A Complete Guide to the General Education Program

at James Madison University

It’s More Than Just Classes,It’s Experiences

General EducationEngage, Educate, Enlighten

General EducationEngage, Educate, Enlighten

General EducationMaury Hall 110 MSC 1104Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

(540) 568-2852

Visit jmu.edu/gened for Office Hours for Cluster Coordinators

Open Monday-Friday from8:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.

General Education Program Philosophy:

The Human Community is the common core academic program of James Madison University, in which you will come to understand how distinct disciplines look at the world from different vantage points.

Courses in The Human Community are organized into five clusters, each emphasizing unique tools, rationales, and methodologies.

Taken together, courses of your chosen major and The Human Community complement and complete each other.

Both are integral and essential components of a your full and proper education.

General EducationEngage, Educate, Enlighten

Cluster Two: Arts and HumanitiesCluster Two invites you to develop an appreciation of the human condition and the many ways it has been expressed.

In this cluster you will…• Explore our purpose• Enable us to make sense

of our world• Help us understand

different times, places and cultures

Cluster Three: The Natural WorldIn Cluster Three you will be introduced to a body of scientific and mathematical facts, concepts and models.

These courses will teach you to...• Evaluate evidence• Build and test• Develop theories

Cluster One: Skills of the 21st CenturyThe skills you will learn in Cluster One will benefit you in numerous other classes.

This cluster emphasizes knowledge and skills in the areas of…

• Oral and written communications

• Critical thinking• Information literacy

Cluster Four: Social And Cultural ProcessesCluster Four courses reflect JMU’s commitment to prepare students for citizenship.

In this cluster you will learn to...• Think critically about

theoretical perspectives • Discuss methodologies

that guide analysis and inform public policy

Cluster Five: Individuals in the Human CommunityIn Cluster Five you will study how individuals develop in social, intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions.

In this cluster you will...• Gain an understanding of

the relationship between the individual and

community

Develop new skills, build valued

relationships, and explore new

opportunities on JMU’s campus and around the world

Get the General Education experience while traveling around Scotland.

Open to rising sophomores of all majors, accepted students will...

Semester in Scotland

• Complete 12 General Education credits

• Four weeks in Edinburgh and four weeks in St. Andrews

Visit jmu.edu/gened to learn more about:

• Classes offered in each cluster

• Study Abroad in Scotland

• General Education Student Conference

• General Education Council

• AP/IB/Dual Enrollment Credits

• Transfer Credits