James Madison University (JMU) requires all undergraduate students to complete a set of General Education (Gen Ed) requirements to ensure a well-rounded education. These requirements provide a foundation in the liberal arts, sciences, and humanities, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and creativity skills essential for success in college and beyond.
Gen Ed Categories and Distribution
JMU’s Gen Ed program consists of nine categories, each encompassing specific skills, knowledge, and perspectives:
- Written Communication (W)
- Oral Communication (O)
- Quantitative Reasoning (Q)
- Natural Sciences (NS)
- Historical Perspectives (HP)
- Cultural Diversity (CD)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS)
- Arts (A)
- Lifelong Wellness (LW)
Gen Ed Course Requirements
To fulfill the Gen Ed requirements, students must complete courses within each category. The number of credits required varies depending on the category:
| Category | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Written Communication (W) | 3 |
| Oral Communication (O) | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Q) | 3 |
| Natural Sciences (NS) | 6 |
| Historical Perspectives (HP) | 3 |
| Cultural Diversity (CD) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) | 3 |
| Arts (A) | 3 |
| Lifelong Wellness (LW) | 1 |
Gen Ed Course Selection
Students have flexibility in choosing courses to fulfill their Gen Ed requirements. The Course Search tool in JMU’s university system allows students to filter courses based on Gen Ed category, subject, and other criteria. Faculty advisors can also assist students in selecting courses that meet their interests and academic goals.
Benefits of Gen Ed Requirements
- Broadens knowledge and perspectives: Gen Ed courses expose students to diverse disciplines, fostering intellectual curiosity and broadening their worldview.
- Develops essential skills: Courses in categories such as communication, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving enhance students’ ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve real-world problems.
- Promotes critical thinking: Gen Ed experiences challenge students to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and develop reasoned arguments.
- Enriches personal and professional life: Gen Ed requirements help students become informed citizens, appreciate different cultures, and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Table of Gen Ed Categories and Course Requirements
| Category | Credit Hours | Courses Required |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communication (W) | 3 | 2 W courses, 1 W/O course |
| Oral Communication (O) | 3 | 3 O courses, 1 W/O course |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Q) | 3 | 3 Q courses |
| Natural Sciences (NS) | 6 | 2 NS courses, 1 NS lab course |
| Historical Perspectives (HP) | 3 | 3 HP courses |
| Cultural Diversity (CD) | 3 | 2 CD courses, 1 CD/SBS course |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) | 3 | 3 SBS courses, 1 CD/SBS course |
| Arts (A) | 3 | 3 A courses |
| Lifelong Wellness (LW) | 1 | 1 LW course |
Table of Gen Ed Categories and Skills
| Category | Skills Developed |
|---|---|
| Written Communication (W) | Writing, editing, critical thinking, research, grammar, punctuation |
| Oral Communication (O) | Public speaking, active listening, persuasion, nonverbal communication |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Q) | Mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, data analysis, interpretation |
| Natural Sciences (NS) | Scientific method, observation, experimentation, data analysis |
| Historical Perspectives (HP) | Historical analysis, historiography, cultural context, social change |
| Cultural Diversity (CD) | Understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and values |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) | Social analysis, human behavior, social institutions, research methods |
| Arts (A) | Artistic expression, creativity, problem-solving, cultural appreciation |
| Lifelong Wellness (LW) | Health and fitness knowledge, healthy lifestyle choices, stress management |
Table of Gen Ed Categories and Benefits
| Category | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Written Communication (W) | Improved writing and speaking skills, enhanced critical thinking |
| Oral Communication (O) | Confident and effective public speaking, improved communication skills |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Q) | Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, data interpretation |
| Natural Sciences (NS) | Scientific literacy, understanding of natural world, problem-solving |
| Historical Perspectives (HP) | Historical understanding, cultural context, social awareness |
| Cultural Diversity (CD) | Cultural sensitivity, appreciation of diverse perspectives |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) | Understanding of human society, social issues, behavior |
| Arts (A) | Creative expression, aesthetic appreciation, cultural understanding |
| Lifelong Wellness (LW) | Healthy lifestyle habits, stress management techniques, self-care |
Table of Gen Ed Categories and Course Examples
| Category | Course Examples |
|---|---|
| Written Communication (W) | English, Writing, Journalism, Technical Writing |
| Oral Communication (O) | Communication Studies, Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Q) | Statistics, Calculus, Mathematics |
| Natural Sciences (NS) | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science |
| Historical Perspectives (HP) | History, American History, World History |
| Cultural Diversity (CD) | Anthropology, Sociology, Gender Studies |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) | Psychology, Economics, Political Science |
| Arts (A) | Music, Art, Theatre, Dance |
| Lifelong Wellness (LW) | Health and Fitness, Nutrition, Stress Management |
Conclusion
JMU’s Gen Ed requirements provide a foundational education that prepares students for academic success, career paths, and personal growth. By completing courses in each category, students develop essential skills, broaden their perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Gen Ed courses contribute significantly to JMU’s mission of developing critical thinkers, effective communicators, and ethical citizens who make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
