Whats the difference between JMUs program and conservatory or BFA programs?
At JMU we feel strongly that the undergraduate years be balanced between skill development in the major, and obtaining a broad base of knowledge about the world in which we live. We think that this broad base of knowledge makes for strong actors, artists, and citizens. Our BA program requires a total of 120 credits: 58 credits in the major (however, most take well beyond the required credits and coursework in the major), up to 44 credit in general education & philosophy (depending on AP, IB, Dual Enrollment credit), 0 – 14 credits of foreign language (depending on placement), and 4 – 18 credits of electives (which can be taken within or outside of the major concentration). Many of the students in the Musical Theatre Concentration graduate with far more than 120 credits, with most of the additional credits being in Musical Theatre, Theatre, Music, and Dance coursework. Generally speaking, many BFA programs do not require as much general education as we do in the BA at JMU. However, some
