Why major in ISAT?
Be Part of a Community Working to Make a Difference
ISAT majors work on real-life issues, such as local environmental challenges, computer databases, alternative fuels, or splicing genes. Because class projects are done in groups, ISAT students quickly learn how to bring a team together to develop a solution. The ISAT degree is unique because it provides an innovative, integrated approach to teaching science and technology. Different from a standard or traditional science degree, ISAT is one of the first programs in the country to champion the integrated approach to science education.
Keep your options open!
When entering the program, students spend two years exploring a wide range of science and technology. Then, in the junior year, students begin choosing the combination of upper-level courses that best fits their interests. Once graduated, ISAT alumni have a range of possibilities from getting a job, to starting a business, to going to graduate school.
ISAT lets students design a course of study that fits their particular interests. In the first two years, all students take the same core courses – but, for the second half of the undergraduate curriculum, students are in full control of the classes they study, and many times can choose the topic of their class projects. As a result, students can graduate with a unique combination of classroom and project experience.
ISAT is a flexible major because
- YOU can concentrate in any of six broad areas
- YOU can create your own concentration
- YOU have two years to decide on areas of specialization
- YOU can substitute in courses from other departments
- YOU can create your senior project to further your career goals.
In ISAT, you don’t just study it, you do it.
ISAT emphasizes “hands on” or “learning by doing” experiences. Classes have assignments geared to problem-based learning, and student teams are frequently applying what they are learning to solve problems. ISAT is undergraduate-focused, so faculty routinely involve students in the research projects.
ISAT is at JMU!
JMU is a wonderful choice for your undergraduate degree, and being an ISAT major lets you take advantage of everything else JMU has to offer. JMU’s clubs and organizations, service opportunities, sports, outdoor activities, and great food are all available to ISAT majors as they complete their degrees.
Being an ISAT major at JMU provides students a small college experience while receiving the benefits of large university.
