Aerospace Engineering, Engineering & Technology
North America, United States of America (USA)
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Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are here because they want to pursue knowledge and make teaching their No. 1 priority.
Why choose James Madison University?
James Madison University has all the advantages of a large public university in America, but the feel of a small, friendly community.
Being the change
JMU knows that success requires both intellect and action. You will be encouraged to participate in life outside of your studies, for a full and rich university experience.
The Madison experience
The University offers an unforgettable study experience, combining the very best of American education and college life. The University represents the perfect blend of focused learning and true university spirit. James Madison University is delighted to welcome international students and is committed to making you feel at home.
First-class education
You will share a close relationship with the faculty (teaching staff), and the curriculum is innovative and lively. Students have a high level of involvement in the classroom, the lab and activities around and off campus. The Service Learning Program is nationally known for providing the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real world situations.
Ultimate College Town
The University is located in Harrisonburg in the state of Virginia near the east coast. Although Harrisonburg is a small city, you can discover new activities to try just a short distance from campus. Harrisonburg has a lively atmosphere, with attractions including museums, shopping, skiing, golfing, caverns, farmers’ markets, concerts, movie theaters and restaurants. Come explore!
Student life at James Madison University
Student life centers around the huge University campus. It is one of the most scenic campuses in the USA, offering mountain views east and west – yet is only 2 hours from Washington, DC. The University has many clubs and organizations that offer a wide variety of activities. You can join a range of clubs to meet other students who share your interests, and improve your overall student experience.
Alumni and career success
Graduates of James Madison University enjoy great success in further academic study, and in the professional world. You can take advantage of James Madison University’s extensive career services, employment events and internship opportunities:
We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about. JMU graduates are far more than merely educated. Members of a fellowship of doers, they know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and have become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose. Equal parts intellect and action help mold JMU graduates. Crafting the knowledge. Walking the walk. Seizing the day. Being the Change.
James Madison University has flourished in large part because of the dynamic and far-sighted leadership of its five presidents. Each of the five men shared outstanding leadership abilities and each also possessed the rare capacity to anticipate future needs of the institution and to act decisively to meet those needs before they became critical. Stories and information in this section give you a look at the Madison presidents and others involved in leadership of the institution.
At JMU, we have been preparing teachers since our founding in 1908.
Here’s how that works for you. You acquire skills and knowledge from our amazing faculty members and from countless opportunities to hone what you learn in class during observation, practicum and student-teaching experiences.
Come to JMU and you will go well beyond merely skills and knowledge. We strive each day to stimulate your creativity, develop your cognitive abilities and encourage you to test hypotheses over and over.
JMU education students continually reinterpret the human experience. The combination of all these aspects has helped our graduates win local, regional and national teaching awards.
The common thread that weaves itself through every facet of the Madison Experience is this—you will be pushed, helped and groomed for success.
From day one to graduation, we are here to help you work harder than you have imagined, learn new things about the world around you and, perhaps most importantly, learn new things about yourself.
With more than 130 degree programs, there is plenty to explore.
Welcome to JMU Research & Scholarship!
We are James Madison University’s central research administration unit and our mission is to serve and support faculty and student research and scholarship, serve as an agent and advocate for faculty and student interests, and act as a ‘divining rod’ to procure, locate and secure resources, partnerships and collaborations that will move JMU’s vision and mission forward. The boxes below contain snapshots of the offices and centers that comprise Research & Scholarship and include links to full websites (when applicable). Take some time to peruse our website and don’t forget to download our latest newsletter to learn about the cutting-edge research, scholarship and creative endeavors happening at James Madison University. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for weekly updates showcasing scholarly events, accolades, and opportunities. Go Dukes!!
Prepare for your future with CareerAhead
At the International Study Center (ISC) we care about your academic success, as well as your career once you graduate. With your future career in mind, we have integrated a new careers service into our academic courses at the ISC, called CareerAhead.
What does CareerAhead do?
CareerAhead is designed to give you a head start in today’s competitive graduate employment market by helping you become a confident, highly skilled and extremely employable graduate. We will guide you toward making the right choices and using your time at the James Madison University productively, so that you can maximize your chances of success in the competitive job market.
How it works
Stage 1: When you arrive at the ISC
During the first semester at the ISC, you will complete a skills assessment questionnaire, similar to the one used by graduate employers. This will help you think about the skills you already have, such as planning and organizing. The results will form the basis of your personal career development plan.
Stage 2: During your ISC course
As part of your course at the ISC, you will get an opportunity to develop key employability skills, such as leadership and organization, that can easily be transferred to a professional working environment. You will develop the skills to write a resume and a personal statement that will make you stand out from the crowd, and you will be able to improve your presentation and interview skills too. We will also work with you in the classroom, small groups and on an individual basis, to build your personal career development plan – a unique set of assignments that are relevant to your chosen career.
Stage 3: When you continue your degree at James Madison University
During your studies at James Madison University, you will complete the assignments set out in your personal career development plan. This will ensure that you graduate not only with a globally recognized degree, but also with the right skills to secure a fantastic job in your chosen future career.
Student Services and Learning Resources
Business Services: Bookstore – Card Services -Copy Centers – Dining Services – Parking Services
Career and Academic Planning: Freshman Academic Advising -Career and Academic Planning Course – Academic and Career Resource Center – Graduate School Information
Employment, Internship and Job Search Services: Connecting with Employers- Resume Development- Career Fairs- Job Search – Internships
At home in Harrisonburg
Welcome to the neighborhood. Convenient, comfortable, and inclusive accommodation is allocated for students at the International Study Center.
On-campus housing
Many international students live on campus for their first year. There are many options of residence halls and apartments. All rooms include wireless internet, cable TV, all utilities, access to study lounges and a variety of recreational areas, including billiards rooms, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, and barbecue areas. Submit the housing form to receive a room and roommate assignment. After the first year, you can chose from a selection of luxurious and affordable nearby off-campus housing.
Off-campus housing
In some cases we will place students in off-campus accommodation. There are a lot of nearby apartment complexes, many of them are new and have great amenities too. Shops, restaurants, parks, and cinemas are all close by. The ISC will help you arrange your accommodation if all on-campus housing has been allocated. Rent is approximately $495 per month, per person. You can also choose from one of the many other accommodation options available in Harrisonburg. Most off-campus housing options offer individual leases and can be arranged online before you arrive.
Madison International
This is a prestigious dedicated residence where first-year international and U.S. students live and study together. Make friends with people from around the world and improve your English quickly as you spend more time with your English-speaking friends. You can apply before Fall intake to live in one of the most desirable residences on campus.
Services & Spaces
Reserve a Group Study Room: Find a room where your group can work
Library Spaces: Find a place to study, floor plans, building features, and more
The Makery: Makerspaces with VR, 3D Printing, media labs, and more
Printing, Scanning, & Software: Learn about our printing and scanning services and what software is on our public computers
Equipment Loans: Checkout cameras, microphones, and more
Accessibility: Learn more about library services that assure access for all users
Borrow, Renew, & Request: Learn who can borrow, what can be checked out, how to renew, and more
Course Reserves: Find resources assigned to a class by your professor or place items on reserve
Online, Hybrid, & Distance Learning: Empower teaching and learning beyond the boundary of a physical classroom
Duplication & Library Delivery: Request duplication and/or delivery of journal articles, book chapters, sheet music, and more
Interlibrary Loan: Request books, media, and articles not owned by JMU
Media Production: Get help making videos for courses, convert media, and more
Connect from Off-Campus: Learn how to access library resources from off campus
Suggest a Purchase: Suggest a resource you think we should have
The Information Technology Help Desk serves as the central point of contact for the computing support needs of the JMU community.
Who can use this Service?
JMU applicants, students, faculty, staff, affiliates and alumni.
How can I get this Service?
Online: IT Service Portal – submit a ticket or search for answers in the knowledge base
Phone: (540) 568-3555
Email: provide eID, phone number and specific details (e.g. screenshots, errors, application, browser, etc)
In Person: 4th floor, Student Success Center (counter is closed, please call or email for initial troubleshooting which may result in an in-person appointment)
Office Support: allow for a distance of at least six feet between you and the support staff at all times. Please ensure sanitation wipes and hand sanitizers are nearby in your office to clean hands, mice, keyboards, and work surfaces. Please move your mousepad away from the computer area and free the work area from unnecessary items. Follow all required university safety guidelines for sanitation, social distancing and face coverings. Failure to do so will delay the delivery of support and may require rescheduling the appointment.
Personally-owned equipment: IT support staff are not permitted to physically work on personally-owned computers and mobile devices. Staff will attempt to provide support through documentation and verbal recommendations when possible.
Information Technology Help Desk at (540) 568-3555 or Help desk
Does the Help Desk offer student employment opportunities?
Yes, positions are posted on Job Link under the title “ IT Help Desk Customer Support Representative” We seek dynamic, customer service driven student employees that have the ability to learn quickly and the willingness to grow their technical expertise.
Seizing the opportunity
If you’re looking for the ultimate American college experience, JMU is the place for you! Our state-of-the-art facilities for sports, arts, and entertainment offer a huge range of activities, so you’re bound to find something for you.
Things to do
JMU students are all about engaging with the
community. Get out and explore!
Explore Shenandoah Valley National Park with a hike through the woods and see beautiful waterfalls and views.
Visit an amusement park. Kings Dominion is a 2-hour drive, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is 3 hours away, and there’s Virginia’s largest water park too – Water Country USA.
Dance and sing along at one the many music festivals, including Rocktown, and Redwing Roots Music Festival.
Cuisines from around
the world JMU has the #5 best campus food in the U.S.
(The Princeton Review, 2019) and with so much choice it’s easy to see why. From worldclass coffee, desserts and snacks, to halal, kosher, vegetarian, American, and Korean dishes, JMU’s 28 on-campus dining facilities offer something for every taste.
Art& music
movies For those with a passion for movies and the arts, JMU’s state-of-the-art facilities host on-campus movies, concerts, dance and theatrical performances, and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Safety
James Madison University places a distinct importance on inclusion and safety, taking all possible steps to help ensure an exceptional experience while living and learning on campus. Join in on the conversation via social media to find out more about the nationwide campaign, letting the international community and future students around the world know that #YouAreWelcomeHere.
Outdoor spaces
Arboretum The quiet lake surrounded by sleepy willow trees is an ideal place to spend outdoor time on campus. There’s always a spot for a group study session or an afternoon picnic at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, John C. Wells Planetarium, or The Quad.
Sports
UREC and University Park The popular University Recreation Center (UREC) and University Park provide everything you need for fitness and fun, including a gym, swimming pool, climbing wall, yoga studio, and indoor and outdoor sports courts.
50 sports clubs on campus
Sports and athletics include:
Basketball
Dodgeball
Indoor and Outdoor Soccer
Kickball
Racquetball
Sand Volleyball
Team Handball
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
The best time to get involved This is a time to find yourself. And getting involved outside the classroom is the best way to make your mark and discover your passion. At the beginning of each semester, JMU’s clubs and organizations come together at Student Org Night. This event includes music, food and raffles, but above all, it gives you the opportunity to meet your peers and browse all of the ways to get involved on campus. Try something completely different or dig into an existing interest. With over 450 clubs and orgs at JMU, you’ll find a range from academic to special-interest clubs, a capella groups, community service teams, faith-based organizations, cultural groups. There is something here for everyone. For a full list of JMU’s clubs and organizations, check out the Be Involved website.
Serving the community Community service is an important part of the JMU culture. These experiences offer students the opportunity to help others while gaining invaluable understanding about life. You’ll find opportunities to serve the local and global community through student organizations, class projects and the Office of Community Service-Learning. To learn more about community service-learning at JMU, check out the CS-L website.
Alternative Break Program Serving the community is such a big part of JMU’s culture that students even spend spring break volunteering for organizations around the country and globe. You heard that right. Every year, about 500 students participate in an alternative break trips. Students have traveled to California to measure climate change in Joshua Tree National Park, to Missouri to serve the homeless, and to Jamaica to assist with programming at a mental health center. The options are endless and the lessons are life-changing. Alternative break trips also take place during Thanksgiving break, weekends, winter break… and even right before move-in, a trip exclusively for incoming freshmen and new transfer students. You won’t want to miss your chance to be part of one of them.
Preview this program in
Recommended programs
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Note: The scholarship database is no longer available on Emonovo.