James Madison University

Attending James Madison University was one of the greatest choices I have made. While I was very hesitant to attend the university, widely because it was closer to home, the sense of community and the culture of the school really made my 4 years of college. There is always something to do, always an organization to join, and the professors are so supportive in the Political Science department. The staff and president are frequently walking around and talking to students too, so you always feel supported... Read More outside of the classroom. Also, if you do attend, don't miss a sports game. Even if they aren't SEC size stadiums, you are still in for an amazing time. Roll Dukes!

I was in the Departments of Political Science and Foreign Languages with my degrees in International Affairs and Arabic at James Madison University in Virginia. I found both departments and program excellent. I had great experiences with almost all of my professors and with the content that I learned. I concentrated on Middle East with my International Affairs major and had a basic understanding of the largest challenges with the region. I wish JMU had had more Middle East specific courses, but that... Read More is mostly student driven. My Arabic program was in a way self made - I actually started the Arabic major at JMU because I took so many Arabic courses and even did some independent study courses. I also studied abroad in Lebanon which was a very exciting offering for me as a student interested in the Middle East and Arabic. I will say in general, with any undergraduate degree it's important to understand that you will not come out an expert in any field and instead a Bachelor's provides you insight to topics and areas you find interesting and want to work in or pursue further education. Being from the Washington, DC area, a Bachelor's is also a benchmark to get your foot in the door and is a test of whether or not you can be responsible, show up for class, and get good grades. Keep in mind that your first jobs will likely ask you for your GPA especially if you have little to no job experience. GPA will also be incredibly important if you plan to go back to school for graduate work. Additionally, I feel strongly that college is not only about the education, but also about the clubs and programs that are available to you. I was able to get a great deal of leadership experience in almost every organization I joined. This helped me build my network as well and I still call on friends I made in my organizations for support in my professional career. Developing true bonds inside and outside the classroom with peers and professors can really enhance your college experience. My favorite program I participated in at JMU was our Washington Semester. I was able to apply for this program to go to DC for a semester and intern for college credit. I had control over where I applied and accepted. I had the opportunity to intern at the State Department in Spring 2011 which was the start of the Arab Spring. I still have great relationships with my supervisors at State almost 10 years later and had a true Washington and full time working experience when I was 21 years old. This was a highlight during my JMU career. Post-graduation, I also recommend you keep in touch with your alumni network. JMU's Political Science Department does a fantastic job with the alumni network and it's important to continue meeting people even after graduation.

Excited about this program and pursuing advocacy. Be forewarned through, the program is really a communication studies master's degree program. Although they accept students from all majors, previous communication majors will be more successful as the program is taught as you have a communications BA. Advocacy and being a community advocate is a fleeting theory in most classes. There is also a preference for those that have attended JMU as an undergraduate, then as a graduate student. They may be... Read More referred to as the superstars.

James Madison is located in the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is the most scenic and peaceful experience just driving to the university. This place made it possible for me to not only meet my life long friends but get a great educate where I can apply my knowledge. JMU may be a medium sized school but it feels like a small community. Everyone is friendly and the school is known for its door holding policy. The academics are great and all of the professor I had were always helpful. I am still... Read More friends with my professors and check in with them. JMU really works with students to provide the best experience. The sports programs are wonderful as well. JMU is the dream!

The genuine student life cultivated at James Madison University is equal to the quality of education you will receive. Coupled with the value found at a top public research institution, any high school student should give JMU serious consideration. You will be embraced by faculty, challenged to expand your own mind, all in a quaint small-town/rural setting, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the charming bluestone architecture as your backdrop. Professors doors are always open, help is right at your... Read More fingertips, all you need to do is seek it out. Voted perennially as one of the most high-tech public universities in the country, you will have access to everything current in business, science, media and more. Many James Madison graduates go on to study in top tier master's programs, and have historically performed exceedingly high in their fields of study. In the major science, business and media programs at James Madison, students typically command between fifty and sixty thousand dollars salary their first year or two out of school. Thus, the bargain tuition is paid off fairly quickly upon graduation. Personally, James Madison University has left me with not only a world class education at a very reasonable price, the experience has also left me with lasting friendships and relationships. Nearly twenty years since freshman orientation, I am still in close contact with the core set of hallmates and suitemates from my first-year dormitory placement. More so, I still keep up with two of my economics professors via email, a couple times per year. If value added, student life, the opportunity to make lasting connections and to study at a premier public research institution is part of your criteria for college, you should certainly consider James Madison University when exploring your undergraduate options.

James Madison University is a wonderful school to attend. They have a great student community, the campus is outstanding, as well as their sports program. James Madison University has a wonderful campus, it is such a lovely place. They have a number of schools within the university so your options are many. I attended the College of Business, they had a number of courses that really prepared me for when I graduated. The professors were always available and coach classes were always very helpful if... Read More i fell short on a subject. There were always activities on campus during the week and on the weekends. Home Coming was always a wonderful treat and the games were always well attended. Attending James Madison University was and will always be one of the best experiences I could have had. The administration was very helpful and always willing to help a student during whatever they may be going through.

James Madison University was probably the best choice school of the undergraduate programs I applied to. I absolutely loved the environment of the campus, the rigor of the course schedule, and the helpfulness of the professors on campus. The Harrisonburg area is incredibly safe and welcoming and could not have picked a better place for my undergraduate career. I believe it has greatly assisted me in my preparation for graduate school. I know a lot of people who left JMU with careers being started... Read More and grad programs to go to. I, myself, was accepted into 2 graduate programs for physical therapy, which is highly competitive. JMU is an amazing school with hard, but worth taking classes with great people to surround yourself with.

I feel absolutely blessed to have been able to study social work at JMU. I met my role models through my professors, best friends and supports through my fellow classmates, and learned more than I could possibly imagine. JMU provided me with experiences and education to allow me to become a competent and professional social worker. Before school, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do but following graduation, I knew I was in the right field. Anyone considering social work, please attend JMU in... Read More order to obtain the best education experience possible.