Mar 19, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The Graduate School


 

Dean
Dr. Linda Thomas      

Associate Dean
Dr. Michael Stoloff   

Interim Assistant Dean
Ms. Laura Ryman      

Madison Hall, Room 4050
Phone: (540) 568-6131
100 E. Grace Street
MSC 6702                  

Harrisonburg, VA 22807
http://www.jmu.edu/grad

Overview

The Graduate School coordinates graduate and post-graduate education throughout the university. There have been over 21,200 graduate degrees awarded through 2020, and enrollment growth and ongoing development of nationally and internationally recognized graduate programs are key strategic initiatives of the university.

Mission

Graduate Education at James Madison University serves the public good by providing graduate students with high-quality academic experiences and professional development through its diverse, collaborative, and engaged community.

History

Founded in 1908 and located in the center of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, James Madison University is a public comprehensive university. The university offers degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral levels. The total enrollment exceeds 22,000 with over 1,900 graduate students. JMU annually receives more than 2,600 graduate applications.

The campus consists of more than 720 acres and features nearly 150 major buildings. In the more than 100 years since its founding, JMU has grown from a state normal and industrial school for women to today’s comprehensive university. In 1938 the institution was named Madison College in honor of the fourth president of the United States and in 1977, the name was changed to James Madison University. The JMU Graduate School was established in 1954, when the State Board of Education authorized the university to offer programs leading to the Master of Science in Education degree.

Currently, seven academic colleges offer 63 graduate programs. JMU has the best graduation rate in the U.S. for large, master’s level public universities, the best college for employment in Virginia and the most recommended public university in the United States.

Authorization

James Madison University is authorized to offer graduate programs leading to master’s, Educational Specialist, Doctor of Audiology, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Psychology, Doctor of Musical Arts and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.

Many graduate programs also offer concentration areas.