Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Arts
James Madison University
Program Details
Bachelor of Arts, Major in General Studies
Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts, Major in General Studies
James Madison University
General studies provides students with a flexible plan of study that meets the student’s personal, academic and professional goals. It is intended for students whose interests differ from established majors, and who want to focus their studies across courses and departments to better meet their career goals or preparation for further education.
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
2481
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
55% (2023-2024)
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Liberal Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Mathematics | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Veterinary Preparation | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Marymount University | Interdisciplinary Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science with a Specialization in Life Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Central Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science with a Specialization in Physical Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with a Specialization in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Liberal Arts - Humanities Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Liberal Arts - Social Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Science - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Business | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in K-8 Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with Specialization in Psychology | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization in Health & PE | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization Pre-BSN | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies -Specialization in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Human Services Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Sciences in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Business Administration Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Engineering Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Psychology/Social Work Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Criminal Justice Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Health-STEM Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-BSN Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Teacher Preparation Elementary (PreK-6) Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with a Specialization in Human Services | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies with a Specialization in Substance Abuse | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Specialization in Community & Provider Services | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Specialization Developmental Disabilities | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with Spec in Communications & Media Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies Specialization in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in General Studies Computer Information Systems Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Human Services | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Health Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration with Specialization in Outdoor Leadership | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Business Administration in Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts-Fine Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Liberal Arts-Music | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Appalachian Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science Specialization in Pre-Medical | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies (Professional Communication) | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | A.A. in Liberal Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Liberal Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science Specialization in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Veterinary Preparation Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Longwood University | Elementary & Middle School Education and Teaching BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Elementary Education and Teaching BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Liberal Studies - Special Education BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Liberal Studies BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Business Administration | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Individualized Study, BIS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Individualized Study | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Applied Science, BAS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Applied Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Bridgewater College | Liberal Studies Major - BA (Licensure Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Liberal Studies Major - BA (Non-Licensure Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Psychology Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts University Interdisciplinary Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Integrated Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Integrated Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Liberal Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete