations, and develop strong and meaningful relationships with each other and their professors. Engagement makes for a well-rounded student and is recognized as a key factor in a successful university experience.

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Learning

All JMU majors emphasize learning by doing, provide active learning experiences in a range of settings, and encourage internships and collaborative research with faculty.

Hands-on learning

80 percent of JMU undergraduate students do research, a practicum, an internship or student teach. Many do more than one of these. The "hands-on" research learning experiences at James Madison are significant in preparing students for jobs or further study.

Undergraduate research

JMU has been spotlighted for excellence in undergraduate research. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to work independently or in small teams, mentored by faculty, to conduct intensive and self-directed research or creative work. The University has encouraged such "learning by doing" study for its bachelor's-level students for many years. It is not unusual for undergraduate students to be co-authors on national conference publications - comparable to master's-level experiences at other institutions.

Community Service Learning

JMU students learn and develop through active service with over 75 community networks in the surrounding area. The service experience is integrated into and enhances your academic curriculum. The program cultivates social responsibility and life-long learning, thereby fostering a generation of leaders committed to positive social change. Read more.

Learning communities

These are small groups of 15-40 first-year students who live in the same residence hall and who are enrolled in the same courses. Joining a learning community at James Madison University offers exciting opportunities for associating with students who share similar academic interests. Students in learning communities usually achieve higher GPAs in their first year than other students.

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Assessment and graduation requirements

Student outcome assessment

You are formally assessed throughout your JMU undergraduate degree to ensure you are reaching general education and developmental goals. In your first year, you will be tested on your knowledge in general education areas such as history, science, mathematics and fine arts. Assessment in your major takes place during your final year. Your critical thinking, cultural knowledge, intellectual, and personal development will be measured. Graduate students also take assessments.

Diverse assessment strategies are used at the University: comprehensive exams; on-line information-literacy/library skills assessments; portfolio assessment; performance assessments; essay/term paper review; oral exams.

Graduation requirements for bachelor's degree students

✓ earn at least 120 credit hours
✓ earn a cumulative GPA, and a GPA in major and minor subjects, of at least 2.0
✓ fulfill General Education requirements: complete the core academic program - The Human Community
✓ fulfill major requirements: complete the specified set of courses for your main academic area of study
✓ fulfill academic degree requirements: additional foreign language and philosophy courses for BA students;
     additional mathematics and science course for BS students
✓ fulfill elective credit: complete the required number of courses chosen from a list of additional subjects outside the core program

Graduation requirements for master's degree students

Evaluation of a graduate student's progress is primarily dependent on the judgments of appropriate faculty members. In order to graduate, you must:

✓ have a GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 3.0
✓ satisfy coursework requirements specified by your individual academic program
✓ submit a thesis, research project or dissertation: a written interpretation of facts and opinions gained through independent research
✓ complete a formal comprehensive written and/or oral examination