James Madison University, public, coeducational institution in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The school was founded in 1908. James Madison University confers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields. It offers courses of study in the arts and sciences, the fine arts, business, communications, computer and information sciences, health sciences and technology, law, performing arts, religious studies, secretarial studies and office management, education, and social work.