Lees-McRae College

We have one mission. Lees-McRae educates and inspires students to approach life and work from a creative, collaborative, and critical perspective in preparation for diverse careers and environments. Through common ambition, we maintain our focus on the needs of all learners—residential on the main campus and degree-completion through our online programs. Some are athletes, some are in the honors program, and some are working while returning to school. Regardless of where you are and where you want to go, our expert faculty and committed staff will help you get there.

We have the faculty and the academic programs to help you answer that question. We have specialty programs like Wildlife Rehabilitation or Cycling Studies and we have programs like Creative Marketing or Theatre Arts that draw from different disciplines. And, yes, we have traditional majors like Biology, English, and Psychology as well as pre-professional majors like Nursing, Business and Education. All of our majors are rigorous and will challenge, surprise and reward you along the way. We expect the best from you and anticipate the best for you.

Programs in the School of Arts, Humanities and Educationemphasize how we interact with each other, how we interact with the world—then and now—and how we understand ourselves in the grand scheme. You can study religion, acting, history, arts and design, English, elementary education, technical theatre, Spanish, musical theatre or special education. Students who want to further their studies at the graduate level can get their Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education.

The cross-disciplinary nature of the School of Business and Management means you can blend various interests while learning more about yourself as a business professional. You can focus studies in the areas of marketing, finance or accounting, or you can major in sport management, minor in cycling studies or take the challenge of one of our newest majors, outdoor recreation management.

The May School of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares students, through rigorous coursework and clinical experience, for a lifetime of service within various healthcare professions. Programs of study include nursing, emergency medical services and management, and health and wellness science—a new program for students seeking training in health communications, physical fitness training or even pre-training for graduate work.

Disciplines in the School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences will hone skills and interests that deepen both your appreciation of the natural world and of the human condition. With a strong background in biological techniques, theories, and principles, students are prepared for graduate or professional schools and careers. You can study biology or wildlife biology, psychology, criminal justice, specialize in wildlife rehabilitation or minor in mathematics.

Underneath it all lies our Core Curriculum, classes designed to give you a broad exposure to different ways of thinking, different ways of seeing the world, different ways of seeing yourself. As you move through the Core Curriculum—deepening your knowledge and honing your skills—you’ll be better prepared for the advanced work in each of our majors, all of which culminate in a capstone academic seminar.

Fundamental to every academic program at Lees-McRae is a recognition that learning happens in, out of and around the classroom. We want you to discover more about your studies and yourself through some hands-on experiences, whether it’s researching at the College’s field station, performing in a musical, healing a wounded animal, interning at a bike shop, writing for a local magazine or treating a “burn victim” in our state-of-the-art Hart Simulation Lab. These experiential settings give you three-dimensional understanding and help reinforce what you learn.

Our students learn by doing. We foster a love of life-long learning through hands-on exploration, internships and opportunities to practice what you find in books. Imagine taking a biology course in the middle of the Elk River. Learning to deliver a baby using the most advanced simulator available. Training a red-tailed hawk at a one-of-a-kind wildlife rehabilitation center. Firsthand understanding will give you a leg up in the marketplace. Our programs teach you how to navigate the path ahead—we can help you take the first step.

We offer programs you can be passionate about at a price you can afford. With many types of financial assistance—from academic scholarships to generous need-based aid—and with tuition 10 percent less than other private institutions in North Carolina, we’ll help you plan your financial future.

Life here extends far beyond the classroom. Our residential campus in the mountains offers a home for both intellectual and personal growth. Rich traditions encourage social responsibility and remind us to embrace the environment. An array of groups and activities connects you to students, faculty and staff and may even lead to enduring friendships. From adventuring in the natural beauty with others, to using your voice in student government, to playing intramural sports against a roommate —we celebrate coming together in all forms. You decide which community is right for you.

As a working professional, we know your time is limited. Our affordable distance learning programs are designed with you in mind. Our coursework provides the knowledge and practical skills you need to advance in your field. The flexible course structure allows you to study on a schedule that fits your life. Through web-based technology, you can conduct your coursework at any time from anywhere. However, you are not alone—faculty members and other trained support service personnel are available at the click of a button. Let us help you finish what you started.