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James Madison University emblem

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, United States • Founded 1908 • THE 2021 #1001-1527

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: jmu.edu

Overview

Acronyms: JMU
Founded: 1908
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
Times Higher Education 2021 #1001-1527 SCImago 2026 #3803
Motto: Be the Change
Colours: Purple and gold
Mascot: Duke Dog
Front view of James Madison University
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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

Address, contact details, and online presence for James Madison University are summarised below.

Address: 800 South Main Street
Postal Code: 22807
Phone: +1 (540) 568 6211
Email: webmaster@jmu.edu
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for James Madison University are listed below.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 20,888
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

James Madison University's academic units are listed below, by type.

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

Browse James Madison University's programmes by level, or filter by name.

97 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 54 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Design
Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Art History
Art History

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Biophysical Chemistry
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology
Biological Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 54.

Master's Degree 29 programmes

Master's Degree in Adult Education/Human Resource Development
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition
Nutrition & Dietetics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Athletic Training
Sport and Exercise Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Communication and Advocacy
Communication Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Concentration
Cyber Security

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership Concentration
Educational Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Education, Initial Licensure in Secondary Education Concentration
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 29.

Doctorate 2 programmes

Doctorate in Assessment and Measurement
Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Strategic Leadership Studies
Management & Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate 3 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Audiology
Speech & Language Therapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology
Clinical Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Professional Doctorate in Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate 7 programmes

Cyber Intelligence Certificate
Cyber Security

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Data Science for Society Graduate Certificate
Data Science & Analytics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Entrepreneurship and Leadership in the Arts and Design Certificate
Entrepreneurship

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Health Policy Certificate
Public Policy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Sport Coaching Graduate Certificate
Sport and Exercise Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes

Postgraduate Diploma in School Psychology and Counselor Education, School Counseling Concentration
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Diploma in School Psychology and Counselor Education, School Psychology Concentration
Educational Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to James Madison University

Five steps that capture how applications to James Madison University flow.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. James Madison University runs 97 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 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. 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. 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. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at webmaster@jmu.edu 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

Frequently asked questions about James Madison University.

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 20,888 students.

How is James Madison University ranked?

James Madison University is ranked THE 2021 #1001-1527.

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)

Below: other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member institutions, alongside James Madison University.

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Harrisonburg: universities located close to James Madison University.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Other institutions in the United States teaching Education & Teaching are listed below for comparison with James Madison University.

Universities Compared with James Madison University

The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to James Madison University.

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