Honors Course Characteristics

Honors courses are designed to be broader, deeper, and more complex than regular courses. They often feature smaller class sizes and discussion-based formats that encourage active engagement. H seminars are particularly distinctive, offering interdisciplinary content that often focuses on leadership, research, and global engagement themes.

Program Structure: Three Paths

The JMU Honors College offers students three distinct pathways to complete the program:

1. Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies: 19 credits
2. Minor + Honors Scholar: 19 credit hours minor + 3 credit honors senior ePortfolio project
3. Minor + Honors Scholar with Distinction: 19 credits + 6 credit capstone project

It’s worth noting that students can also earn distinction in their major without being in the Honors College.

Honors Core Requirements (19 Credits)

The Honors Core curriculum consists of 19 credits distributed across four key areas. Students begin with a 1-credit Introduction to Honors course. The bulk of the program comes from 12 credits of Honors courses, which include H sections of general education courses, H seminars, H options, and H sections of regular courses.

Additionally, students complete 3 credits in Diversity and Global Engagement through courses that promote DEI initiatives. The final 3 credits focus on Research & Experiential Learning, with courses emphasizing research, internships, TA positions, creative endeavors, clinical practice, or study abroad experiences.

Beyond the Classroom

The Honors College experience extends well beyond academics. Students have access to co-curricular activities, leadership opportunities, and H housing options. The program also offers H study abroad programs, dedicated H advising, and connection to an H college alumni network that supports students throughout their time at JMU and beyond.

Program Size & Demographics

The Honors College enrolls 1,200 students, representing 6% of JMU’s student body. Students come from all majors and diverse backgrounds. The program maintains proportional representation to JMU overall, with the male/female ratio mirroring the university. Approximately 75% of Honors students are in-state residents.

Three Ways to Enter Honors

Students can join the Honors College through three distinct pathways:

1. First-year application process
2. Transfer admission
3. In-house (current JMU students)

Application Process

The Honors College application is located on the JMU website—importantly, it is NOT part of the Common App. Prospective students should note two critical deadlines:

• November 8: Early Action
• January 22: Regular Decision

Last year, the program received 3,000 applications and admitted 55%. A few important points to remember: the Honors essay is a critical component of the application. The JMU Honors College does NOT see your Common App essay or activities list—they only review your academics. This means your Honors essay could potentially replicate your Common App essay if needed, though it should be tailored to the Honors program.

The Honors Essay

The Honors essay features a two-part question, and applicants must answer both parts. When crafting your response, focus on showing alignment with the values of the Honors College. The essay should talk about who you are, not just what you’ve done. Most importantly, convey what you bring to the community.

What They’re Looking For

The admissions team seeks students with a commitment to academic excellence and challenge. They want to build a diverse group of students interested in engaging in the Honors community, both within and outside the classroom. A key philosophy of the program is that students who choose to pursue an H education are what makes them H students—the choice itself matters.

Benefits & Perks

Honors students receive priority registration, though this benefit is not permanent and lasts for a limited period. The program offers flexibility to work with every major and focuses on four key pillars: curriculum, community, connection, and cultural enrichment.

Costs & Financial Support

The Honors program charges a fee of $200 per semester, though this fee is waived for Pell Grant recipients. Students with demonstrated financial need automatically receive a partial award. While there’s no automatic scholarship that comes with Honors admission, some scholarships are ONLY available to Honors students. The prestigious Dingledine Bluestone Scholarship covers full tuition and has a November 15 deadline. Additional specific scholarship funds are available to offset study abroad, summer research, or capstone expenses.

Housing

Honors housing is available for more than one year, though most students choose to move off campus after their sophomore year. Some Honors students remain in housing during their sophomore year as RAs. Shenandoah Hall primarily houses first-year H students.

Additional Application Tips

When writing the regular JMU essay (non-Honors), make sure it tells something new about you and shows what you’re going to bring to JMU. Remember that essays are read but not scored. Avoid clichéd topics like torn ACL stories or essays about how great Grandma is—the admissions team is looking for authentic insight into who you are and what you’ll contribute to the campus community.

Contact: Chris Gothard, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions (JMU Honors College Alumnus)
Director of Admissions: Kelly Ball
Date of Notes: October 30, 2025