James Madison University International Study Center

Ready to take the first step to graduating with a degree from James Madison University? The International Study Center is located on campus at JMU in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It sits alongside other university departments where you’ll be surrounded by both domestic and international students, so you'll feel part of the university community from your first day.

As soon as you arrive at the International Study Center, staff are available to support and guide you through university life.

Our academic programs are delivered by Study Group and are designed to help you succeed on your degree program at JMU. If you meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible to enroll directly to the University.

A place on campus for you:

The ISC is located opposite Memorial Hall, in the Memorial Area of campus. This area includes a new baseball and softball field complex, 2 student art galleries, a costume shop, the Art Education Center, as well as studios, classrooms and computer labs used by the School of Art and Art History.

The Memorial Area is a 10-minute walk, or a short ride on the free campus bus service, from the central Bluestone area of campus, where you can find the university library, health center, and cinema.

Most of your English preparation classes, academic credit classes, and American culture classes are taught in university classrooms near the International Study Center. You will also have some lectures on other parts of the university campus, for instance, in JMU's Business School.

Modern study facilities:

All ISC classrooms are equipped with everything you expect in a 21st century classroom, including screens, projectors, computers, internet connection, and interactive whiteboards.

You will use a computer program called Canvas to submit homework and assignments, participate in discussions, and stay updated about coursework. This program will be shown to you when you join.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire campus, as well as over 25 computer labs with PC and Mac computers accessible to every JMU student. The Computing HelpDesk is available to answer any of your computing questions, whilst Computing Services also offer computing courses, tutorials, and instructional technology.

Dedicated support:

When you study at the International Study Center, you will benefit from support from dedicated staff. They will support you with your studies as well as helping you settle into your new life in America. You will also have access to a range of support facilities from the University, including:

• Counseling Center: The Counseling Center offers programs and speakers on many mental health and wellness topics, including - General mental health and wellness, Disordered eating, Relationships and Stress management. Individual and group counseling, referrals and crisis support services are available. The staff includes counselors, certified health educators and a registered dietitian to ensure you receive the best support.

• Learning Center: The University’s Centers for Writing, English Language, Communications, Math, and Science are available to help students improve and develop their skills to be more successful in all classes. These centers are free to use and offer:
• Individualized consultations
• Online resources
• Computer lab and study space
• Tutors.

• Student Success Center: This center is the newest addition to the University’s many resources that are dedicated to student success. It houses more than 20 support facilities including the University Health Center, the Office of Academic and Career Planning, and Learning Centers focused on helping students overcome challenges they may face.

• University Health Center: There is a student Health Center on the university campus, staffed by professional Medical Doctors and Registered Nurses. All students visiting the Health Center are dealt with confidentially and efficiently, so you will receive the best care while studying at James Madison University.

• Libraries: The JMU Libraries include the Carrier Library, the Music Library, and Rose Library. JMU librarians work with academic departments to provide subject-specific library instruction, research consultation, and to develop collections. The award-winning Information Literacy program provides students with skills for lifelong learning.

• Center for Global Engagement (CGE): The CGE offers a wealth of services, courses, and excursions aimed at helping international students adapt and excel at JMU. Programs such as Global X and International Week create enjoyable and inspiring opportunities for you to make friends and network with students from other cultures.

• Campus security: James Madison University is dedicated to the security of all students. The campus is a safe community environment, protected by a professionally trained police force. All residence staff have completed security checks and are well-trained. Staff and students share the responsibility of keeping the campus a safe place to study and live. Some of the services that the Campus Safety Office provides are safety escorts free of charge to any student on campus, and a campus safety mobile app to report incidents and receive alerts and messages.

Esteemed College of Business:

• The College of Business (#108 in the nation) is accredited in business and accounting through the AACSB and is 1 of only 188 universities and colleges in the world to hold both accreditations 
• Two STEM-designated degree programs: 
• Computer Information Systems B.B.A. 
• Quantitative Finance B.S. 

Professional Training for Accounting Majors:

• Accounting students intern at firms like BDO USA, LLP; KPMG; & Cherry Bekaert LLP 
• JMU Accounting Department is viewed as a prime recruiting source by accounting employers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region 
• Students participate in an annual networking event with top accounting firms

Excellent Hospitality Management Program:

• Guaranteed internship with degree program – Students graduate with at least 600 hours of work experience
• On-campus Hotel Madison is regarded as a premier destination for Virginia business and leisure travel

Unique Computer Information Systems Program:

• 1 of 10 CIS Programs in the U.S. to be accredited by both AACSB and ABET 
• Company Engagement: JMU works with firms to mentor students, teach classes, and judge students’ work
• Over the last 5 years, the top 10 companies involved have hired 266 CIS graduates

A Practical Computer Science Education:

• Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education because of Digital Forensics and Information Security programs
• Offers course clusters in Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, Systems, and preparation for graduate school
• Small class sizes for 1:1 attention: Classes are capped at 30 students and taught by full-time faculty members

Opportunity to Study in Washington D.C.:

• International Affairs program benefits from close proximity to U.S. capital
• Washington Semester: Includes semester-long internships, courses taught onsite, panel discussions, cultural activities, and networking with JMU alumni

Facts and figures:

• #124 national university (U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
• #1 most recommended public university in the U.S. by students (Times Higher Education / The Wall Street Journal, 2021)
• 15 STEM-designated degrees for undergraduate students

Undergraduate:

• International Year (1-Semester IEP + IY 3 Semesters)​:
• TOEFL (iBT): 45 overall​
• IELTS: 4.5 overall​
• Pearson PTE: Not Accepted​
• Duolingo: 65​
• Pearson Versant: 41-42 overall​
• GPA (4.0 Scale): 2.25

• International Year (3 Semesters)​:
• TOEFL (iBT): 50 overall​
• IELTS: 5.5 overall​
• Pearson PTE: 42​
• Duolingo: 75
• Pearson Versant: 43-47 overall​
• GPA (4.0 Scale): 2.25

• International Year (2 Semesters)​:
• TOEFL (iBT): 60 overall​
• IELTS: 5.5 overall​
• Pearson PTE: 425
• Duolingo: 85
• Pearson Versant: 48-54 overall​
• GPA (4.0 Scale): 2.25

• International Year (1 Semester)​:
• TOEFL (iBT): 80 overall​
• IELTS: 6.5 overall​
• Pearson PTE: 58
• Duolingo: 105
• Pearson Versant: 64+​
• GPA (4.0 Scale): 2.25

• Direct Admit:
• TOEFL (iBT): 80 overall​
• IELTS: 6.5 overall​
• Pearson PTE: 58
• Duolingo: 105
• Pearson Versant: 64+​
• GPA (4.0 Scale): 2.5

For additional information on admission requirements, kindly contact our admissions counsellor!