Frequently Asked Questions
What’s ISAT?
ISAT stands for "Integrated Science And Technology." ISAT was one of the first programs in the country to offer an integrated approach to studying science and technology, and continues to be recognized as a leading program of its kind. Read a more detail definition - What is ISAT?
Can I get a job with an ISAT degree?
YES! ISAT majors increasingly are sought after for their breadth of experience, technical expertise, team-working skills, and leadership qualities. From getting a consulting or government job, to starting a business, to joining the Peace Corps, ISAT graduates are successful contributors to projects, organizations, and communities. It is common for ISAT majors to earn starting incomes near $50,000, and not uncommon for ISAT graduates to earn considerably more.
Who hires ISAT majors?
ISAT graduates work with a diverse array of companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. These include NASA, the FBI, Booz-Allen Hamilton, GTE, Kraft Foods, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Habitat for Humanity International, and many more. View a list of employers.
What do I study in ISAT?
While all students take core courses in each of the sectors, students may concentrate in one or more select study areas starting their junior year. These areas include the following:
- Biosystems
- Energy
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Environment
- Information/Knowledge Management
- Telecommunications
Custom concentrations include Geographic Information Systems, E-commerce, Bioethics, and Instrumentation & Measurement. These concentrations must be completed in combination with one of the areas mentioned above. Students may also design their own concentration.
What minors do ISAT students commonly pursue?
ISAT majors, as they gain an understanding of their particular interests, may supplement their major studies with classes from other disciplines. ISAT students concentrating in Biosystems, for example, may choose a biology or chemistry minor. ISAT students concentrating in Information Knowledge Management or Telecommunications, though, can add a Computer Science minor with only a few more courses. A few students chose to double major, pursuing degrees in math, psychology, or even philosophy! With good planning, students can fit in a minor - or even a another major!
Do I have to apply to get into ISAT after being accepted by JMU?
No, once accepted to JMU, any student may declare ISAT as a major. The ISAT 4+1 MBA Program, however, requires a separate application, usually in the junior year.
How many students are enrolled in ISAT?
In 2005, there were 350 students enrolled in the ISAT program.
What is the student/faculty ratio?
Approximately 10:1
What’s the ISAT-MBA Program?
The ISAT-MBA Program allows up to 10 ISAT students to earn a Masters in Business Administration in three additional semesters. This competitive program has two separate selection processes: the first occurs in ISAT, normally during the junior year; and the second occurs in the College of Business, prior to admittance to the MBA program. Accepted ISAT students will be required to take six undergraduate business courses prior to being accepted to the College of Business.
What types of students enroll in the ISAT program?
ISAT majors are problem solvers, team leaders, and curious students. Students enrolling in ISAT have an interest in science and technology, and enjoy applying what they learn to real-world problems. These students are often as interested in "the big picture" as they are in the details of a specific process or technology. ISAT is the right choice for students interested in the sciences and technology who desire a broader curriculum than that of a traditional science or engineering degree.
What makes ISAT unique?
The ISAT program is unique in that it focuses on giving students the opportunity to explore a number of science and technology disciplines in a practical, hands-on manner. Rather than focusing on only one science, ISAT lets students make connections between the most important sciences in the 21st century. The result is a graduate who can integrate different sciences while working to solve a real-world problem.
Is it competitive?
ISAT classes are challenging – but also rewarding. The combination of learning theory through practical, hands-on projects gives students a chance to work together in a supportive, team atmosphere.
Does ISAT require internships?
No, ISAT does not require internships – but they are encouraged! Many ISAT students elect to be interns during the summer. Besides allowing students to complement what they learn in class with an actual work experience, these experiences are often paid. Some students even merge their internship with their senior thesis project. More information about internships..
Does ISAT require a thesis project or capstone?
Yes, every ISAT major has the opportunity to complete a senior thesis project. These required projects are the capstone to the undergraduate ISAT experience. Every student chooses a project that relates to his or her particular interests and/or career goals. Projects can be completed individually or as part of a team of ISAT students.
Can I transfer to JMU and still be an ISAT major? (after 1 year and 2 years)?
Yes! ISAT faculty have worked diligently to provide opportunities to incoming transfer students so that they can step into the program and still finish in a timely manner. Every circumstance is different, and Mr. Paul Henriksen is available to discuss yours. Email henrikpw@jmu.edu.
I want to go to JMU, but I’m unsure about whether or not to major in ISAT. What should I do?
One strategy for this circumstance is to declare ISAT as your major and take the ISAT General Education (GenEd) courses. Every JMU student must complete a GenEd curriculum, preferably in his or her first two years. A number of ISAT’s required courses also satisfy GenEd requirements, so a productive way to explore the major while completed GenEd requirements without losing any ground is to enroll in these courses. If a student enjoys the courses, then he or she is on track to stay an ISAT major; if another major at JMU is more intriguing, the student can switch majors. These courses can be found in Cluster 3, The Natural World of the General Education Curriculum.
What do ISAT alumni do now?
As would be expected with a major that allows such diverse and customized undergraduate experiences, ISAT majors are involved in an exciting variety of work and life experiences after graduation. Alumni are working with large technical consulting companies, small niche-oriented businesses, community nonprofits, and government agencies – and some even use what they learn to start their own businesses! Others elect to go on to graduate school, where the ISAT degree can make them particularly competitive in the application process. ISAT majors have enrolled in graduate programs at Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Virginia, Duke University, and Harvard. Read more about our graduates.
Does ISAT offer a Masters degree?
Can I minor in ISAT?
Yes. The ISAT minor allows students to complement their studies in another field.
Who do I contact for more information?
For more information about ISAT, contact Mr. Paul Henriksen, ISAT student coordinator, via email henrikpw@jmu.edu, phone 568-2755, or visit ISAT Room 121.
