The anthropology program at JMU is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the discipline illustrating the topics and issues of the modern world that are addressed by its four sub-fields: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archeology and linguistics. Building from a general program, students can choose to concentrate in the theory and practice of any of the subfields except linguistics.

The program is strongly practice-oriented and encourages students to participate in internships, field schools, independent studies, and special topics that allow them to broaden their anthropological awareness. All of the faculty are actively involved in significant research within their chosen areas of study. This scholarship is not only reflected in courses that are current and informed by practical experience, but also in a wide range of opportunities for students to be mentored by faculty in collaborative research projects.

As part of the nationally recognized JMU College of Business, the economics major fosters an understanding and appreciation of economic forms of explanation and their relationships to other social sciences. The major will provide students with an intellectual foundation for the appreciation and understanding of economic theory and policy that stresses the importance of imaginative thinking, free inquiry and the pursuit of life-long learning. In this way, the program prepares students with the economic literacy necessary to cope with the challenges inherent in a world of accelerating change.

Economics majors are generally educated students, who go on to develop their analytical, investigative and research skills. With this major, students will use their understanding of economics relationships and markets to work for manufacturing firms, financial services firms, consulting firms, the health care industries, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Economists with strong statistical backgrounds conduct research, analyze data and develop forecasts. Students with a good background in this field are competitive in the job market.

The Political Science program offers a strong liberal arts major for students interested in all aspects of politics and public policy. Students are required to complete a core set of courses introducing them to political theory, the global community, American politics and research methods. All students complete a writing intensive capstone course that requires them to apply knowledge and skills from previous coursework to a major research project in a chosen area of interest. The Washington Semester Program allows students to spend a semester living and working in Washington, D.C. while earning credit towards their degree. The Political Science department also hosts a non-partisan club for students interested in public affairs.

The department takes pride in preparing them to think critically and analytically and to communicate their ideas well. Graduates go on to careers in law, government, non-profit organizations, campaigns, policy analysis and with private firms affected by government policy. A dedicated faculty includes specialists in elections, media and politics, public policy, international security, international law, peace studies, political philosophy, U.S. governmental institutions, and major geographic regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East).

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 general 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 general 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.

Each year hundreds of psychology students participate in research and service learning projects. Each year approximately 40 complete field placements and five complete honors thesis projects. Many of our students take their scholarship to a high level, participating as co-authors with faculty on professional conference presentations. See http://psyc.jmu.edu/ug/studentachievements.html for examples of student accomplishments

The sociology program develops the student's ability to analyze the social world by using diverse sociological theories and research methods. It stresses the importance of social, cultural, and historical contexts for understanding relationships between and among individuals and the social structures that make up societies. Students will gain the ability to think broadly and critically about the diversity of social organization and practice locally and globally. Students will also develop the ability to take a disciplined and scholarly approach to understanding the world in which we live.

The major in sociology strongly develops skills in critical thinking, research, analysis, writing and communication. Sociology students frequently go on to post-graduate education and/or careers in both public and private employment sectors.

The anthropology program at JMU is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the discipline illustrating the topics and issues of the modern world that are addressed by its four sub-fields: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archeology and linguistics. Building from a general program, students can choose to concentrate in the theory and practice of any of the subfields except linguistics.

The program is strongly practice-oriented and encourages students to participate in internships, field schools, independent studies, and special topics that allow them to broaden their anthropological awareness. All of the faculty are actively involved in significant research within their chosen areas of study. This scholarship is not only reflected in courses that are current and informed by practical experience, but also in a wide range of opportunities for students to be mentored by faculty in collaborative research projects.

As part of the nationally recognized JMU College of Business, the economics major fosters an understanding and appreciation of economic forms of explanation and their relationships to other social sciences. The major will provide students with an intellectual foundation for the appreciation and understanding of economic theory and policy that stresses the importance of imaginative thinking, free inquiry and the pursuit of life-long learning. In this way, the program prepares students with the economic literacy necessary to cope with the challenges inherent in a world of accelerating change.

Economics majors are generally educated students, who go on to develop their analytical, investigative and research skills. With this major, students will use their understanding of economics relationships and markets to work for manufacturing firms, financial services firms, consulting firms, the health care industries, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Economists with strong statistical backgrounds conduct research, analyze data and develop forecasts. Students with a good background in this field are competitive in the job market.

General 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. General 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 general 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 general 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.

Each year hundreds of psychology students participate in research and service learning projects. Each year approximately 40 complete field placements and five complete honors thesis projects. Many of our students take their scholarship to a high level, participating as co-authors with faculty on professional conference presentations. See http://psyc.jmu.edu/ug/studentachievements.html for examples of student accomplishments

The sociology program develops the student's ability to analyze the social world by using diverse sociological theories and research methods. It stresses the importance of social, cultural, and historical contexts for understanding relationships between and among individuals and the social structures that make up societies. Students will gain the ability to think broadly and critically about the diversity of social organization and practice locally and globally. Students will also develop the ability to take a disciplined and scholarly approach to understanding the world in which we live.

The major in sociology strongly develops skills in critical thinking, research, analysis, writing and communication. Sociology students frequently go on to post-graduate education and/or careers in both public and private employment sectors.

Purpose: This program prepares students to communicate proficiently in American Sign Language, including both expressive and receptive skills. The ASL Career Studies Certificate will improve the students' marketability in a wide range of positions where it is necessary to possess effective communication between hearing and Deaf persons. These fields include careers such as teaching, health and social service occupations, and public safety positions. Many people already holding positions in these areas would enhance their ability to perform their current jobs by expanding the range of people with whom they can communicate. The ASL Career Studies Certificate also fulfils all of the prerequisite requirements for our other programs of study. Many students complete the ASL CSC and then go on to enroll in either the Interpreting A.A.S. or Deaf Studies A.S. curriculum.

Purpose This curriculum is designed for students seeking licensure in K-12 Special Education Adapted Curriculum or K-12 Special Education General Curriculum. This curriculum prepares students to transfer to any four-year college or university teacher preparation program. Courses in this degree are designed to satisfy some of the endorsement and professional course requirements of a Virginia teaching license. In EDU 200, students will identify the endorsement (content) courses they need to earn a teaching license. Students should meet with a Teacher Education faculty member or Education Field Placement Coordinator and Advising Specialist to select the correct courses for their area of licensure. EDU 200 and EDU 204 both require 20-hour field placements in a K-12 public school. Students will be required to complete a background check before being placed in the schools. Students with criminal records should consult with the Teacher Education Field Placement Coordinator before enrolling in the courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take the VCLA after completing ENG 111, ENG 112, Eng-literature course, and CST 100 or 110.

Purpose: This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in technology companies and related industries that require technicians/technologists trained in engineering technology, mechatronics, automation, electronics and robotics. Coursework will prepare students to earn the BICSI Installer 2 (Fiber Optic) and OSHA 10 industry credentials.

Recommended prerequisites: There are no required prerequisites for this certificate. It is recommended that the student possess a proficiency in high school English, high school algebra and geometry, and possess the ability to utilize hand tools and instrumentation.

Purpose: This program is a flexible associate degree. For students who plan to transfer, the degree can parallel the first two years of a four-year bachelor of science program if they choose courses that match the transfer institution's requirements. For those students who do not plan to transfer, the degree allows them to structure a program to suit their needs using accumulated credits from a variety of formal and experiential sources.

Purpose: The curriculum is designed for persons who seek entry-level employment as clinical data coding specialists in healthcare organizations by providing them with knowledge in anatomy and medical terminology, skill development in ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding classification systems, database management, and clinical data abstracting processes, prospective payment systems, and reimbursement strategies. Clinical data coding specialists are in demand across the spectrum of healthcare organizations including hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, managed care organizations, contracting groups, and accounting firms. Graduates of the certificate program are eligible to take one of two national certifying examinations administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Office setting (CCS-P).

PurposeThis curriculum is designed for students who plan to transfer to a college or university for a BS or B.A. degree in psychology.

Purpose: This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a college or university for a Bachelor of Arts in Art History.

Purpose This program is designed for individuals who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor of science in one of the social sciences. It also prepares students for some teacher certification programs. Students from the A.S. program major in a wide variety of fields, including anthropology, economics, government/political science, history, mass communications, pre-law, psychology, public administration, social work, and sociology.

PurposeThis major is designed for students who want to establish a strong foundation in the analytical skills and content related to the study of history, historical methods, and research tools across a variety of subject fields, including U.S., European, World, and Public History. Graduates who complete the major will be prepared for transfer opportunities and careers in fields that require critical thinking and clear written communications, as well as a deeper understanding of the importance of being an active and engaged citizen. When transferring to a four-year college or university, graduates will have the equivalent skills and knowledge of a junior.

Purpose This program is designed for individuals who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree. Graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to students entering the junior level at four-year colleges and universities.

Sociology and anthropology involve the systematic study of social life and culture in order to understand the causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists and anthropologists study the structure and processes of nonindustrialized and industrialized societies in the United States and around the world. They examine how culture, social structures (groups, organizations, and communities) and social institutions (family, education, religion, etc.) affect human attitudes, actions, and life-chances. Sociology and anthropology combine scientific and humanistic perspectives.

Drawing upon various theoretical perspectives, sociologists and anthropologists study such areas as culture, socialization, crime, deviance, inequality, health and illness, family patterns, law, social change and race, and ethnic relations. Combining theoretical perspectives with empirical research allows students an opportunity to develop new insights into their own lives as well as the forces that shape everyday life in society.

The sociology/anthropology curriculum prepares the student for both academic and applied research careers. It offers an essential liberal arts background for many careers and professions, including public service and administration, communications and public relations, law, business, medicine, journalism, arts management, environmental science, and other professions. The department offers both a major and minor in sociology and anthropology. Our faculty are also centrally involved in the Colleges programs in Black Studies, Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Environmental Studies, and International Studies. Most courses count for one or more of the C21 requirements.

The theoretical and methodological courses in the curriculum provide intensive instruction in the application of sociological and anthropological theory and methodology. The theoretical courses provide an intensive examination of the various sociological and anthropological perspectives on human social behavior and on the social systems we create. They evaluate the different ways these perspectives gather and use evidence to make inference about the world in which we live. The department also offers extensive instruction and experience in research design and methodology including courses in quantitative research methods, qualitative and survey methodologies, social statistics, and computer approaches in social research.

The department offers many other opportunities for interested students to engage in research and practice outside of the classroom. The field study and internship programs provide opportunities for application of the theoretical and methodological principles learned in the classroom. These programs encourage students to explore careers that may interest them and gain valuable experience toward employment after college.

The grade point average for coursework comprising the major or minor, must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C-.

Economics is the study of scarcity, choice, and tradeoffs. Scarcity exists because productive resources are limited but human wants are unlimited. As a result, all societies, households, and firms must make choices and these choices inevitably involve tradeoffs. The major in economics develops the essential skills for understanding economic problems in many contexts. It prepares students for careers in all business environments and provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in economics, business, public policy, and law. All courses in the major and minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Political science in the broadest sense is the study of the institutions of power in society. The political science department strives to impart to its students knowledge and understanding of these institutions of power, the habits and skills of lifelong learning in our discipline, the ability to develop tools to interpret political activity in later life, and an appreciation of the responsibilities of citizenship in our democracy. The knowledge, tools, and skills learned in the department's courses are also intended to give students a strong foundation for graduate study in political science, public administration, law, or other disciplines and to prepare them for professional careers in public service, politics, interest group representation, business, journalism, teaching, and other professions.

Liberally educated students should achieve an understanding of self and of others that enables them to function effectively in diverse intellectual, occupational, and interpersonal pursuits. Psychology, which focuses on the nature and causes of action, experience, and mental activity, can play a central role in achieving this educational aim. The psychology curriculum provides intensive instruction in psychological theory and methodology and exposes students to important applications of psychological knowledge. With its emphasis on critical reading and thinking, communication, and active learning, the required course work prepares students for graduate study in the social sciences, and is also well suited to students who plan to enter the world of work following graduation.

The content courses in the curriculum provide detailed coverage of fundamental processes in cognition, psychobiology, development, social interaction, and clinical applications. The courses in these areas share the same goal: they are designed to teach basic and advanced principles and methods and to promote analytical skills so that students may deal with complex phenomena, theoretical or applied, with an appropriate level of theoretical sophistication and critical evaluation.

The curriculum also includes extensive instruction and experience in research design and the scientific method; in addition to the required Research Methods course, all students are required to take one Advanced Research Projects course. This course will follow a specific prerequisite content course and give students an opportunity to evaluate the empirical and theoretical literature in an area and design and implement an original research project. Students considering graduate study in psychology are strongly encouraged to take an additional As course and do further collaborative or independent research under faculty supervision. To support the research activities of students, the psychology department has well-equipped, modern laboratories.

For students with an existing interest in a specific area of psychology, we offer the following emphases within the psychology major: Cognitive Science; Psychobiology; Developmental Psychology; Social Psychology; and Clinical Applications. To obtain such an emphasis, a student must take three courses from a certain category. For example, students interested in a Developmental emphasis could take PSYC 330, PSYC 339, and PSYC 332. Although the emphasis is not an official designation on the diploma, it is recognized within the department and can be mentioned in letters of application or recommendation for graduate education or employment opportunities following graduation.

The department offers many other opportunities for interested students to become involved in research and practice outside of the classroom. Each external site is chosen for its relevance to the student's interests, abilities, and goals. Sites often selected include hospitals, centers for emotionally disturbed children, businesses, schools, law-enforcement agencies, and community mental health centers. The field study and internship programs encourage students to relate theory to observation and provide experiences that help students to choose occupational and educational goals wisely. Both are highly recommended for students planning to do graduate work in applied areas such as clinical, counseling, or industrial/organizational psychology. Students may complete up to six hours in internships, field studies, or a combination of the two; however, only three hours will count toward the fulfillment of the major. In addition to internships and field studies, experiential opportunities are available in travel courses and various course and department-related service projects.

Any PSYC 100-level course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement in the Social Sciences, as does PSYC 200.

PSYC 200 is a prerequisite for all psychology courses above the 100 level. Students considering a major in psychology are encouraged to take this course as soon as possible. Students planning to major in psychology must obtain departmental approval and must earn a grade of C- or better in PSYC 200 before they can take the remaining PSYC courses. Successful completion of PSYC 201 with a C- or better is the prerequisite for 300-level courses in psychology. PSYC 433 is open to all seniors who have successfully completed PSYC 200, PSYC 201, and two 300-level courses.

Majors are encouraged to fulfill collegiate requirements in the natural sciences by taking at least one course in biology. Students with weaker preparation in mathematics are advised to take MATH 105 prior to taking PSYC 201. Students who are considering graduate school should enroll in MATH 113 (or MATH 111) and are encouraged to include among their electives an additional Advanced Research Projects course and a senior project in which students spend their senior year working on an original research project with a faculty member.

Sociology and anthropology involve the systematic study of social life and culture in order to understand the causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists and anthropologists study the structure and processes of nonindustrialized and industrialized societies in the United States and around the world. They examine how culture, social structures (groups, organizations, and communities) and social institutions (family, education, religion, etc.) affect human attitudes, actions, and life-chances. Sociology and anthropology combine scientific and humanistic perspectives.

Drawing upon various theoretical perspectives, sociologists and anthropologists study such areas as culture, socialization, crime, deviance, inequality, health and illness, family patterns, law, social change and race, and ethnic relations. Combining theoretical perspectives with empirical research allows students an opportunity to develop new insights into their own lives as well as the forces that shape everyday life in society.

The sociology/anthropology curriculum prepares the student for both academic and applied research careers. It offers an essential liberal arts background for many careers and professions, including public service and administration, communications and public relations, law, business, medicine, journalism, arts management, environmental science, and other professions. The department offers both a major and minor in sociology and anthropology. Our faculty are also centrally involved in the Colleges programs in Black Studies, Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Environmental Studies, and International Studies. Most courses count for one or more of the C21 requirements.

The theoretical and methodological courses in the curriculum provide intensive instruction in the application of sociological and anthropological theory and methodology. The theoretical courses provide an intensive examination of the various sociological and anthropological perspectives on human social behavior and on the social systems we create. They evaluate the different ways these perspectives gather and use evidence to make inference about the world in which we live. The department also offers extensive instruction and experience in research design and methodology including courses in quantitative research methods, qualitative and survey methodologies, social statistics, and computer approaches in social research.

The department offers many other opportunities for interested students to engage in research and practice outside of the classroom. The field study and internship programs provide opportunities for application of the theoretical and methodological principles learned in the classroom. These programs encourage students to explore careers that may interest them and gain valuable experience toward employment after college.

The grade point average for coursework comprising the major or minor, must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C-.

Liberally educated students should achieve an understanding of self and of others that enables them to function effectively in diverse intellectual, occupational, and interpersonal pursuits. Psychology, which focuses on the nature and causes of action, experience, and mental activity, can play a central role in achieving this educational aim. The psychology curriculum provides intensive instruction in psychological theory and methodology and exposes students to important applications of psychological knowledge. With its emphasis on critical reading and thinking, communication, and active learning, the required course work prepares students for graduate study in the social sciences, and is also well suited to students who plan to enter the world of work following graduation.

The content courses in the curriculum provide detailed coverage of fundamental processes in cognition, psychobiology, development, social interaction, and clinical applications. The courses in these areas share the same goal: they are designed to teach basic and advanced principles and methods and to promote analytical skills so that students may deal with complex phenomena, theoretical or applied, with an appropriate level of theoretical sophistication and critical evaluation.

The curriculum also includes extensive instruction and experience in research design and the scientific method; in addition to the required Research Methods course, all students are required to take one Advanced Research Projects course. This course will follow a specific prerequisite content course and give students an opportunity to evaluate the empirical and theoretical literature in an area and design and implement an original research project. Students considering graduate study in psychology are strongly encouraged to take an additional As course and do further collaborative or independent research under faculty supervision. To support the research activities of students, the psychology department has well-equipped, modern laboratories.

For students with an existing interest in a specific area of psychology, we offer the following emphases within the psychology major: Cognitive Science; Psychobiology; Developmental Psychology; Social Psychology; and Clinical Applications. To obtain such an emphasis, a student must take three courses from a certain category. For example, students interested in a Developmental emphasis could take PSYC 330, PSYC 339, and PSYC 332. Although the emphasis is not an official designation on the diploma, it is recognized within the department and can be mentioned in letters of application or recommendation for graduate education or employment opportunities following graduation.

The department offers many other opportunities for interested students to become involved in research and practice outside of the classroom. Each external site is chosen for its relevance to the student's interests, abilities, and goals. Sites often selected include hospitals, centers for emotionally disturbed children, businesses, schools, law-enforcement agencies, and community mental health centers. The field study and internship programs encourage students to relate theory to observation and provide experiences that help students to choose occupational and educational goals wisely. Both are highly recommended for students planning to do graduate work in applied areas such as clinical, counseling, or industrial/organizational psychology. Students may complete up to six hours in internships, field studies, or a combination of the two; however, only three hours will count toward the fulfillment of the major. In addition to internships and field studies, experiential opportunities are available in travel courses and various course and department-related service projects.

Any PSYC 100-level course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement in the Social Sciences, as does PSYC 200.

PSYC 200 is a prerequisite for all psychology courses above the 100 level. Students considering a major in psychology are encouraged to take this course as soon as possible. Students planning to major in psychology must obtain departmental approval and must earn a grade of C- or better in PSYC 200 before they can take the remaining PSYC courses. Successful completion of PSYC 201 with a C- or better is the prerequisite for 300-level courses in psychology. PSYC 433 is open to all seniors who have successfully completed PSYC 200, PSYC 201, and two 300-level courses.

Majors are encouraged to fulfill collegiate requirements in the natural sciences by taking at least one course in biology. Students with weaker preparation in mathematics are advised to take MATH 105 prior to taking PSYC 201. Students who are considering graduate school should enroll in MATH 113 (or MATH 111) and are encouraged to include among their electives an additional Advanced Research Projects course and a senior project in which students spend their senior year working on an original research project with a faculty member.

Economics is the study of scarcity, choice, and tradeoffs. Scarcity exists because productive resources are limited but human wants are unlimited. As a result, all societies, households, and firms must make choices and these choices inevitably involve tradeoffs. The major in economics develops the essential skills for understanding economic problems in many contexts. It prepares students for careers in all business environments and provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in economics, business, public policy, and law. All courses in the major and minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Political science in the broadest sense is the study of the institutions of power in society. The political science department strives to impart to its students knowledge and understanding of these institutions of power, the habits and skills of lifelong learning in our discipline, the ability to develop tools to interpret political activity in later life, and an appreciation of the responsibilities of citizenship in our democracy. The knowledge, tools, and skills learned in the department's courses are also intended to give students a strong foundation for graduate study in political science, public administration, law, or other disciplines and to prepare them for professional careers in public service, politics, interest group representation, business, journalism, teaching, and other professions.

Our program encourages you to examine the ideals of governance, politics and responsible citizenship — both in your own life and on the world stage.

Seminar-style classes allow you to take a proactive approach to problem-solving in governance, equipping you with both the insight and skill to affect public policy. Many of our graduates currently work as lawyers, judges, policy experts, professors and political advisors.