James Madison University
- Academics

RT
Currently attending or alumni?
Review this school!
Are you interested
in this school?
Saving your decision
Yes
Maybe
No

Your information has been sent to this school through our partnership with .

This school has been saved to your schools list.

This school has been removed from your recommended schools list.

For your next recommendation, check out .

James Madison University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Full-Time Student Population 17,462
Part-Time Student Population 1,509
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 906
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 279
Total FT Faculty 906
Faculty with Terminal Degree 78%
Average Faculty Salary $68,073
Full-Time Retention Rate 92%
Part-Time Retention Rate 100%
Transfer-Out Rate 7%
Graduation Rate 82%
Programs/Majors Offered 60
Average Course Load 15 credits (5 courses)
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 35%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 52%
  • 50 or More Students: 13%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

At JMU, education is like a piggy bank: you get out of your education what you put into it. Not every class will come as naturally as breathing, and sometimes it takes a little extra “oomph” on the part of the student. On the plus side, the majority of JMU professors really harbor genuine care for their pupils. Most professors are not only knowledgeable in their various subjects, but enthusiastic, as well. It’s quite easy to make an appointment with a prof, and the rewards (improved grades, happy parents) are sweet. At JMU, it’s not easy to slack off and squeak through with a decent grade. A degree from James Madison University may sparkle and shine someday within a frame on your wall, but be prepared to put in a little elbow grease before graduation day.

Experience is the real meat and potatoes at James Madison. Generous servings of innovative internships, extensive lab work, and research in and out of the classrooms, peer discussions and hands-on homework combine to make a full meal deal. Students can take their pick of 77 different academic programs, which include hospitality tourism management, writing and rhetoric, and women’s studies. Interesting programs like these, along with an equally qualified faculty, have helped JMU to gain recognition.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

James Madison Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Loading...

Academics at James Madison University

jmu

'15

Geology and Earth Science

5.0
A+

Great Profs Great Classrooms

Really good veriety of classroom sizes. Profs are very passionate. Material is covered well and prepares you for higher levels, your major, your career, and life!

Jan 24, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Academics at James Madison University

swimming247

'15

Occupational Therapy

4.6
A

Health Sciences Major

The Health Sciences major is really popular at James Madison. Students who want to become a pre-professional often choose this major. I love it because even though someone says their a Health Sciences major, they have more to say because saying their major says nothing about what they want to do with the rest of their life. I am only a freshman however, and can not really say much about the course due to the fact that I have primarily only taken general education courses.

Dec 30, 2011

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Academics at James Madison University

kagallaher

'15

Communication Sciences and Disorders

3.8
B+

Hard but the Work Is Manageable If There Is Effort

The academics offer the perfect amount of effort, studying, and work. Most classes are hard but not unbearable, one justs needs to want to do well and study. Although the classes are hard, but most times the professor is available during office hours for help. Some professors are better than others, but that is expected. The libraries are great for studying and study groups are popular too.

Dec 29, 2011

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: Yes
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores 3–5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5–7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Arts and Letters
  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Integrated Science and Technology
  • College of Science and Mathematics
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Community Health Services and Counseling: 3%
  • Health, Outdoor, and Physical Education: 3%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: 3%
  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric: 4%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Airport Lounge (fourth floor of Warren)
  • Carrier Library
  • East Campus Library
  • The Quad (in sunny weather)
  • Starbucks
  • Taylor Down Under (TDU)
  • Valley Lanes
Did You Know?

James Madison University was originally named State Normal and Industrial School for Women. The first male students stepped upon school grounds in 1946 under President Duke.

There is absolutely no excuse for not being involved. JMU has over 250 recognized clubs and organizations, at least one of which should pique your interest.

Buy The Guidebook

Buy a hard copy of "James Madison University 2012: Off The Record"

Read more about the book . . .Add to Cart

Buy the eBook:

AmazonBarnes & NobleGoogleSmashwordsDownload the FREE Printable Summary (PDF)

Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at JMU

Name: Rosemary Grant

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Major: English/Media Arts & Design

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school