Bachelor of Science in Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication

at Study Group - James Madison University USA

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. 

Media Arts and Design
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.

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. 

Media Arts and Design
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.

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. 

Graphic Design
The graphic design major provides a professional education with an interdisciplinary approach. Program objectives for the graphic design student are:

• Articulate ideas and understand the fundamental elements and principles of graphic design while using correct terminology pertinent to the field.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of artistic methods, craft and formal structure as vehicles to enhance a solutions communicative value.
• Demonstrate proficiency in both traditional and digital ways of making.
• Develop diverse problem-solving methodologies that combine theory, research, analytical skills and conceptualization to create effective graphic design solutions.
• Develop a professional graphic design portfolio reflective of one's knowledge and abilities that encompasses the contemporary design market.

The graphic design major objectives are enhanced by frequent field trips to design events, guest speakers, workshops and internship opportunities. Design students have an opportunity to engage with design leaders in the field through field trips, events and participation in a professional design organization.

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.

International Affairs is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in varied aspects of the global community. The major requires classes in political science, economics, history, language, and culture. All students take a capstone course that enables them to apply knowledge and skills gained through previous coursework to a major research project in an area of interest. Students may choose to specialize in international relations or in a particular geographic area. Area specializations in the comparative study concentration include Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The departmental faculty includes specialists in international security, human rights, international law, comparative public policy, international political economy and specific geographic areas. The major also draws on faculty from the departments of economics, foreign languages and literature, geography, history, justice studies, religion, sociology and anthropology. Graduates pursue careers in government and politics, intelligence, international business, international non-profit organizations, law, research and analysis, and other fields.

As a JMU finance major, you’ll gain a strong foundation in the principles of valuation, financial statement analysis and the concepts behind sound financial decision-making, preparing you for a career in individual, corporate, governmental or international markets. This broad area tends to overlap into a number of specialized fields such as investment management, asset securitization, risk management, real estate and banking.

If you are interested in investment management, you'll learn the analysis of financial investments and the economic interaction between the financial institutions and the financial markets in which they operate. If you are interested in the international aspect of finance, you'll study asset and liability management, capital budgeting, fundraising and exchange transactions for multinational corporations.

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. 

Computer Information Systems
CIS professionals use computers to solve business problems. As a CIS major at JMU, you’ll be ready for a career that requires both the business knowledge and the technical skills to help clients design, build and deliver competitive computer-based solutions. You'll receive up-to-date course work in application development; architecture, networking and security; business intelligence; consulting and more.

After graduation, you'll join a network of loyal JMU alumni whose success in senior- and mid-level management positions is built on a foundation of solid technical skills and integrative business knowledge.

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) major at JMU prepares students for professional careers that require both the business knowledge and the technical skills to help clients design, build and deliver competitive computer-based solutions. Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the technological direction of their organizations and must stay abreast of the latest technology to ensure the organization does not lag behind its competitors.

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. 

Mathematics
As a Mathematics major, students will gain an increased understanding and appreciation for math as a universal language. Students can expect to use and build on skills such as thinking critically, formulating and solving problems and communicating solutions. Students will increase their ability to prove theorems, understand complex structure, and apply mathematics and statistics in many real-world settings. The program students choose will make it possible for them to acquire strong preparation for graduate work or for professional applications in mathematics and statistics, teaching, natural and social sciences or other technical areas.

There will also be opportunities for students to experience the challenge and rewards of faculty-mentored research. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the numerous undergraduate research opportunities as well as individual and small group projects available in the department. Opportunities exist through the Center for Mathematical Modeling, the Office of Statistical Services, honors theses, and independent studies with individual faculty mentors.

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. 

Statistics
The Statistics major is designed for students who have an interest in the mathematics of statistics or plan to go to graduate school in statistics. Students choose one of two tracks: applied statistics and mathematical statistics. This major emphasizes probability and the theory of statistics and provides opportunities for additional study in applied and theoretical statistics as well as mathematics. Students are encouraged to take elective courses offered by the department that will prepare them for graduate studies.

If students are interested in the applications of statistics and they are planning to seek employment upon graduation as a practicing statistician, they are advised to choose the applied statistics track. Emphasis in this track is on the applications of statistics to various fields of study. Students will take courses on the design and analysis of experiments, regression analysis and sample surveys, as well as other courses in applied and theoretical statistics, probability and mathematics. Students who choose the applied statistics track are encouraged to take as many elective courses as possible in applied fields of their choice.