Mars Hill University

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in living organisms. According to the American Chemical Society (ACS) it includes the sciences of molecular biology, immunochemistry, and neurochemistry, as well as bioinorganic, bioorganic, and biophysical chemistry. Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science field, utilizing elements from and impacting fields such as chemistry, zoology, botany, microbiology, pharmacology, genetics, medicine, and agriculture.

Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical sciences major focuses on the application of molecular and cellular biology to human and animal health and disease. This major emphasizes the principles and latest developments in the areas of cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, and microbiology. Special consideration is given to the molecular causes and treatments of diseases.

Business Administration

The mission of the Department of Business is to prepare students for professional, managerial, and leadership positions in business, governmental, and non-profit organizations. Emphasis is placed on the development of communication, teamwork, technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills that are needed by successful organizations competing in a global economy.

Business Management

The Department of Business offers a B.S. in business management through the Adult Studies Program. The curriculum is designed to support the working adult’s pursuit of professional achievement, and is offered in an online format.

Ceramic Arts

The purpose of this certificate program is to provide opportunities through classes in ceramics to students who have earned a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution of higher learning and who aspire to gain or improve knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate for embarking on a path to graduate study and/or professional careers in the ceramic arts.

Chemistry

According to the American Chemical Society, “…chemistry is the science of matter. Anything that can be touched, tasted, smelled, seen or felt is made of chemicals.

Community & Nonprofit Leadership

The community and nonprofit leadership major is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and attributes to work in the private non-profit and public sector in entry-level positions. Additionally, the community and nonprofit leadership major will prepare students for graduate study in nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, community development, or public policy.

Computer Science

The Computer Science Program provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation in programming and problem solving. By exposing students to logic design, operating systems, database design, networking principles, and a variety of programming languages, students leave equipped with the necessary skills to pursue graduate school or careers in a variety of areas of specialization.

Criminal Justice

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (M.A.C.J.) Program is a fully online graduate program that provides individuals who have a four-year degree an opportunity to obtain a graduate degree in criminal justice. Coursework equips students with knowledge of system components, crime trends, criminological theory, and criminal justice policy, combined with a thorough understanding of the scientific method and research ethics.

Criminal Justice

The major in criminal justice prepares students for a career in criminal justice or related occupations.

Ecology and Conservation Biology

The Ecology and Conservation Biology major emphasizes understanding dynamic natural environments and interactions between living organisms and their habitats. Students will gain hands-on experience with ecology and environmental conservation, field methods, data management and analysis, and experimental design. They will be prepared for careers in research, conservation and land management, the non-profit sector, and other related fields.

English

The English major offers a program broad enough to provide a sound basis in literatures (British, American, and world), in writing (critical, professional, and creative), and in the history and structure of the English language. The curriculum is designed to develop a variety of skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, computer use, and research.

Entrepreneurial Leadership

A Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurial Leadership aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset while equipping students with fundamental leadership skills and a comprehensive understanding of business principles. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on fostering creativity, innovation, and adaptability, aiming to develop a dynamic and resilient approach to leadership.

Graphic Design

The purpose of this certificate program is to provide opportunities through classes in graphic design to students who have earned a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution of higher learning and who aspire to gain or improve knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate for embarking on a path to graduate study and/or professional careers in graphic design.

Health Sciences

A Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences prepares students to pursue graduate and professional programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or other associated health fields. The program highlights an integrated approach featuring coursework across multiple disciplines including allied health, biomedical sciences, kinesiology, and psychology.

History

The History Program prepares undergraduates for meaningful and active roles in society, and develops employment-ready, transferable skills that will be useful in a variety of professions— including criminal justice, law, education, journalism, business, human resources, and government careers.

Integrated Education

The M.Ed. Integrated Education Program (K-6 elementary education; K-12 special education) is a dual licensure degree program designed to help licensed teachers expand their professional knowledge and skills to ensure equal access for all learners. This program brings together elementary education (K-6) and special education (K-12) with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, providing candidates the opportunity for licensure in two areas with one degree.

Integrated Education

The mission of the Teacher Education Program is to prepare teachers as progressive leaders, able to meet the challenges that will face them with optimism and energy as well as enable them to revive the positive conditions that make genuine learning possible.

Interdisciplinary Studies

In the interdisciplinary studies major, IDS students develop a personalized plan of study, focused on two to three disciplinary concentrations, based on interests and career goals. This approach allows students to take advantage of course offerings in liberal arts and professional programs to develop a variety of skills. There is emphasis on career preparedness and experiential learning in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

Kinesiology

The four-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in kinesiology for undergraduate students includes the option to pursue a specialized concentration in exercise science or coaching. Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology will complete a rigorous curriculum that is dedicated to the scientific study of human movement and physical activity as it relates to exercise, sport, health and wellness.

Management

The Master of Management (M.M.) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, tools, and dispositions to be an effective manager within an organization. There are two tracks of the program, with the same coursework, but tailored to the needs of two different populations: a seated Business Management Track cohort and an online Organizational Leadership Track completed over 22 months.

Mathematics

The goals of the Mathematics Program: • To provide a major in mathematics designed to develop mathematical knowledge and skills that may be applied in a variety of professions. • To prepare students for graduate studies in mathematics and related fields of study. • To provide a minor in mathematics supporting other majors.

Music

The Department of Music provides an environment in which professional and non-professional musicians may continue to develop the skills, factual and conceptual knowledge, and sensitivities essential in recognizing and cultivating quality musical experiences.

Musical Theatre

The Department of Theatre Arts at Mars Hill University seeks to provide a transformative personalized experience while building creative career opportunities by: 1. providing the necessary information, skills, and experiences for majors and minors to pursue successful careers in professional, educational, and community theatre arts 2. providing meaningful cultural and learning experiences for the university family, as well as the community at-large 3.

Music Education

The Department of Music provides an environment in which professional and non-professional musicians may continue to develop the skills, factual and conceptual knowledge, and sensitivities essential in recognizing and cultivating quality musical experiences.

Music Performance

The Department of Music provides an environment in which professional and non-professional musicians may continue to develop the skills, factual and conceptual knowledge and sensitivities essential in recognizing and cultivating quality musical experiences.

Nursing (Pre-licensure)

The major in nursing equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to provide innovative health care across the lifespan through the roles of provider of care, designer of care, member of the profession, and member of the interdisciplinary team.

Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N. Completion)

The major in nursing equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to provide innovative health care across the lifespan through the roles of provider of care, designer of care, member of the profession, and member of the interdisciplinary team.

Photography

The purpose of this certificate program is to provide opportunities through classes in photography to students who have earned a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution of higher learning and who aspire to gain or improve knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate for embarking on a path to graduate study and/or professional careers in photography.

Political Science

The Political Science Program reflects Mars Hill’s commitment to the integration of the liberal arts with the development of responsible citizenship. The program is designed to help students develop skills crucial for leading self-examined lives so that they may be better citizens (both locally and globally) and become active members of their communities.

Psychology

The psychology program’s curriculum is designed for exploration of the interactions between mind and behavior as they are understood from various research methods and interacting levels of analysis, including cognitive mechanisms, individual psychological processes, and socio- cultural influences.

Recreation and Sport Management

The Recreation and Sport Management program provides a curriculum based upon professional standards which connects student with the delivery of recreation programs and activities. Students are guided through this major that supports them in finding their career path and instills within them a passion for the profession. Student are engaged in the creative process of designing programs, special events and facilities that increase the quality of life to individuals and communities.

Religion and Philosophy

Religion and philosophy are two closely related academic fields that seek to understand human beliefs, practices, and ideas. Through research and analysis, scholars in these fields help people navigate the diversity of human cultures and promote human flourishing. These fields are not just for the religious; they are for anyone who wants to solve human problems by applying knowledge about history, culture, ideas, and traditions.

Social Work

The Department of Social Work identifies its primary educational goals as the preparation of students for generalist social work practice and/or graduate studies in social work. Social work students become proficient in core competencies that lead to professional development and competence. The curriculum focuses on the knowledge, values, and skills requisite for generalist practice.

Sociology

Sociology, as the scientific study of human social life, helps students understand the world and their place in it. The sociology major offers a flexible set of courses that expose students to the core of the discipline including theory, research methods, and social inequalities. Learning to see often-invisible social forces and contexts makes sociology a great “second-major” for those studying criminal justice, business, education, or psychology.

Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program is designed for pre-service teachers that hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a specific content area or individuals in a residency teaching position. This program is designed for individuals that do not hold a valid North Carolina teaching license upon entry to the program.

Theatre Arts

The Department of Theatre Arts at Mars Hill University seeks to provide a transformative personalized experiences while building creative career opportunities by: 1. providing the necessary information, skills, and experiences for majors and minors to pursue successful careers in professional, educational, and community theatre arts 2. providing meaningful cultural and learning experiences for the university family, as well as the community at-large 3.

Visual Arts (Bachelor of Arts)

The purposes of the Department of Art are: To provide art majors, art minors with engaging educational experiences designed to prepare them for a variety of professional careers and continued learning in the arts to provide learning experiences in art to all students for general education and elective credit that promote creativity, individual aesthetic awareness, and knowledge of the roles that art plays in our culture; to provide opportunities, through programs such as MHU’s Weizenblatt Art.

Visual Arts (Bachelor of Fine Arts)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is an undergraduate degree in the visual arts designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to a focused area of professional practice in art. The BFA program offers students advanced learning experiences intended to prepare them for entry into professional careers in the visual arts and/or graduate study.

Web Development

The Web Development Program provides a strong practical foundation in programming and problem solving. At the heart of the program is the four-semester sequence that introduces students to the web development process, teaches them to program on the front and the back end, and finishes with a course in managing and customizing a website using a content management system.

Zoology

The Zoology major is designed to prepare students for a career in the study and care of animals. The major emphasizes anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolutionary relationships of organisms across a wide range of biological groups. Students will gain hands-on experience working with live organisms, identification of organisms, preparation of museum-quality specimens, and designing experiments to investigate organismal biology.