Should I consider James Madison for engineering?

I'm interested in pursuing engineering and came across James Madison University. How well regarded is their engineering department? Would JMU be a good fit, and how significant is their university rank when applying for future jobs?

James Madison University (JMU) actually does have some solid offerings in the engineering field. However, it's crucial to know that JMU's focus primarily resides in engineering fields such as Engineering, Integrated Science & Technology (ISAT), and Computer Science, rather than the traditional engineering disciplines like electrical or mechanical engineering.

In these specialized, interdisciplinary engineering programs, JMU offers students a unique, broad-based education where they can apply engineering principles across a variety of sectors. For example, students in the ISAT major could find themselves working in energy, biotechnology, or even policy development.

Additionally, the presence of the Madison Engineering department which focuses more on systems thinking, project management, and communication skills alongside field-specific techniques offers another perspective of engineering education.

Regarding university rankings, it's important to remember that while they can signal a school's reputation, they are not the only factor employers consider when hiring graduates. Practical experience, such as internships and co-ops, as well as skill sets, are just as – if not more – important.

Taking all this into account, if you're looking for a more traditional engineering education, with hyper-focus on a particular discipline, then other schools could be a better fit. But if you are interested in a more interdisciplinary approach, then JMU is certainly worth considering. Just make sure you carefully research the curriculum and potential career paths before making a decision.