Overview

Pursue your unique combination of passions to design your own major as an Independent Scholar.

Key Features

Each student in the Independent Scholars program from James Madison University identifies an area of inquiry, and creates a plan for course work that includes an independent research or creative project and experiential learning. The major is geared towards students whose interests cross-cut traditional disciplinary boundaries, and who are seeking control over their academic career.

The mission of the Independent Scholars major is to provide students with a learning environment in which they develop and pursue self-designed curricular pathways and research goals, identifying unique domains of inquiry and interweaving multiple modes of thinking.

Students are empowered to cultivate their own academic and professional interests in ways that foster the ability to comprehend and contribute uniquely and innovatively to a wide array of topics, questions and problems.

IS majors will develop topic-based interests and inquiry strategies to pursue those interests; enhance creativity, self-directedness and perseverance required for inquiry; learn research, technical and communication skills relevant to their inquiry; situate their inquiry in relation to contemporary notions of disciplinary thinking; enhance aptitude and confidence in working independently and collectively; and apply knowledge and skills in experiential-learning settings.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

To obtain additional information about the program, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Fall deadline for national students: January 15

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Harrisonburg, United States

Disciplines

Education View 2240 other Bachelors in Education in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Submitted online application

Official transcripts (complete and original copy, in English)

Proof of English language proficiency (non-native speakers)

One letter of recommendation

Copies of your temporary visa documents

Financial certification form

$70 Application Fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Out-of-State

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14300 USD / year

≈ 14300 USD / year

Living costs

Harrisonburg

United States

1050 - 1715 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Independent Scholars.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Harrisonburg

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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