JMC is a freshman admit program, and the program is built around that model with respect to its curriculum and course requirements. Transfer students are admitted on a limited basis dependent upon available space in the program each year, and admission requirements can be found under the JMC majors listed on the Restricted Majors page. Applicants for transfer admission should complete the MSU Transfer Application through the link above and should indicate the specific JMC major they plan to pursue as the major preference within the application.
MSU's first-year application for Fall 2026 is now closed. The application for Fall 2027 will open in early August.
Ready to join a community of engaged students dedicated to understanding and addressing the world's most pressing public affairs challenges? Applying to James Madison College is your first step toward an exceptional undergraduate experience that combines rigorous academics, experiential learning and a tight-knit residential college community.
The application process for James Madison College is integrated with Michigan State University's undergraduate admissions. When you apply to MSU, you'll indicate your interest in JMC as your intended major. Your application will be reviewed and processed by the MSU Office of Admissions.
Application Process
Complete Your MSU Application
Visit the MSU Office of Admissions to begin your online application. During the application process, you'll select James Madison College as your intended major. This ensures your application receives appropriate review for JMC admission. This "first-year application checklist" from MSU Admissions will help guide you through the application components.
Submit Official Transcripts
Have your official high school transcript(s) sent directly to Michigan State University from each school or institution you've attended. This includes transcripts from your primary high school as well as any dual enrollment programs, early college programs, or other secondary institutions. Transcripts can be submitted electronically through services like Parchment or Naviance, or mailed directly from your high school to MSU. Find detailed instructions on the MSU Office of Admissions website. These "Transcript FAQs" may also be helpful.
Test-Optional Admissions Policy
MSU maintains a test-optional admissions policy. You may choose to submit SAT or ACT scores if you believe they strengthen your application, but they are not required for admission consideration.
Dates & Deadlines
Early Action Deadline (Nov. 1)
MSU's Early Action deadline is Nov. 1, which guarantees you an initial admissions decision by Jan. 15 and automatically ensures maximum consideration for all scholarship opportunities. To apply early action, students must submit their application and all required materials by Nov. 1. Additionally, students must select on their application that they are applying as an Early Action Student.
Regular Decision (After Nov. 1)
All applicants who select Regular Decision or submit their applications after Nov. 1 will be considered Regular Decision Applicants. Applications completed with all required materials and submitted by Feb. 1 will be guaranteed an initial admission decision by March 31. All applications received between Feb. 1 and April 1 will be considered on a rolling basis.
If you've already applied to Michigan State University and you are interested in Madison, you can log into your MSU Student Portal and change your intended major into Madison. You can also contact the JMC Recruitment Office at jmcadmin@msu.edu or 517-353-5260 with your name and your date of birth to have us request the change for you.
If you've already applied to Michigan State University and you are interested in Madison, you can log into your MSU Student Portal and change your intended major into Madison. You can also contact the JMC Recruitment Office at jmcadmin@msu.edu or 517-353-5260 with your name and your date of birth to have us request the change for you.
James Madison College admits current MSU students into the program’s majors and first-year program as space permits. There are no credit restrictions for students changing in, though students should be mindful of the impact of meeting the JMC major requirements on their time to degree and graduation plan.
If you are interested in pursuing a JMC major, please schedule an appointment with JMC Advisor Emelia Hammond through the online MSU Student Information System or email her at ehammond@msu.edu.
It is very common for students to come into MSU and JMC with credits earned through AP, IB, dual enrollment or early/middle college programs, and these students are instructed to complete the first-year application for MSU.
Students who are admitted to MSU and JMC will be enrolled in the first-year course requirements for JMC, regardless of credit count at time of enrollment. At New Student Orientation, JMC academic advisors will assist all students in understanding how their credits count at MSU.
If an incoming first-year student has earned an Associates Degree prior to starting at MSU, they should reach out to JMC advisors prior to New Student Orientation to discuss their enrollment options.
Ready to apply to JMC?
Start your application online at explore.msu.edu/apply. Contact our Recruitment Team with questions at jmcadmin@msu.edu.