B.F.A. in Architectural Design
James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is renowned for its commit...
B.A. in Sociology
Harrisonburg, Virginia
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
James Madison University (JMU) offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of social structures, interactions, and inequalities. The program explores key sociological theories, research methods, and contemporary issues, preparing students for careers in social research, advocacy, policy analysis, and human services.
Curriculum: The curriculum of JMU's B.A. in Sociology program covers a wide range of topics related to the study of society and human behavior. Courses may include sociological theory, social research methods, data analysis, social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender studies, family dynamics, urban sociology, and globalization. Students also have opportunities to pursue elective courses tailored to their interests, such as criminology, social movements, environmental sociology, or medical sociology.
Research Focus: JMU's B.A. in Sociology program emphasizes research skills development, allowing students to engage in hands-on research projects and data analysis. Students learn qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, interviews, observational studies, and statistical analysis. They conduct research on social issues, analyze data, and present findings, gaining valuable experience in sociological inquiry and critical analysis.
Industry Engagement: The B.A. in Sociology program at JMU fosters industry engagement through internships, community-based learning experiences, and partnerships with social service agencies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Students have opportunities to apply sociological concepts and research skills in real-world settings, working on projects related to community development, social justice, advocacy, and program evaluation.
Global Perspective: In today's interconnected world, sociologists study global trends, transnational processes, and cross-cultural interactions to understand the complexities of modern society. JMU's B.A. in Sociology program integrates a global perspective by examining global issues such as migration, globalization, human rights, environmental sustainability, and social inequality. Students explore how global forces shape local communities and individual experiences, preparing them to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts and contribute to global understanding and social change.
Location
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 30152
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 80 is often required.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 58 is often required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 105 is required.
- SAT Requirement: A SAT score of 500 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
James Madison University (JMU) recognizes the importance of supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education and offers various scholarship opportunities to facilitate their academic journey.
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: JMU provides merit-based scholarships for outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. Eligible students are automatically considered during the admission process.
International Diversity Scholarships: To promote cultural diversity on campus, JMU offers International Diversity Scholarships. These scholarships aim to attract students from different backgrounds, fostering a global perspective within the university community. Eligibility criteria include a demonstrated diversity and inclusion.
College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges within JMU may offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. International students pursuing degrees in fields such as business, science, engineering, or the arts may have access to college-specific scholarship opportunities.
Global Engagement Scholarships: JMU encourages international students to actively engage with the global community. Global Engagement Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate a promoting cross-cultural understanding through activities such as international events, community service, and leadership roles.
Graduates of James Madison University's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology program possess a diverse skill set that opens up numerous career opportunities in various fields.
Social Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as social researchers, conducting studies on social trends, behaviors, and phenomena. They work for research firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or academic institutions, collecting data, analyzing trends, and producing reports to inform policy-making, program development, and social interventions.
Human Resources Specialist: Graduates may work in human resources departments, helping organizations recruit, train, and manage their workforce. They use their understanding of social dynamics and organizational behavior to address workplace issues, promote diversity and inclusion, and develop strategies for employee engagement and retention.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Graduates can work as community outreach coordinators for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups. They build relationships with community members, organize events and campaigns, and mobilize resources to address social issues such as poverty, homelessness, education, or healthcare access.
Social Worker: Graduates interested in direct service can pursue careers as social workers, providing support and advocacy to individuals, families, and communities in need. They work in settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, or social service agencies, assisting clients with housing, employment, healthcare, and other essential needs.
Policy Analyst: Graduates may work as policy analysts, researching social issues, analyzing legislation, and advocating for policy reforms. They work for government agencies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, or consulting firms, providing expertise on issues such as poverty, healthcare, criminal justice, or education policy.
Market Research Analyst: Graduates with strong analytical skills can work as market research analysts, studying consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscapes. They help businesses and organizations make informed decisions about product development, marketing strategies, and target audiences.
Non-profit Administrator: Graduates interested in management and leadership roles can work as non-profit administrators, overseeing the operations of non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, or community-based programs. They handle budgeting, fundraising, program development, and staff supervision, ensuring effective delivery of services to clients.
Criminal Justice Specialist: Graduates with an interest in criminology and criminal justice can work in various roles within the criminal justice system, such as probation officers, victim advocates, or corrections counselors. They work to support individuals involved in the criminal justice system and promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and crime prevention.
