Dean James Madison University's Graduate School was established in 1954 when the Virginia Board of Education authorized Madison College to offer programs leading to the Master of Science in Education degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools approved these graduate programs the same year. The Graduate School is now authorized to offer 30 major programs leading to nine master's degrees, two Educational Specialist degrees and two Doctor of Psychology degrees.
Many major programs offer minor or concentration areas.
The mission of the Office of Continuing Education is to use available educational technology to extend the university's resources to citizens in order to provide them with continuing professional development and outreach services that will enhance their personal development and stimulate economic development. The Office of Continuing Education also provides graduate courses pursuant to the Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Education and Master of Science in Education in off-campus locations. A variety of other courses are available for off-campus delivery if accreditation and enrollment requirements are met. A student enrolled for credit courses but who is not presently seeking a degree is classified as a special student. A student may earn up to 24 credit hours as a special student.