Admissions

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.

Visiting 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.

First Year Student Admission

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:

Academic Program

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:

• Four years of math with at least one full year beyond algebra II (i.e. pre-calculus, trigonometry, discrete math, statistics, math analysis, etc.). Consumer math, personal finance, and algebra functions and data analysis will not be evaluated as a full year beyond algebra II;
• Three years of laboratory science (preferably biology, chemistry and physics or an AP, IB or DE science). General science or earth science does not count as a lab science);
• Three or more years of the same foreign language or two years of two different foreign languages;
• Four years of English; and
• Four years of social studies.

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.

Academic Achievement

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.

Standardized Tests

Submitting SAT I or ACT scores is optional and not required in order to complete the application. 

Extracurricular Activities

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.

Application Deadlines

Early Action Admission

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 Admission

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.

Application Procedure for First Year Student Admission

To apply for First-Year admission to the university, applicants must: 

• Submit the online application for undergraduate admission along with the electronic application fee. This fee is not refundable or transferable and will not be credited to the student’s account.
• Request that an official transcript from the high school counselor be sent electronically or through the mail to:

• (Optional) Applicants may request SAT or ACT scores be sent to James Madison University directly from the College Board or American College Testing, respectively.

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.

Transfer Student Admission

To transfer to JMU, a student should:

• Have completed or be in the process of completing at least 24 credits at the college or university level, after graduating from high school or earning a GED, at the time of application.
• Successfully complete college course work in the following areas: English, math, lab science and social science in order to be competitive. The more college-level course work a student completes, the less emphasis the admission committee places on the high school transcript.
• Be in good standing and eligible to continue or graduate from their previous institution(s). It is the student’s responsibility to provide the JMU Office of Admissions with official transcripts of work completed from all colleges attended. Concealment of previous attendance at a college or university is cause for cancellation of admission and registration. (Students with holds on their academic records will not be considered for admission until holds are released).

The university recommends students have a “B” cumulative grade point average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) to be competitive for admission.

Application Procedure for Transfer Admission

To apply for transfer admission to the university, applicants must:

• Submit the online application for undergraduate admission along with the electronic application fee. This fee is not refundable or transferable and will not be credited to the student’s account.
• Request official transcripts be sent from all colleges attended prior to the application deadline.
• Submit an official high school transcript or a copy of a GED in addition to college transcripts, regardless of the number of college credits completed or the number of years out of high school.
• Indicate a major.
• (Optional) Complete a one-page personal statement for review by the Admissions Committee.

All materials are due by October 15 for spring admission, February 1 for summer admission and March 1 for fall admission.

Evaluation of Transfer Credits

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.

Advanced Placement

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.

Advanced Placement Chart

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 and therefore cannot be appealed.

² BIO 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements in biology or toward General Education program requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
³ Awards vary by major. CHEM 000 does not count toward any major or minor requirements in chemistry or toward General Education program requirements but is only 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 program requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
⁵ ISCI 000 does not count toward major or minor requirements or toward General Education program requirements but is elective credit toward a degree.
⁶ GNED 123 fulfills the General Education program Literature requirement.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Awards

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national program that offers students credit by computer-based examination. This allows students to have the opportunity to obtain recognition for achievement in specific college courses. Credit received from CLEP exams at JMU may only be awarded to current Adult Degree Program students. Students who participated in the College-Level Examination Program may be awarded course credit that satisfies a General Education requirement or elective. Prospective students who complete CLEP examinations and achieve an appropriate score (usually a 50 or above) are eligible to earn college credit. Evaluation of credit will be performed by University Studies in coordination with the appropriate departmental office and cannot be appealed.

International Admission

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

International Examinations Credit

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.

Cambridge International Examinations and United Kingdom “A” Level Examinations

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.

2024-2025 Cambridge International Examination Courses

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.

United Kingdom “A” Level Examinations

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.

French Baccalaureate

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.

German Abitur

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.

International Baccalaureate

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.

2024-2025 International Baccalaureate Courses

This information is subject to change at the discretion of James Madison University. For the 2024-2025 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).

Higher-Level IB Courses

Standard-Level IB Courses

Special Admission Requirements

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.

Art

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

Art History Majors

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 Art History  and General Education  courses.

Architectural Design, Art Studio, Graphic Design and Industrial Design Majors

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 School of Art, Design and Art History  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 GRPH 208  and submit a portfolio representing work completed in GRPH 101 ; GRPH 200  and GRPH 206 . Students not admitted may reapply the following semester.

Students seeking official acceptance into the architectural design major must enroll in ARCD 200  and submit a portfolio representing work completed in ARCD 200  and ARCD 202 . Students not admitted may reapply the following year.

Students seeking official acceptance into the advanced industrial design courses must enroll in INDU 208  and submit a portfolio representing work completed in INDU 200 , INDU 202 , GRPH 101 , INDU 220 , INDU 380  and independent design related work. Students not admitted may reapply one time.

Music

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.

Nursing

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.

Special Expenses

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.

Theatre and Dance

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.

Credit for Military Service

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.