Graduate Work at James Madison University

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At James Madison University, we strive for our students to "Be the Change" in the world. We strongly believe that advocacy provides you with the skills to be a voice for change. Through advocating for those that have a diminished voice, or even for yourself, we have the unique ability to create a more existentially meaningful world. Drawing from a variety of undergraduate majors, our students are involved in rich interdisciplinary experiences with each other, across the university, and across the globe. 

When you choose to study with us for your MA, you will be trained by top faculty in advocacy, giving you to tools to succeed in either the private sector or prepare you for a PhD in a variety of disciplines. Classes in our program are taught from internationally recognized faculty in the School of Communication Studies, while also having the ability to take courses from other faculty across the university. 

As a leader in the Terror Management Laboratory, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of undergraduate students in conducting your own research. This laboratory is collaborative and you will produce research with a team of research assistants and Dr. Harvell-Bowman that will be published in journals and presented at regional, national, and international conferences. You will also engage in research with other researchers and graduate students all over the world in a variety of disciplines. 

Applications will open November 1st.  

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15TH* with a rolling deadline until May 15th. 

INTERVIEWS WITH DR. HARVELL-BOWMAN: End of February/Early March**

* To be considered for an assistantship within the School of Communication Studies, please ensure your application is received prior to the February 15th deadline. Note: Funding is also available through additional positions at JMU advertised on the JMU JobLink. 

**If you are interested in studying with us, please contact Dr. Harvell-Bowman as soon as possible to set up a pre-interview.

Our students come from a wide variety of undergraduate majors and typically either want to continue their education in a PhD or their career in the private sector. Ultimately, our students have a shared goal of wanting to make a difference in the world. Dr. Harvell-Bowman's students will accomplish this through an existential lens.  

Some of the undergraduate majors represented in our program: 

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Communication
• Biology
• Social Work
• English
• Health Sciences