Creating Your Individualized
Study Concentration with
Adult Degree Program
Online Modules
www.jmu.edu/outreach
What people are saying about the Adult Degree Program
at James Madison University
“As an instructor, I see the ADP at JMU providing
opportunities for students often left on the fringe of higher
education to put themselves squarely back into the center
of learning.” –Rob Alexander, Political Science
“It’s wonderful to work with students coming back to
college to finish what they’d started. ADP students tend
to have drive—and an understandable joy as they move
toward earning their bachelor’s degrees.” –Charles
Blake, Political Science
“I have really enjoyed working with Adult Degree Program
students on their senior projects. I have been impressed
with their creative project ideas, the depth of their
experience, and the overall quality of their projects!”
–Diane Wilcox, Learning, Technology & Leadership Education
“As a graduate of the Adult Degree Program, I cannot express
the importance of having the opportunity to complete my
degree while working full time. I am so very thankful for all
faculty and staff who work so hard to help make this dream a
reality!” –Jackie Rufo, Adult Degree Program
2
What is the Adult Degree Program?
A university education is about learning to ask and answer complex questions. The JMU
Adult Degree Program (ADP) allows highly motivated and self-directed students to pursue
the questions about which they are most passionate. ADP students epitomize the intentional
intellectual engagement at the core of a great liberal education: focused, rigorous, disciplinary
learning, even when integrating multiple disciplines.
ADP is not a means to vocational or applied versions of existing degrees; nor does it provide
a secondary alternative to (or a “light” version of) existing majors. It is, instead, a place for
students 22 and older to complete their bachelor’s degree. It is a place for intellectually
curious, reflective, and self-directed students who embrace learning for its own sake. This
program is not a place to just “get a degree;” this is a place to pursue deep learning.
What is the Individualized Study major?
The Individualized Study major, the academic major for all ADP students, was developed
specifically to assist in degree completion for adult learners. Students create unique,
interdisciplinary concentrations that meet their own educational needs: advancing
professionally, preparing for graduate or professional programs, or planning a path toward a
career change. While most ADP students earn a Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS), you
also have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Study or a Bachelor of
Science in Individualized Study.
The Individualized Study major also offers students a distinctive educational opportunity
that allows them to integrate other college-level learning such as professional or military
experiences into university coursework.
Some distinctive features of the Individualized Study major include the following:
•
•
•
An interdisciplinary concentration that draws on courses from two or more academic
units and is designed to meet each student’s individual goals and which does not
duplicate a traditional major currently offered by JMU.
Independent study classes that allow students to conduct research in areas not included in
other courses.
Online modules which give adult students the opportunity to complete their degree at
JMU when their schedules or locations make attending on-campus classes difficult or
impossible.
For more information on the Adult Degree Program and the Individualized Study major, visit
our website at www.jmu.edu/adultdegree.
Introduction to the modules
ADP online modules are a more structured way of developing your Individualized Study major
concentration as well as enabling you to complete your degree no matter where you live or
what your schedule is. Module content was created by academic units at JMU to give you a
strong foundation in each particular area. You can combine two or three of the modules to
create your concentration, or, if you are able to commute to campus, you can blend them with
face to face classes.
3
Current online modules include Autism Spectrum Studies, Applied Computing, Business
Technology, Entrepreneurship, Professional and Workplace Communication, and Human
Resource Development.
How the modules work together
To build your Individualized Study concentration, simply combine two or three modules based
on your professional, educational, or personal goals. For example:
•
•
•
•
Human Resource Development + Business Technology
Autism Spectrum Disorders + Professional and Workplace Communication
Computer Science + Business Technology
Business Technology + Entrepreneurship
How the modules work with on-campus classes
If you live within commuting distance of the JMU campus, and your schedule allows it, you
can also combine traditional face-to-face classes with one (or more) of the online modules for
your concentration.
•
•
•
•
•
Autism Spectrum Disorders pairs well with the coursework needed for students pursuing
teaching licensure or those who focus their concentration on psychology.
If you’re adding classes in photography, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry making, and/or
painting to your concentration, Entrepreneurship will give you the skills to get your artsrelated business up and running.
Business Technology provides strong skills for sociology, non-profit studies, public
administration, political science, or justice studies concentrations.
Human Resource Development pairs nicely with a concentration focusing on public
administration, kinesiology, health-related areas or integrated science and technology.
By completing the Applied Computing module, you will master a fair amount of computer
programming skills. In addition, you will learn to write programs applicable to your
chosen career field. As a result, this module would complement classes from just about
any academic unit or career goal.
Completing your degree online
Can you complete your degree online through JMU’s Adult Degree Program?
Yes. If our modules interest you, you have completed all or most of your general education
requirements, and you take advantage of other, nontraditional credit earning options, such as
independent study classes, CLEP exams, and portfolios of prior learning experience, then you
may be able to complete your degree online.
Call the ADP office and talk with us. We can discuss your interests and how the online
modules could work for you, what you still have left to complete your degree, and how ADP
can help you achieve your goals, both educationally and professionally.
4
THE MODULES
Autism Spectrum Studies
9 credits
The Autism Spectrum Studies module is designed for anyone interested in increasing their
knowledge of the autism spectrum. Whether you are in the education field, studying for a
career in counseling, or an interested parent, grandparent, or friend, this series of classes will
give you the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively participate on teams addressing the
needs of learners with a disability on the autism spectrum. This module pairs well with the
Professional and Workplace Communication and the Human Resource Development modules
as well as with on-campus psychology and education classes.
Requirements: These classes must be taken in the order listed.
EXED 416: Overview and Assessment of Autism Disorders (3 credits, Fall, 1st 8-week block)
This course is designed to provide an overview of the current issues involving working with
children who have been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. Areas covered
in-depth will include learning characteristics, current research and factors involved with
causation, assessment and diagnosis. We will discuss positive behavioral supports; social
skills development; sensory processing, motor planning and sensory integration; and
communication and language development as these will be covered in much greater depth
in other courses. A range of institutional methodologies and techniques will be emphasized
throughout the course.
EXED 417: Communication, Language, and Sensory Issues in ASD (3 credits, Fall, 2nd 8-week
block)
This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of the current issues involved in working
with children who have been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. We will discuss
only briefly learning characteristics, current research and factors involved with causation,
assessment and diagnosis, and positive behavioral supports to set the stage. The bulk of our
time will be spent exploring social skills development; sensory processing, motor planning
and sensory integration; and communication and language development. We will consider
a range of institutional methodologies and techniques for providing instruction, support and
generalization of skills in these areas.
EXED 418: Challenging Behaviors, Positive Behavioral Supports, Functional Behavioral
Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans (3 credits, Spring, 1st 8-week block)
This course is designed to provide an in-depth look at the behavioral challenges those with
a disability in the autism spectrum might face and display. Areas addressed will include
behavioral characteristics, current research and factors related to behavioral challenges in
this population, positive behavioral supports, Functional Behavioral Plan Development,
implementation and monitoring. We will cover data collection in relation to assessment and
monitoring behaviors. We will review social skills development; sensory processing, motor
planning and sensory integration; and communication and language development as these are
covered in much greater depth in other courses. A range of institutional methodologies and
techniques will be emphasized throughout the course.
5
Applied Computing
18 credits
Upon completion of the following six courses, students will be able to apply computing
principles to writing programs and developing computer applications in the context of their
career. This module provides an overview of computer science, object-oriented programming,
hardware and software systems, and modern application development. Four of the courses
are offered concurrently (101/225 and 335/355), and while it is advised to take these
courses together, that is not required. Students are expected to have completed college
algebra (MATH 155 or its transfer equivalent) before enrolling in this module. This module
complements the other business-focused modules – Business Technology, Human Resource
Development, Entrepreneurship, and Professional and Workplace Communication – to give
students a strong foundation in the areas of management and technology in business.
CS 101: Introduction to Computer Science (3 credits, Fall, full semester)
Overview of the context of computing, computational operations, computational devices,
algorithms and data structures, the storage and transmission of data, the presentation of
information, and the limits of computing. Students learn about the design and implementation
of computational systems, the value of abstraction, problem solving, and the ways in which
computation impacts society.
CS 135: Computer Programming (3 credits, Spring, full semester)
Students in this class will study and practice fundamental computer programming techniques
including algorithm development, using variables, decisions, loops, arrays and functions;
object oriented design and implementation; testing and debugging techniques; and
implementing recursive algorithms. (Prerequisite CS 101)
CS 225: Math for Computer Science (3 credits, Fall, full semester)
Students will learn mathematical structures that are essential for computer science. Topics
include manipulation of logic propositions and quantified predicates, relations and functions,
set theory, counting techniques and discrete probability, mathematical induction, and analysis
of algorithms.
CS 235: Data Structures (3 credits, Fall, full semester)
This class studies the theory and application of fundamental data structures such as lists,
trees, sets, stacks, queues, and maps. Students will also learn fundamental algorithms such as
searching, sorting, and traversal algorithms. (Prerequisite CS 135 and CS 225)
CS 335: Computer Systems (3 credits, Spring, full semester) (Starting 2017)
Students will learn about hardware, software, operating systems, and networking in this
class. Topics include the building blocks of a computer, e.g., the CPU, memory, I/O and
storage devices, file and memory management, computer networks, and the integrity and
confidentiality of data. (Prerequisite CS 235)
CS 355: Application Development (3 credits, Spring, full semester) (Starting 2017)
This class covers basic concepts of software development and their application. Topics include
the software development process, software requirements and design, web application
development, database design, SQL programming, and software testing and validation.
(Prerequisite CS 235)
6
Business Technology
15 credits
Master the basics of the computer systems that support businesses and watch your career
thrive. This module introduces you to database design and analysis, web systems development,
and computer systems security issues and solutions. This module complements Human
Resource Development, Entrepreneurship and Computer Science.
Requirements: CIS 204 or its equivalent is the pre-requisite for all other classes in this module.
The other classes can be taken in any order once CIS 204 is completed.
CIS 204: Computer Information Systems for Non-Business Majors (3 credits, Fall, full
semester)
An introduction to computer-based information systems. Emphasis is placed on the role
of computers in business and society, computer hardware and software, design and
implementation of information systems, computer ethics, and collaboration using computers.
Students will design and create databases. Not open to business majors or minors.
CIS 311: Analyzing Data in Organizations (3 credits, Summer, 1st 4-week block)
This course provides an overview of how to work with databases and other data sources
in order to access relevant information in a timely and user-friendly manner. It includes
discussions of a variety of data representation types, including relational databases, XML
documents, and cloud data. Students learn essential database concepts and gain practical
experience in querying, reporting, and analyzing data.
CIS 312: Systems Planning and Analysis (3 credits, Summer, full semester)
Information systems couple both technical (hardware, software, database, telecom) and socioorganizational (business processes, ethics, knowledge, users, developers) subsystems to create
rich and available information for the purpose of optimizing business decisions. This course
covers the techniques and common tools employed for planning and analyzing these systems.
Emphasis will be placed on the system development life cycle, planning and analysis tools,
and professional business writing.
CIS 498: Special Topics – Network Security (3 credits, Spring, 1st 8-week block)
This course provides students with a technical grounding in network attack concepts and
technologies that are critical to defensive practices, including, but not limited to, penetration
testing environments, online threats, and data security. Using hands-on labs and real world
exercises, the course examines popular hacking tools such as key logger and phishing attack,
evaluates cyber security context, and analyzes incident response solutions. Due to the
realness and practicality of this course, students are able to relate acquired knowledge to daily
activities. Leading research and industrial reports pointed out that the demand for IT security
professionals has surged significantly in the past several years, making it imperative to keep
our students across the Commonwealth abreast of such trends.
CIS 498: Special Topics – Designing Web Systems (3 credits, Spring, full semester)
This course is an introduction to the design and development of web pages and web sites.
Major topics to be covered include: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML5), Cascading Style
Sheets (CSS), the principles of design for user experience, responsive design, and JavaScript.
Prerequisite: CIS 204 or equivalent knowledge (instructor permission is needed). Not open to
CIS majors or minors.
7
Entrepreneurship
9 credits
Are you thinking of starting a business some day? Do you want to better understand the inner
workings of the small business that employs you? Or do you desire to bring innovation to your
current job? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this module is for you. Learn
the basics of management functions and the formulation, financing, and operation of starting
and maintaining a business. This module complements the Business Technology module, and
would pair well with the Computer Science and Human Resource Development modules.
Requirements: These classes must be taken in order.
MGT 305: Management and Organizational Behavior (3 credits, Spring, 2nd 8-week block)
A study of management functions, decision processes and human behavior in business
organizations. Ethical and political considerations are addressed, as are behavioral science
research and its applicability to understanding organizational behavior.
MGT 405: Special Topics – Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 credits, Summer, 8-week
block)
A survey of the field of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs and their significance in the
American free enterprise system. Emphasis will be on exploring the theoretical framework of
the entrepreneurship process and the entrepreneurial personality.
MGT 405: Special Topics – Designing Your Business Venture (3 credits, Fall, 1st 4-week block)
The formulation, financing and operation of new ventures by individual entrepreneurs and
entrepreneurial teams will be explored. The course will include a group term project designed
to give the students clinical experience in the venture creation process.
“Having never taught online before, I was a little nervous about
how much interaction there would be, but my worries were
unfounded. Between verbal questions and the chat feature in
the software, the students interacted not only with me, but with
each other. I really enjoyed working with the adult students as
their experiences give them different perspectives on things.”
–Laura Atkins, Computer Information Systems
“I walked away from JMU seven years ago as a nontraditional
student trying to fit into a traditional student box. The Adult
Degree Program helped me finish with a concentration that is the
most applicable to my career. My Capstone Project was a learning
experience that I was able to bring into the workplace.” –From an
ADP Student
8
Human Resource Development
15 credits
Learn the technology and develop the skills needed to design and implement effective
professional development and performance improvement programs and materials for
education, business, non-profits and consulting. This module pairs well with Entrepreneurship,
and Business Technology.
Requirements: LTLE 240 is the prerequisite for the other classes in this module. It is advisable
to take the classes in the order listed.
LTLE 240: Principles of Human Resource Development (3 credits, Fall, 1st 8-week block)
An introduction to the role and scope of human resource development with particular
emphasis on required competencies for HRD professionals. Critical moral and ethical issues
are introduced.
LTLE 245: Leadership in Organizational Settings (3 credits, Fall, 2nd 8-week block)
An examination of the principles of leadership and their application to group settings.
Emphasis will be placed on the critical appraisal of the facets of leadership through the use of
cases and readings.
LTLE 370: Instructional Technology (3 credits, Spring, 1st 8-week block)
This course covers principles and procedures of a teaching/learning process designed to
provide reliable, effective instruction to learners through systematic application of instructional
technology. Includes selecting, producing, evaluating and utilizing nonprint media and
equipment for application to instructional process.
LTLE 385: Foundations of Instructional Design (3 credits, Spring, 2nd 8-week block)
The purpose of this course is to apply instructional theory to the creation of instructionally
sound education programs and materials.
LTLE 480: Learning in Adulthood (3 credits, Summer, 8-week block)
A study of the learning processes of the adult learner with an emphasis on adaptations of
the instructional process to accommodate the differences inherent in the adult learning
environment. Practical applications to actual adult learning situations are included.
“It’s a thrill to see ADP students walk across the stage at
Commencement and receive their diplomas.” –Pamela Hamilton,
Adult Degree Program
“It’s never too early, nor is it too late, to think about higher
education.” –John Guo, Computer Information Systems
9
Professional and Workplace Communication
15 credits
Students who include the Professional and Workplace Communication module in
their program of study will acquire the skills necessary for effective communication on
interpersonal, small group, and organizational levels. Students will develop active listening
skills, public speaking skills, an understanding of social and cultural influences on workplace
and social interactions, and the ability to use communication to mediate and resolve conflict.
This module complements any course of study as it provides essential skills for careers in both
the public and private sector.
Requirements: COMM 121, 122, or 123 is the prerequisite for any of these courses. The
classes may be taken in any order.
SCOM 245: Signs, Symbols, and Social Interaction (3 credits, Fall, 1st 8-week block)
The study of verbal and nonverbal communication as used in human interaction.
Consideration given to the function of symbolic systems in self-concept development, the
structuring of reality and social discourse. Attention is directed toward the use of signs and
symbols by different ethnic groups, genders, age groups and geographic groups.
SCOM 248: Intercultural Communication (3 credits, Spring, 1st 8-week block)
The study of human communication in a variety of cultural settings and contexts. Emphasis on
developing understanding and analytical skills regarding communication between people from
different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds in both domestic and international settings.
Consideration of relevance and application to social, business and political environments.
SCOM 334: Alternative Dispute Mediation (3 credits, Fall, full semester)
Study of conflict resolution processes including mediation, arbitration and negotiation.
Consideration of litigation and hybrid dispute processes such as summary jury trial, rent-ajudge and panel evaluation.
SCOM 350: Organizational Communication (3 credits, Summer, 1st 4-week block)
Students gain a complex understanding of organizing practices by investigating the
evolution of how historical events have influenced organizational communication and
managerial practices at work. Drawing upon communication theory, students analyze various
organizational communication practices such as the management of workers, development of
organizational culture, and interaction with larger systems. Learning is complemented by an
experiential learning project.
SCOM 358: Business and Professional Communication Studies (3 credits, Summer, 2nd
4-week block)
Students investigate the nuance and complexity of communication in modern organizational
life. A portion of the class is dedicated to the skills involved in a competitive, successful
career search. In addition, students develop the skills to become an ethical and effective
organizational citizen.
10
Other online classes for ADP students
These classes can be used to fulfill general education requirements for the Individualized
Study major (as indicated) or as electives.
HIST 225: American History (4 credits, Fall; other semesters as needed, full semester)
fulfills U.S. History general education requirement
Introduces students to the central themes of American political and social history. The course
examines the nature and growth of the intellectual concepts that structure American political
activity, the operation of democratic institutions and explores the development of American
society. The course also stresses the evolution of American involvement in global affairs.
ISCI 101: Physics, Chemistry, and the Human Experience (3 credits, Spring, 2nd 8-week
block) fulfills 3 of the 6 credits required for the Natural Science general education
requirement
This course is a survey of the fundamental principles, concepts, and ideas of chemistry and
physics. It gives students the tool kit they need to understand how science affects their lives.
Topics include how science works, science vs pseudo-science, energy, the stars and planets,
and how science relates to civilization. The course is targeted to non-science majors.
Prerequisite: MATH 103, 107, 205, 220, 231, 235 or the transfer equivalent.
AMST 200: Introduction to American Studies (3 credits, Fall, full semester)
fulfills 3 of the 6 credits required in the Humanities general education requirement
This course will highlight the student’s role in interrogating the cultural and political function
of representations of America in literature, history, philosophy, religion, popular culture, music
and art. Students will gain an understanding of why definitions of American identity matter
and learn about the contemporary debates that inform the discipline of American Studies
today. Questions about the changing role of national studies in the face of globalization are
central.
ENG 247: Survey of American Literature from the Beginning to the Civil War (3 credits, Fall,
1st 8-week block) fulfills 3 of the 6 credits required for the Humanities general education
requirement
A general survey presented chronologically.
PSYC 160: Human Growth and Development (3 credits, Fall and Spring, full semester)
fulfills 3 of the 6 credits required for the Social and Behavioral Science general education
requirement
An introduction to human development. Emphasis is on life span processes within physical,
emotional, cognitive, psychosexual, social, personality and moral development.
SCOM 121OP: Fundamental Human Communication (3 credits, Fall and/or Spring,
competency-based learning) fulfills the Oral Communications general education requirement
Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles of communication theory and
experience the practical application of those theories. Students will move through a series
of online modules covering processes of communication, identifying purpose and audience,
and the development and utilization of digital literacy skills. These modules will prepare them
for a knowledge-based competency test and the delivery of an oral presentation in an online,
synchronous environment. This is a competency-based learning class and students move
through the class at their own pace. The competency test and the oral presentation must be
completed according to the guidelines set by the instructors within the semester of enrollment.
11
Adult Degree Program Class Schedule
FALL
EXED 416: Overview and Assessment of Autism Disorders
EXED 417: Communication, Language, and Sensory Issues in ASD
CS 101: Introduction to Computer Science
CS 225: Math for Computer Science
CS 235: Data Structures
CIS 204: Computer Information Systems for Non-Business Majors
MGT 405: Special Topics – Designing Your Business Venture
SCOM 245: Signs, Symbols, and Social Interaction
SCOM 334: Alternative Dispute Mediation
LTLE 240: Principles of Human Resource Development
LTLE 245: Leadership in Organizational Settings
HIST 225: American History
AMST 200: Introduction to American Studies
ENG 247: Survey of American Literature from the Beginning to the Civil War
PSYC 160: Human Growth and Development
SCOM 121OP: Fundamental Human Communication
SPRING
EXED 418: Challenging Behaviors, Positive Behavioral Supports, Functional Behavioral
Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans
CS 135: Computer Programming
CS 335: Computer Systems
CS 355: Application Development
CIS 498: Special Topics – Network Security
CIS 498: Special Topics – Designing Web Systems
MGT 305: Management and Organizational Behavior
SCOM 248: Intercultural Communication
LTLE 370: Instructional Technology
LTLE 385: Foundations of Instructional Design
ISCI 101: Physics, Chemistry, and the Human Experience
PSYC 160: Human Growth and Development
SCOM 121OP: Fundamental Human Communication
SUMMER
CIS 311: Analyzing Data in Organizations
CIS 312: Systems Planning and Analysis
MGT 405: Special Topics – Introduction to Entrepreneurship
SCOM 350: Organizational Communication
SCOM 358: Business and Professional Communication Studies
LTLE 480: Learning in Adulthood
12
Adult Degree Program
MSC 6906
JMU at the Ice House
127 W. Bruce St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Pamela Hamilton, Director
540-568-6824
Jackie Rufo, Student Services Coordinator
540-568-4255
Email: adp@jmu.edu
“Go ADP Dukes!” –Chris Mayfield, Computer Science