General Psychology is the major to consider if studying the area of science that explores how people and animals think, feel and act is of interest. General Psychology majors complete coursework that explores behavior, emotions, cognitive processes, and the factors that influence them from a variety of perspectives. Psychologists study behavior at both a cellular (e.g. examining the role of the brain and the nervous system) and at a more global level (e.g. examining the influences of culture). As general psychology majors, students will enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, writing, and oral expression skills as they learn to use the tools available to behavioral scientists. Students choose to major in general psychology for many reasons. General Psychology can be students' primary area of interest within a liberal arts education that will lead to many professional opportunities that require a bachelor's degree, or it can be a pre-professional program leading to advanced study in graduate school. Popular types of graduate programs pursued by graduates of our program have been counseling, school psychology, education, clinical psychology, psychological science, social work, forensic psychology/criminal justice, industrial/organizational psychology, behavior analysis, law school and college administration.

The program will prepare graduates to work collaboratively and interprofessionally. In the James Madison University Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), students use creativity in learning from classroom experiences, case studies, computer applications, and problem-solving and decision-making projects. Students will gain research experience in their senior year. Students also obtain real-life experiences by completing a hospital-based practicum covering all aspects of dietetics practice.

The program will prepare students for graduate studies in speech-language pathology and audiology. There is a nationwide shortage of speech-language pathologists and audiologists so they are in strong demand for jobs. The undergraduate major can be pursued as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.).

Health Sciences is a launching point to a wide variety of professionally rewarding careers that make a real difference to your community. The Health Sciences major is designed for students interested in understanding the causes of disease, strategies for promoting wellness and behavior change, and the scientific basis and methodologies for analysis of health concerns for both individuals and populations. The major combines a broad foundation of health-related course work that allows the graduate to work in many health-related entry-level positions. Further, with a tailored choice of preparatory courses and the addition of a Pre-Professional Health Minor the graduate is suitable for entry into professional programs in dentistry, medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health and veterinary medicine.

Faculty and students in our department examine human movement from a physiological, biomechanical, developmental and psychosocial perspective. Undergraduates receive a B.S. in Kinesiology, with coursework focusing on either Exercise Science (ES) or Physical & Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE). The ES concentration prepares students for careers in area such as strength and conditioning, personal training, corporate wellness, and cardiac rehabilitation. Many of our Exercise Science graduates choose to continue their education in order to pursue various health-related professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and medicine.

The profession of health administration is key to meeting the health and medical needs of the public. The Health Services Administration major prepares students for entry-level administrative positions and administrative staff support roles in various health organizations such as hospitals, hospital systems, ambulatory clinics, physician practices, nursing homes and managed care organizations. Health services administration is a dynamic and rewarding profession that combines students' interests in health, business, and serving others. Through case studies and applied learning activities, faculty help students gain an understanding of key management functions and techniques used in health organizations, current issues confronting administrators, and the role of administrators in assuring organizational performance.