School of Professional & Continuing Education

School of Professional & Continuing Education (SPCE), a unit within Academic Affairs, confers three degrees through the Adult Degree Program (BA, BS, BIS), partners with academic units across campus to facilitate a range of graduate certificates, master’s degrees and courses, youth programs, a lifelong learning institute for seniors, and professional development programs. SPCE also facilitates a number of initiatives that support university-wide goals and objectives, including economic and community development and community engagement.  

SPCE’s mission is to respond to individual, business and community needs through transformative educational programs and experiences.  These experiences are categorized into four main functional areas including:  Graduate & Undergraduate Studies, Outreach & Engagement, Economic & Community Development, and Professional Development. In addition to these functional areas, SPCE is home to two sponsored programs (Shenandoah Valley Partnership, and Shenandoah Valley Technology Council).

Non-degree Seeking Student Admission

The non-degree seeking student classification includes adult non-degree students, high school non-degree students and teacher licensure students. Individuals seeking enrollment as a non-degree seeking student must complete the “Non-degree Seeking Student Application.” Virginia residents must also complete the “Checklist and Application for Virginia In-state Tuition Rates.” A non-refundable $20 application fee must accompany the application. Non-degree seeking students must submit the application and processing fee each semester they enroll in courses.

Non-degree seeking students can enroll and register for up to 11 hours of credit per semester. If additional credits are needed, students should contact SPCE. Course prerequisites may apply. Courses at the 500 or 600 level and above require approval by the appropriate department head. Non-degree seeking students can complete the non-degree student application and the in-state form by going to https://www.jmu.edu/pce/ and clicking “Apply.”

Students should register online during the dates identified for non-degree seeking students following the instructions at https://www.jmu.edu/pce/ “For Students” then “Registration Dates and Deadlines.” Walk-in registration and course adjustments are permitted for non-degree seeking students; contact the Registrar’s Office.

The courses taken in the non-degree seeking student category carry university credit, and they may be transferred into a degree program, once admitted, at the discretion of the program. JMU reserves the right to deny admission to non-degree seeking students; admission as a non-degree seeking student does not guarantee admission to a degree program at the university.

Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver

Legal residents of the State of Virginia who have reached 60 years of age before the beginning of an academic term and who have a taxable income that did not exceed $23,850 for the year proceeding the term may register for and enroll in courses as full-time or part-time students and pay no tuition but will incur a $20 application fee as well as fees established for the purpose of paying for course materials, such as laboratory fees. Senior citizens who have a taxable income higher than $23,850 may choose to register to audit courses under the same policy, subject to instructor and department approval. Senior citizens shall be subject to the admissions requirements of the institution and a determination by the institution of its ability to offer the course or courses for which the senior citizen registers. A senior citizen shall only be admitted to a course in which enrollment is sought after all tuition-paying students have been accommodated. A senior citizen tuition waiver form must be submitted to Professional & Continuing Education to determine eligibility according to section 23-38:54 of the Code of Virginia.

Forms can be found on the SPCE website.