Grapple with the insights of great thinkers from across the world and throughout history while developing skills in critical thinking, argument analysis and cultural literacy. We prepare graduates to meet a rapidly changing world. Students who choose to concentrate in philosophy will study ancient and contemporary philosophers as they engage in rigorous debate, ask the big questions and sharpen their critical thinking skills. Students who choose to concentrate in religion are introduced to the academic study of the world's religions. They dive into the sacred texts, rituals, histories and ethics of different cultures while learning to communicate effectively with those who think differently from themselves. The interdisciplinary philosophy and interdisciplinary religion concentrations allow students to craft their own majors by counting up to nine credits from outside of the department toward the major.

The core of the study of English at JMU is the exploration of our world and ourselves through words. Throughout human history, talented writers, poets, playwrights and essayists have understood and used the power of creative, well-crafted language to inspire us, to persuade us, to make us reflect and question, to draw empathy from us, to entertain and awe us, and to expand our understanding – often many of these at the same time. At JMU, we prepare our students to be appreciative yet critical readers and creators of language, texts and ideas, attending to the powerful link between the literary arts and the human condition.

JMU’s Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication major occupies rarefied air. The School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication is a community of exceptional faculty, dedicated staff, talented students, and energetic alumni in one of the only stand-alone programs in the U.S. dedicated to writing across a variety of modes and genres. WRTC offers an expansive curriculum and a wide variety of opportunities for hands-on learning. Students learn the kinds of research, analytical and technical skills that allow them to become successful professional communicators as well as competitive candidates for a wide variety of graduate programs. Our faculty is comprised of practitioners and scholars from fields including rhetoric and writing, scientific and technical communication, creative nonfiction, professional communication, digital media, feminist studies, the rhetoric of health and medicine, and science studies.

Our Musical Theatre majors hone their skills as performers while exploring all areas of collaborative theatre-making, so you are prepared to succeed in the professional arena. The Musical Theatre major provides professionally focused training within the context of a broader university experience. The intensive, hands-on curriculum affords students the opportunity to develop into well-rounded creative artists who are prepared to succeed in the professional arena. We endeavor to create a positive and collaborative environment that is inclusive as well as responsive to the needs and goals of the 21st-century artist.

An Art History graduate can look forward to a career in museum curation, art advising, art law and enforcement, corporate consulting, appraising and more. Art History students study the history of the visual arts in their cultural and social context. Students learn to describe, analyze, and interpret the form and content of works of art and become familiar with art history theory, methods of analysis and art criticism.

Earth Science is an all-embracing term for the multiple sciences related to the planet Earth. The B.A. degree in Geology with a major in Earth Science is designed to integrate all the Earth sciences in a systems approach to understanding the Earth. This includes incorporating and integrating subjects such as oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. The emphasis is on the preparation of individuals to work in a wide range of professional public sector service careers where preparation in Earth science and communication of science to non-scientific audiences is a requirement or an asset. This includes the preparation of Earth science teachers.

We prepare students to engage with an increasingly globalized world through the intensive study of languages, literature, and cultures. Proficiency in a foreign language is more than just an asset in today’s job market; it is an essential part of comprehending contemporary society. Our students learn how to communicate effectively in another language, while understanding and appreciating the culture in which it is spoken. Through clubs, language tables and faculty mentorship, our graduates are poised to ride the tidal wave of globalization and enter a multitude of career areas.

Everything has a history. The study of History emphasizes critical, applicable skills in reading, writing and reasoning to prepare students for careers in law, business and management, research, public service, and education. Our curriculum encourages students to explore various regions and eras through course work in the history studio, digital history projects and the study of artifacts, and provides opportunities for internship experiences and study abroad. Explore the past to discover more about the world, your community and even yourself.

JMU School of Media Arts and Design graduates tell the best stories. We prepare students to serve as creative, reflective and highly skilled media producers and storytellers, sensitive to the personal and social impact of the messages they create and to the important role media can play in advancing the public interest. Graduates of the School of Media Arts and Design work in media or in media-related careers. Program concentrations allow students to pursue interests in journalism, digital video and cinema, creative advertising or interactive design. The major also prepares students for graduate study in mass communication, journalism, advertising, visual communication or digital production. SMAD’s 39-credit-hour requirement allows students to pursue minors and second majors, to strengthen their knowledge about the types of stories they want to tell.

JMU Justice Studies majors have a deep understanding of connections. Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary major that uses justice as a framework to sustain and promote the growth and development of individuals and communities: politically, economically and socially. Our students develop a personal definition of justice and a fuller understanding of the nature of the world in which they live. Students select an emphasis in Criminal Justice and Criminology, Global Justice and Policy, and Social Justice Engagement. Justice Studies offers students a set of skills, knowledge and habits of mind that can be applied to a wide range of academic, civic and career opportunities.

International Affairs graduates from JMU are prepared to change the world. This major provides a global perspective on the most important challenges facing the United States and the world today. Students learn to understand the world from a variety of perspectives and have the opportunity to specialize in important global problems and regions. Students develop their understanding of cultural frameworks, foreign languages, international economics and political dynamics. Our vast network of alumni helps students transition to careers in public service and many other fields. These prized abilities serve as a foundation for careers in government, consulting, policy advocacy, business, communications and the non-profit sector. We seek to enhance the quality of public policy and civic life at home and abroad by teaching students, conducting research and collaborating with people inside and outside of the JMU community.

Political Science majors at JMU have a foundation for amazing careers. Our majors take courses in U.S. politics and policy, international relations, political dynamics abroad and political philosophy. Our vast network of alumni helps students transition to careers in public service and many other fields. Political science students graduate with a wide range of powerful skills for understanding their community, country and the world. They gain experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis, advanced written communication, research methods and critical thinking. These prized abilities serve as a foundation for careers in government, consulting, public policy, business, political communication and the non-profit sector. We seek to enhance the quality of public policy and civic life at home and abroad by teaching students, conducting research and collaborating with people inside and outside of the JMU community.