The enrollment for the university is authorized by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The number of students admitted each year is limited by the resources available to the university.
We encourage prospective students to attend a group information session and a walking tour of campus. To check our visitation schedule and make a reservation, visit our website.
JMU’s admission process is competitive. The admissions committee works to select the strongest candidates from a high-quality applicant pool. Our primary focus is on the applicant’s academic history, which includes program of study, rigor of program and academic achievements. Optional items that contribute to the applicant’s profile include standardized test scores, a letter of recommendation, extracurricular activities and a personal statement. Each applicant is rated in the following four areas, listed in order of importance:
Students who challenge themselves with the upper-level courses offered in their high school (i.e., Advanced Placement classes, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, in addition to Honors-level courses) increase their competitiveness. Although schools provide different opportunities, applicants should pursue the most demanding college preparatory programs available. Strong students come from different types of schools, therefore we evaluate applicants within the context of their high schools.
Competitive applicants should minimally have the following:
Students who challenge themselves with the upper-level courses offered in their high school (i.e. Advanced Placement classes, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, in addition to Honors-level courses) increase their competitiveness. Although schools provide different opportunities, applicants should pursue the most demanding college preparatory programs available. Because strong students come from different types of schools, we evaluate applicants within the context of their high schools.
To evaluate achievement in high school, we evaluate grades in the core subject areas: mathematics, English, foreign language, social studies and lab sciences. A competitive candidate will have mostly A’s and B’s in core courses. We look at performance throughout the entire high school career.
Submitting SAT I or ACT scores is optional and not required in order to complete the application.
We are looking for quality rather than quantity and consider the variety and depth of involvement in clubs, organizations and athletics. Community service and part-time jobs fall into the extracurricular category, also.
Early Action is non-binding early notification admission to qualified first-year student applicants. The deadline for early notification is November 1. Successful candidates will be notified in mid-January and must submit a tuition deposit by May 1 to enroll at the university. Most students who are not selected for early notification are considered under the university’s regular admission process.
Students who apply Early Action do not have an advantage over students who apply Regular Decision.
Regular Decision is the final application deadline for first-year admission consideration. Applications must be submitted by January 15 to be considered for regular decision admission. Regular Decision is non-binding. All applicants will receive notification of their admission status by the first of April. Admitted students must submit a tuition deposit by May 1 to enroll at the university.
To apply for First-Year admission to the university, applicants must:
Information furnished on applications and all other university documents and records must be accurate and complete without evasion or misrepresentation. Submitting inaccurate or incomplete documents is cause for rejection or dismissal from the university.
To transfer to JMU, a student should:
The university recommends students have a “B” cumulative grade point average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) to be competitive for admission.
To apply for transfer admission to the university, applicants must:
All materials are due by October 15 for spring admission, February 1 for summer admission and March 1 for fall admission.
Credit will be awarded for those courses equivalent to courses offered at JMU in which the student has earned a grade of “C” or better.
After the student has been approved for admission, the Office of the Registrar will evaluate the transcript(s) of each transfer student to show the credits accepted by the university. The academic unit head of the program in which the student is majoring will determine the credits required for graduation.
With the exception of some community college degrees in General Studies, JMU General Education requirements will be waived for those students who have completed either an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree at a Virginia community college. For the complete listing of degrees associated with a Virginia Community College that waive all General Education requirements, go to Transfer Advising. Students who complete one of these associate degrees and are offered admission will receive junior-level status; however, due to varying major and degree requirements, junior-level status does not guarantee graduation in two years. For more details, consult the Office of Admissions or the JMU Virginia Community College Transfer Guide.
Applicants for admission who have completed advanced work in secondary school may use AP test scores to apply for course credit at JMU. Information about AP exams is available at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/about-exams. Once AP credit has been posted to the transcript, it will not be removed unless it was posted in error, or the student subsequently repeats the course at JMU and earns a passing grade (D- or better). For a full list of available AP credit opportunities at JMU, refer to the Advanced Placement table.
The score necessary to earn college credit at JMU, the corresponding course title at JMU and the credit hours which can be earned appear below. The grading scale is from one to five with five being the highest score. Credit hour equivalencies are reviewed annually by academic units.
2023-2024 Academic Year Advanced Placement Courses
Minimum
Required
Score
Credit Hours
Earned
2-D Art and Design
3-D Art and Design
African American Studies
Calculus AB Subscore
Non majors: GEOL 115 , ISCI 104
& ISAT 000 4
ISAT major: ISAT 112 & ISAT 000 4
To earn credit for ISAT 112 , students must earn a 4 or higher on both the Environmental Science exam and the Chemistry exam.
Chinese Language and Culture
Computer Science A
Computer Science Principles
English Language and Composition
English Literature and Composition
ISAT major: ISAT 112 & ISAT 000 4
To earn credit for ISAT 112 , students must earn a 4 or higher on both the Environmental Science exam and the Chemistry exam.
Non majors: GEOL 115 , ISCI 104
& ISAT 000 4
French Language or French Literature
Italian Language and Culture
Music Theory – Aural Subscore
Physics C: Mechanics
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
2 BIO 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in biology or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
3 CHEM 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in chemistry or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
4 ISAT 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in integrated science and technology or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
5 ISCI 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements or toward general education requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
6 GNED 123 fulfills the Literature requirement.
The Office of Admissions is responsible for the admission and enrollment of undergraduate international students. It also evaluates “A” Level examinations for academic credit.
Credit will be awarded for those courses equivalent to courses offered at JMU in which the student has earned a grade of “C” or better.
All non-U.S. citizens and nonpermanent residents of the U.S. must complete the international student application. This application and an international student information guidebook are available in the Office of Admissions, located in Holland Yates Hall.
In addition to regular first year student and transfer admission requirements, international students must present evidence of English proficiency and documentation of sufficient financial resources.
The university welcomes international applications and is authorized by federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Requests for information concerning the admission of undergraduate international students should be directed to:
Office of International Admissions, MSC 0101
James Madison University 100 E. Grace Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Phone: (540) 568-7865
http://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/international.shtml
JMU will follow the recommendations of the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials when awarding academic credit based on international examinations. Questions regarding the evaluation of international examinations should be directed to the Office of Admissions.
Students who participated in the Cambridge International Examination program or the United Kingdom “A” Level examinations may be awarded general education or other credit. Credit is evaluated by the appropriate academic unit. Once CIE credit has been posted to the transcript, it will not be removed unless it was posted in error, or the student subsequently repeats the course at JMU and earns a passing grade (D- or better).
For a full listing of available Cambridge International Examination courses and credit opportunities, refer to the table below.
The grade necessary to earn college credit at JMU, the corresponding course title at JMU and the credit hours that may be earned appear in the Cambridge International Examination table. The acceptable grading scale is A, B, or C, although the acceptable grade for credit may vary between courses and the level of the exam taken. Credit hour equivalencies are reviewed annually by academic units.
| A-Level Exams | |||
| Cambridge International Exam | Accepted Grades for Credit | JMU Equivalent Course | Credit Hours Earned |
| Afrikaans – Language | A,B | FL 000 | 3 |
| Arabic – Language | A,B | 3 | |
| Biology | A | , , BIO 000 | 8 |
| Biology | B,C | , | 4 |
| Chemistry | A | , , , | 8 |
| Chemistry | B | , | 4 |
| Chemistry | C | , | 4 |
| Chinese – Language | A,B | 3 | |
| Computer Science | A,B | , | 6 |
| Divinity | A,B | 3 | |
| English Language | A,B | 3 | |
| English (Literature in) | A,B | , | 6 |
| Food Studies | A,B | 3 | |
| French – Language | A,B | 3 | |
| German – Language | A,B | 3 | |
| Hindi – Language | A,B | FL 000 | 3 |
| Marathi – Language | A,B | FL 000 | 3 |
| Marine Science | A,B,C | ISCI 003 | 4 |
| Mathematics | A,B | , MATH 000 | 7 |
| Mathematics further | A,B | MATH 000 | 4 |
| Physical Education | A,B,C | KIN 000 | 3 |
| Physical Science | A,B | , , ISCI 001 | 8 |
| Physical Science | C | , | 4 |
| Physics | A,B | , , , | 8 |
| Physics | C,D,E | , | 4 |
| Portuguese – Language | A,B | 3 | |
| Psychology | A,B,C | , PSYC 002 | 6 |
| Sociology | A,B,C | 3 | |
| Spanish – Language | A,B | 3 | |
| Tamil – Language | A,B | FL 000 | 3 |
| Telugu – Language | A,B | FL 000 | 3 |
| Travel and Tourism | A,B | HM 000 | 3 |
| Urdu – Language | A,B | FL 000 | 3 |
| Urdu – Pakistan Language | A,B | FL 000 | 3 |
| AS-Level Exams | |||
| Cambridge International Exam | Accepted Grades for Credit | JMU Equivalent Course | Credit Hours Earned |
| Afrikaans – Language | A | FL 000 | 3 |
| Arabic – Language | A | 3 | |
| Biology | A | , | 4 |
| Chemistry | A | , | 4 |
| Chinese – Language | A | 3 | |
| English (Literature in) | A,B,C | 3 | |
| French – Language | A | 3 | |
| German – Language | A | 3 | |
| Hindi – Language | A | FL 000 | 3 |
| Hinduism | A,B | 3 | |
| Islamic Studies | A,B | 3 | |
| Japanese – Language | A | 3 | |
| Marathi – Language | A | FL 000 | 3 |
| Marine Science | A,B,C | ISCI 003 | 4 |
| Mathematics | A,B | MATH 000 | 3 |
| Physical Science | A | , | 4 |
| Physics | A | , | 4 |
| Portuguese – Language | A | 3 | |
| Psychology | A,B,C | PSYC 002 | 3 |
| Spanish – Language | A | 3 | |
| Spanish – First Language | A | 3 | |
| Tamil – Language | A | FL 000 | 3 |
| Telugu – Language | A | FL 000 | 3 |
| Urdu - Language | A | FL 000 | 3 |
Credit will be awarded to those students who receive a “C” or higher on an “A” level exam. Credit will be comparable to completing the two-course introductory sequence (six credit hours) in the subject.
Students with scores of 12/20 or higher on examinations in subjects studied at a coefficient of 4 or 5 may be awarded general education or other credit. Evaluation of credit will be directed by University Programs in coordination with the appropriate departmental undergraduate office. The “Total Score” of the French Baccalaureate is not used to determine credit eligibility.
Students who participated in the Thirteenth Class (Dreizehnte Klasse) German Abitur program may be awarded general education and other credit for examination scores of 10 or higher (15-point scale). Evaluation of credit will be directed by University Programs in coordination with the appropriate departmental undergraduate office.
JMU recognizes the International Baccalaureate diploma and individual IB courses by awarding credit on IB higher-level examinations in essentially the same manner in which credit is allowed for Advanced Placement courses.
Typically, credit hours will be awarded for each higher-level examination on which a score of five, six or seven has been earned. Credit hour equivalencies are reviewed annually by academic unit.
Some standard-level examinations will also be considered for credit. The university encourages the completion of the IB diploma and will give special consideration for admission to students who have completed the IB program. The grading scale is from one to seven, with seven being the highest score.
For a full listing of available IB courses and credit opportunities, refer to the International Baccalaureate Courses table.
This information is subject to change at the discretion of James Madison University. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the scores displayed in the online catalog supersede the scores in the printed undergraduate catalog.
Once IB credit has been posted to the transcript, it will not be removed unless it was posted in error, or the student subsequently repeats the course at JMU and earns a passing grade (D- or better).
| 2023-2024 International Baccalaureate Courses | |||
| International Baccalaureate Course | Minimum Required Score | JMU Equivalent | Credit Hours Earned |
| Anthropology (social and cultural) | 5 | & ANTH elective | 6 |
| Art/Design | 6 | & | 6 |
| 5 | 3 | ||
| 4 | 3 | ||
| Art/Visual | 5 | 3 | |
| Biology | 7 | , , , | 8 |
| 6 | |||
| 5 | |||
| Business Management | 6 | 3 | |
| Chemistry | 5 | Majors: , | 6 |
| 5 | Nonmajors: , , , | 8 | |
| Computing Studies | 5 | 4 | |
| Economics | 6 | & | 6 |
| English A | 5 | 3 | |
| English A, Language and Literature (INTBA English) | 5 | 3 | |
| Foreign Languages (Same course numbers in each language) | 7 | 300 + elective | 6 |
| 6 | 231-232 | 6 | |
| 5 | 231 | 3 | |
| 4 | 102 | 4 | |
| Geography | 6 | 3 | |
| 5 | GEOG elective | 3 | |
| History: All Regions | 6 | HIST elective | 6 |
| 5 | HIST elective | 3 | |
| History: Africa | 6 | 3 | |
| 5 | 3 | ||
| History: Americas | 5 | 4 | |
| History: West and South Asia | 6 | HIST electives | 6 |
| 5 | HIST elective | 3 | |
| History: East and Southeast Asia and Australia | |||
| International Baccalaureate Course | Minimum Required Score | JMU Equivalent | Credit Hours Earned |
| Social Anthropology (social and cultural) | 5 | 3 | |
| Art/Design | 7 | 3 | |
| 6 | 3 | ||
| Biology | 4 | & | 4 |
| Chemistry | 6 | Majors: | 3 |
| 6 | Nonmajors: - | 4 | |
| Economics | 6 | with IB diploma | 3 |
| Foreign Languages (Same course numbers in each language) | 7 | 232 | 3 |
| 6 | 231 | 3 | |
| 5 | 102 | 4 | |
| Geography | 5 | GEOG elective | 3 |
| Global Politics | 5 | 3 | |
| History | 5 | HIST elective | 3 |
| Math Analysis & Approaches | 5 | 3 | |
| Math Applications & Interpretations | 5 | 3 | |
| Philosophy | 5 | 3 | |
| Physics | 6 | & | 6 |
| Psychology | 6 | 3 | |
| World Religions | 5 | 3 |
In addition to regular first year student and transfer admission requirements, prospective and current students who want to major in music, musical theatre or dance must also complete an on-campus audition. Incoming freshmen, transfers and change-of-major students intending to major in architectural design, graphic design, industrial design or the BFA in art studio are required to submit an online portfolio. Visit www.jmu.edu/arts/admissions for information regarding the artistic admissions process for all applicable College of Visual and Performing arts majors.
Phone: (540) 568-6216/6661
Email: art-arthistory@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/art
Information for Prospective Students: https://www.jmu.edu/artandarthistory/admissions/undergraduate.shtml
Students intending to major in art history are not required to submit a portfolio, but should follow the regular JMU admissions process. To enroll in the museum studies concentration in art history, students must have a 3.3 GPA in the major and a minimum of nine credits in and courses.
All prospective freshmen, transfer and change of major students intending to major in architectural design, graphic design, industrial design or studio art must meet JMU admission requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. In addition to meeting JMU admissions requirements, all students seeking the B.F.A. degree with majors in architectural design, art studio or graphic design, or the B.S. degree with a major in industrial design are required to submit a portfolio to the school’s SlideRoom account (James Madison University College of Visual and Performing Arts - SlideRoom - Login). The submission of a portfolio is optional for students seeking the B.A. or B.S. with a major in art studio. Additionally, all transfer and change of major students, except those seeking the B.A. or B.S. with a major in art studio, will need to upload unofficial transcripts and a statement of intent to the school’s SlideRoom account that explains their educational and artistic goals, articulating the reasons for choosing this area of study. The submission of a portfolio is seen as evidence of a student’s interest and potential for future success in art.
All students, regardless of degree type, who wish to be considered for a scholarship must submit a portfolio to SlideRoom and attend a SADAH Portfolio Feedback day. SADAH hosts in-person and virtual Portfolio Feedback days. Prospective students may register for the events on the school’s portfolio page. All scholarship awards are based on merit and vary in amount.
The offers students the opportunity to meet professors who will look over their portfolio and offer critiques prior to the digital submission, through several on-campus and off-campus portfolio feedback days. This portfolio feedback event will provide an opportunity for feedback on actual artwork, as well as an opportunity to meet with faculty from the school. Tours of facilities and program info sessions will take place at on-campus events. All prospective first-year, transfer and change of major students are strongly encouraged to attend a portfolio feedback day prior to submitting their portfolio. For these in-person feedback sessions, it is highly recommended that the student show actual works of art; however, a portfolio that consists of digital or printed images is acceptable. If time-based media examples (video and animation) are included, students will need to bring their own digital device for presentation purposes. Refer to the SADAH website for the dates of the upcoming portfolio feedback days and for additional portfolio requirements.
Students artistically admitted to the School of Art, Design and Art History participate in a secondary review process after completing foundations coursework to be accepted to their prospective major. Students seeking official acceptance into the graphic design major must enroll in and submit a portfolio representing work completed in ; and . Students not admitted may reapply the following semester.
Students seeking official acceptance into the architectural design major must enroll in and submit a portfolio representing work completed in and . Students not admitted may reapply the following year.
Students seeking official acceptance into the advanced industrial design courses must enroll in and submit a portfolio representing work completed in , , , , and independent design related work. Students not admitted may reapply one time.
Phone: (540) 568-3851
Email: music_admit@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/music
Admissions to the Bachelor of Music concentrations in the School of Music requires an audition on a primary instrument and an additional SlideRoom application. Students should plan to audition during the academic year preceding their first semester of enrollment. Auditions for music are given on specific dates between November and February. It is important that students indicate their intention to participate in the audition process by January 15.
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts major requires an additional SlideRoom application and an online interview. Students that are seeking faculty lessons will also need to audition.
Application processes and requirements are listed on the School of Music website.
Phone: (540) 568-6314
Website: http://www.nursing.jmu.edu/
In addition to the regular first year student and transfer admission requirements, students who intend to major in nursing must submit a B.S.N. Admission Application. Applications, admission criteria and admission deadlines may be found on the School of Nursing website.
A differential tuition of $90 per credit hour is added to the standard charge for courses carrying the NSG prefix. This charge applies to all students, both in-state and out-of-state, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with the exception of students enrolled in the R.N. to B.S.N. program.
Phone: (540) 568-6342
Email: theatredance@jmu.edu
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/theatredance/
Admissions to the dance, musical theatre and theatre majors are by audition for performers or portfolio review for design/technical theatre, theatre studies (directing, dramaturgy, theatre scholarship, etc.) or theatre education students.
Theatre and musical theatre auditions/portfolio reviews are held between November and February and by video/virtually for first year and transfer student applicants. Refer to the school website for dates and more information on requirements for admission.
Dance major auditions are held between November and February and by video/virtually for first year and transfer student applicants. Refer to the school website for dates and more information on requirements for admission.
JMU encourages veterans to apply for admission as full-time or part-time students.
Information regarding VA Educational Benefits is available from the veterans’ coordinator, Student Success Center, 5th floor.
Veterans and service members may submit their Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript for credit review. This credit will be determined based on recommendations in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Consult the Office of the Registrar.
If a veteran or service member does not have a JST or CCAF, they may submit their DD-214 for review. Less than one year of active duty service provides three credits of health or kinesiology elective credit. One year or greater provides six credits of health and kinesiology elective credit. Students may not receive credit from both the JST/CCAF and DD-214.
Credit is allowed for courses taken at the Defense Language Institute. The amount of credit varies with the type of courses successfully completed. JMU must receive an official transcript. Credit allowed is based on their recommendation in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. For those languages not offered at JMU, a maximum of 12 hours is accepted.