James Madison University
Harrisonburg, United States • Founded 1908 • World Rank #3803
Overview
Founded in 1908, the James Madison University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Harrisonburg (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Virginia.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, James Madison University (JMU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. James Madison University (JMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 116-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
JMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach James Madison University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on James Madison University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute James Madison University's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 8 items
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Health And Behavioral Studies College of Graduate and Outreach Programs
- College of Integrated Science and Engineering
- College of Science and Mathematics
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Honors College
Programs Offered
James Madison University's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
Bachelor's Degree
49 programmes
There are 49 programmes to choose from at James Madison University for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Economics Economics
Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Geography and Cartography Geography
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Social Work Social Work
Public Administration Public Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
History History
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
International Business International Business
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Engineering, General General Engineering
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Psychology, General Psychology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Chemistry Chemistry
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other Philosophy & Ethics
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Science, Technology and Society Liberal Arts
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Mathematics Mathematics
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
26 programmes
James Madison University provides 26 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Public Administration Public Administration
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
History History
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Psychology, General Psychology
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Science, Technology and Society Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
7 programmes
James Madison University's 7 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Music Music
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Psychology, General Psychology
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
10 programmes
James Madison University lists 10 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Public Administration Public Administration
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other Computer Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to James Madison University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at James Madison University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. James Madison University runs 92 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to James Madison University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with James Madison University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.jmu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (540) 568 6211. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about James Madison University
Quick reference for James Madison University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
In what year was James Madison University established?
James Madison University was founded in 1908 (approximately 118 years ago).
In which city is James Madison University?
James Madison University is based in Harrisonburg, United States.
What is James Madison University's control type?
James Madison University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at James Madison University?
James Madison University has approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
How is James Madison University ranked?
James Madison University is ranked #3803 globally and #409 in United States.
What is James Madison University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 8 academic units.
Who recognises James Madison University?
Yes, James Madison University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
What is James Madison University's official website?
You can find James Madison University online at www.jmu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including James Madison University may still partner with strong employers locally.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
If James Madison University's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities near James Madison University often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at James Madison University is narrow in your area.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Faculty publication output for Education & Teaching researchers at each the United States institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Often Compared with James Madison University
Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.
