Declaring Your Major
As a transfer student, you are likely eager to continue the academic progress you made at your previous institution. We want to help you achieve your academic goals, but first, be aware of some policies to help you make an informed decision when declaring your major.
30 Credit Policy
If you are transferring 30 or more credit hours to JMU, then you must choose a major. It is important to declare your major so you can be advised by a faculty member in that department to make progress toward graduation. If you have received a JMU approved associate degree from a Virginia Community College, your JMU General Education requirements are waived and the courses you enroll in for your first semester at JMU will help you meet major, degree and/or pre-professional and minor requirements. If you have fewer than 30 credit hours and are undecided about your major, then you may be Undeclared/Exploratory.
Being Exploratory
If you have fewer than 30 credit hours and are undecided about your major, then you may be Exploratory. You will be advised by an academic advisor in University Advising who will assist you in selecting classes for your first semester and choosing a major. Having an idea of a possible major will allow your academic advisor make course recommendations that will help you make progress toward a degree and graduation.
Portfolio and Audition Considerations
Architectural Design, Graphic Design and Industrial Design
You must have passed a portfolio review to be admitted into the School of Art, Design and Art History and to declare one of the art majors listed above. For more information on art portfolio reviews, go to the School of Art, Design and Art History website.
Art
If you are pursuing a B.F.A. in Art, you must pass a portfolio review. The B.A. or B.S. in Art does not have this requirement. For more information, check out the School of Art, Design and Art History website.
Dance, Musical Theatre and Theatre
You must have passed an audition and/or portfolio review to be admitted into the School of Theatre and Dance and to declare one of the majors listed above. For more information about admission to the School of Theatre and Dance, review the School of Theatre and Dance website.
Music
If you are pursuing a B.M. you must have passed an audition and be fully admitted to the School of Music before you can declare the Music major. The B.A. program requires an interview prior to be admitted into the program.
A Guide to Exploring Majors at JMU
There are many majors that can lead you to the same career path, and many career paths can come from one major. Selecting a major may seem like a daunting process, but whether you've already decided on a major or are still exploring your options this guide offers several ways to explore the majors, minors, and pre-professional programs offered at JMU.
Alphabetical Listing of majors
Find a specific major using this alphabetized index.
Career Guide to JMU Majors
Use this reference to research how JMU majors relate to various career fields. Review the guide.
Explore Majors by Category
Students who wish to pursue teacher education in other areas should consult their advisor for details.
Health and Human Services
Pre-professional programs are not majors. Pre-professional programs outline a set of JMU courses and requirements that commonly serve as prerequisites for admission to doctoral and masters-level professional programs.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Majors
Visual and Performing Arts Majors
Sound-Alike Majors
Some majors at JMU have names that are easy to confuse such as the majors listed to the right. Read the names of these majors carefully and then go ahead and simply click on the links to learn more.
Communications
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Communication Studies
English
Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication
Computing
Computer Science
Computer Information Systems
International
International Affairs
International Business
Media-related
Graphic Design
Marketing
Media Arts and Design