Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies

at Study Group - James Madison University USA

Our degree integrates knowledge from a variety of disciplines such as philosophy, history, economics, political science, technology and business. Students learn how to be analysts with courses emphasizing research, reading, thinking, writing, and speaking – and the use of technologies to facilitate that. Topics addressed in our courses cover subjects related to security (such as terrorism or cyber-crime) from any of the eight intelligence domains: national security, military, homeland security, law enforcement, business, private sector security, geospatial, and cyber.

As an IA major you’ll:

• Learn how to transform raw information into critical reports used to understand intelligence issues
•  Gain an aptitude for identifying intelligence gaps, evaluate information from multiple sources, monitor trends and interpret events related to particular countries or issues through your coursework.
•  Learn innovative ways to structure your thinking to solve complex real-world problems when there is both time pressure and a lack of reliable information.
• Customize your degree to different types of analysis through your choice of a minor.

The International Year is a great choice if you'd like to improve your English language proficiency while also benefiting from a supportive environment with dedicated faculty.

• Dedicated academic support to prepare you for university - you will receive specialist support and teaching so that on completion of the International Year, you'll be ready to progress to degree study at JMU.
• Graduate in four years, similar to direct entry students - studying on the International Year will allow you to complete your degree on time. 
• Be a part of the university community from day one - JMU has a thriving community where students feel that they're part of a large, supportive family. 
• Taught at the on-campus International Study Center (ISC) - the dedicated ISC will provide a safe, supportive environment where you can work and socialise with other international students. 

Chemistry
The Chemistry major focuses on the study of the composition and behavior of matter, emphasizing hands-on learning. Students take foundational lecture and laboratory courses in all sub-disciplines of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical. There are opportunities to take advanced courses in these areas, as well as courses in cross disciplinary areas such as environmental, materials, nuclear and polymers.

The undergraduate experience is further enhanced by participation in undergraduate research with a faculty member, using modern laboratories and state-of-the-art instrumentation. Conducting research and presenting results builds technical, critical thinking and communication skills that are highly valued by graduate and professional schools, as well as industry and government employers.

The International Year is a great choice if you'd like to improve your English language proficiency while also benefiting from a supportive environment with dedicated faculty.

• Dedicated academic support to prepare you for university - you will receive specialist support and teaching so that on completion of the International Year, you'll be ready to progress to degree study at JMU.
• Graduate in four years, similar to direct entry students - studying on the International Year will allow you to complete your degree on time. 
• Be a part of the university community from day one - JMU has a thriving community where students feel that they're part of a large, supportive family. 
• Taught at the on-campus International Study Center (ISC) - the dedicated ISC will provide a safe, supportive environment where you can work and socialise with other international students. 

Studio Art
The Art, Studio major is designed for students who seek a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and who have an interest or background in the humanities and foreign language. The art, studio faculty is made up of practicing artists who work closely with the students, and students also work closely with each other as they develop their studio practice. Visiting artists and scholars, workshops, field trips and frequent on-campus exhibitions of professional artwork enhance student engagement with contemporary art. Additionally, students have opportunities to exhibit and present their artwork, to assist in running on-campus galleries and studio art labs and to partake in other hands-on art experiences.

Students graduating with a major in art, studio will:

• Display technical command of at least one medium and display fluency in a range of media.
• Effectively analyze and apply two- and three-dimensional design principles and devices
• Develop an independent line of creative inquiry that embraces risk-taking and inventive solutions
• Knowledgeably critique and contextualize their artwork to cultivate expressive ideas and meaningful content
• Demonstrate awareness of contemporary art and art history within a global context

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.

Students majoring in Philosophy and Religion may choose one of four concentrations: either philosophy, religion, interdisciplinary philosophy or interdisciplinary religion.

The philosophy concentration focuses on major figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant. Students will study problems arising in contemporary movements such as analytic philosophy, existentialism and American philosophy; students will be introduced to the major subdivisions of philosophy, including logic, ethics, aesthetics, philosophy and law, philosophy of science and philosophy of religion.

The religion concentration focuses on the major religious traditions of the world––Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam––as well as their expression in diverse cultures and contexts. Topic areas in the study of religion include eastern religions, western religions, Biblical studies, ethics, religion and society, and religious thought and theology. Religion majors make connections between religion and other areas of knowledge, such as literature, politics, medicine, history, and the arts. Students will assess the role religion plays in contemporary social and political contexts, American and global.

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.

The School of Theatre and Dance combines the best attributes of a liberal arts education and professional arts training. Students major in theatre, musical theatre, or dance and study with a faculty of working professionals who give personal attention to every student. With a wide range of performance opportunities, one of the distinctive features of the School of Theatre and Dance is the emphasis it places on student generated work in the Experimental Theatre and Dance Studio productions.

The International Year is a great choice if you'd like to improve your English language proficiency while also benefiting from a supportive environment with dedicated faculty.

• Dedicated academic support to prepare you for university - you will receive specialist support and teaching so that on completion of the International Year, you'll be ready to progress to degree study at JMU.
• Graduate in four years, similar to direct entry students - studying on the International Year will allow you to complete your degree on time. 
• Be a part of the university community from day one - JMU has a thriving community where students feel that they're part of a large, supportive family. 
• Taught at the on-campus International Study Center (ISC) - the dedicated ISC will provide a safe, supportive environment where you can work and socialise with other international students. 

Political Science
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.

The International Year is a great choice if you'd like to improve your English language proficiency while also benefiting from a supportive environment with dedicated faculty.

• Dedicated academic support to prepare you for university - you will receive specialist support and teaching so that on completion of the International Year, you'll be ready to progress to degree study at JMU.
• Graduate in four years, similar to direct entry students - studying on the International Year will allow you to complete your degree on time. 
• Be a part of the university community from day one - JMU has a thriving community where students feel that they're part of a large, supportive family. 
• Taught at the on-campus International Study Center (ISC) - the dedicated ISC will provide a safe, supportive environment where you can work and socialise with other international students. 

Psychology
Psychology is the major to consider if studying the area of science that explores how people and animals think, feel and act is of interest. Psychology majors complete course work that explores behavior, emotions, cognitive processes and the factors that influence them from a variety of perspectives. Psychologists study behavior at both a cellular (e.g. examining the role of the brain and the nervous system) and at a more global level (e.g. examining the influences of culture). As psychology majors students will enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, writing and oral expression skills as they learn to use the tools available to behavioral scientists.

Students choose to major in psychology for many reasons. Psychology can be students' primary area of interest within a liberal arts education that will lead to many professional opportunities that require a bachelor's degree, or it can be a pre-professional program leading to advanced study in graduate school. Popular types of graduate programs pursued by graduates of our program have been counseling, school psychology, education, clinical psychology, psychological science, social work, forensic psychology/criminal justice, industrial/organizational psychology, behavior analysis, law school and college administration.

The Art, Studio major is designed for students who seek a breadth of knowledge in the visual arts and who have an interest or background in the humanities and foreign language. The art, studio faculty is made up of practicing artists who work closely with the students, and students also work closely with each other as they develop their studio practice. Visiting artists and scholars, workshops, field trips and frequent on-campus exhibitions of professional artwork enhance student engagement with contemporary art. Additionally, students have opportunities to exhibit and present their artwork, to assist in running on-campus galleries and studio art labs and to partake in other hands-on art experiences.

Students graduating with a major in art, studio will:

• Display technical command of at least one medium and display fluency in a range of media.
• Effectively analyze and apply two- and three-dimensional design principles and devices
• Develop an independent line of creative inquiry that embraces risk-taking and inventive solutions
• Knowledgeably critique and contextualize their artwork to cultivate expressive ideas and meaningful content
• Demonstrate awareness of contemporary art and art history within a global context

The International Year is a great choice if you'd like to improve your English language proficiency while also benefiting from a supportive environment with dedicated faculty.

• Dedicated academic support to prepare you for university - you will receive specialist support and teaching so that on completion of the International Year, you'll be ready to progress to degree study at JMU.
• Graduate in four years, similar to direct entry students - studying on the International Year will allow you to complete your degree on time. 
• Be a part of the university community from day one - JMU has a thriving community where students feel that they're part of a large, supportive family. 
• Taught at the on-campus International Study Center (ISC) - the dedicated ISC will provide a safe, supportive environment where you can work and socialise with other international students. 

Computer Science
You'll develop solutions that can be computationally implemented, strive for the best solutions and use resources effectively. You'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive community in which you are set up for success in your studies, your career and your life.

As a JMU computer scientist you'll:

• Design and build software.
• Develop effective ways to solve computing problems, such as storing information in databases sending data over networks, or providing new approaches to security problems.
• Conduct research in collaboration with faculty members.
• Enjoy small classes. Our courses are capped at 30 and are taught by full-time faculty.
• Devise new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as mobile computing, robotics, artificial intelligence, web-based systems, or digital forensics.

Psychology majors complete course work that explores behavior, emotions, cognitive processes and the factors that influence them from a variety of perspectives. Psychologists study behavior at both a cellular (e.g. examining the role of the brain and the nervous system) and at a more global level (e.g. examining the influences of culture). As psychology majors students will enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, writing and oral expression skills as they learn to use the tools available to behavioral scientists.

Students choose to major in psychology for many reasons. Psychology can be students' primary area of interest within a liberal arts education that will lead to many professional opportunities that require a bachelor's degree, or it can be a pre-professional program leading to advanced study in graduate school. Popular types of graduate programs pursued by graduates of our program have been counseling, school psychology, education, clinical psychology, psychological science, social work, forensic psychology/criminal justice, industrial/organizational psychology, behavior analysis, law school and college administration.