Lees-McRae College

Communication Arts and Design

As our world changes, so do our modes of communication. Our Communication Arts and Design program is based upon the concept of "convergence," bringing together creativity, practical skill, and technological expertise. These elements are blended into a unified curriculum that is broad while maintaining a depth of focus on major communication fields.

All Communication Arts and Design majors are required to take courses in various media to obtain versatility in their chosen field. Each student will be provided with a strong core foundation. From there, students can choose between three distinct concentrations to further refine skills within their chosen area of interest.... [-]

Contemporary History

History is, at its most basic level, about storytelling. Historians write narratives that explore the past, and are relevant to the present. Everything has a history, but the way this history is told is often highly contested. In the history program, you will develop a body of knowledge about the past, but more importantly, they will learn how to critically examine the past through writing and in-class discussion. The ability to tell a compelling story, that is both backed by evidence and that makes a serious point, is of utmost importance no matter what career one ends up in.

Fast facts

History majors on average have the highest median salaries of humanities graduates. History is a natural fit for students looking to go on to law school or other graduate programs. Famous history majors include Theodore Roosevelt, John F Kennedy, Joe Biden, Steve Carell, Katherine Hepburn, H.G. Wells, Julia Child, Wolf Blitzer, Carly Fiorina and more. ... [-]

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice program uses a social science perspective to study the nature and causes of crime and provides a comprehensive understanding of the United States criminal justice system.

You will benefit from a unique, holistic learning environment. The program will challenge you to view crime, law, and social problems from the perspectives of psychology and sociology, as well as those of the specialized criminal justice discipline. A required internship gives you hands-on experience and a chance to develop professional relationships. The Senior Research Seminar is a capstone experience where you work collaboratively with faculty to research a topic of his or her interest, present results and get involved with community service.... [-]

Elementary Education

A degree in Elementary Education will offer you the chance to mentor children and channel your talents with children K-6. You will receive a general education degree and be able to teach any subject. By passing additional sections of the Pearson Licensure Exam, you can add areas of certification to your teaching license. We pride ourselves on starting your field experiences as soon as you enter our program, which is uncommon in other teacher education programs in the state.

The Teacher Education Program at Lees-McRae has achieved the high standards required to maintain accreditation by The Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Building on the liberal arts core curriculum, the program curriculum has a balance of philosophy, theory, and practice for effective teacher preparation. Among the many distinctions of the Lees-McRae Teacher Education Program, the Reflective Practitioner Framework is perhaps of greatest importance as it is a process that encourages students to reflect on every aspect of the learning and teaching experience.... [-]

Musical Theatre

The BFA degree in Musical Theatre is rooted in the liberal arts tradition of Lees-McRae College and is designed to prepare you to pursue a career as a performer and or leader in musical theatre. Entrance into the BFA in Musical Theatre is by audition only. Transfer students should audition in the semester before they plan to enter Lees-McRae College.

Fast facts

Musical theatre students are eligible for scholarships provided through the performing arts program. Three mainstage productions are produced each year as well as student-directed scenes. You'll receive one hour of private voice, a half hour of accompaniment and a master class each week during the academic year. ... [-]

Sport Management

The Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management is designed for students with a career interest in athletic administration, coaching, personal training, sports media and business. The primary goals of this program are to develop an in-depth knowledge of managerial planning, organization and administration, evaluated within the context of a sport organization, and develop competent leaders who desire to continue their study in a graduate program focusing on Sport Management.

The Sport Management Program is built upon a strong foundation that consists of seven powerful Pillars of Learning:

Leadership The management of people, facilities and organizations The design, development and marketing of sport programs and sporting events The financial management of sport and sport organizations Ethics, law, safety and compliance in sport Outstanding communication skills in speaking, writing and making presentations Successful personal career preparation and career development, while understanding the high level of skills, knowledge, commitment and hard work on a daily basis that is required for success in the field of sport due to the quantity and quality of competition Fast facts Experiential learning opportunities available through the Bobcat Athletic department and the Mountain Television Network. Lees-McRae has 17 athletic teams that students are able to get involved with and learn from. Our program is led by instructors who have had successful careers in collegiate and professional coaching as well as sport management. What You'll Study ... [-]

Biology

The biology program is designed to immerse you in the theories and concepts that drive life: from the molecular forces that govern animal growth and development, to the intricate ways our environment influences animal health and development. Our program begins with a two-semester introductory sequence that seeks to build a solid foundation of knowledge in cell and molecular biology and biochemistry. Afterwards, these concepts are used to develop a better understanding of how cells work together to build tissues, and ultimately organ systems, to drive animal physiology.

After completing the introductory sequence, you can choose from a wide latitude of junior- and senior-level coursework to address your own specific interests in biology. Our program offers expansive instruction in nutrition, food safety, metabolism, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and animal development. Our faculty is trained in a broad variety of disciplines, which means that we can help you build a biology degree that is tailored specifically for you.... [-]

Business Administration

Want to compete strategically and successfully in the fast-paced, global business environment? Our Business Administration program will prepare you to become a responsible, productive, and innovative business leader. You will have opportunities to explore your areas of interest within the business and define your personal competitive advantages while building a strong, broad-based knowledge of what it takes to be successful in the business world.

With concentrations in Accounting, Finance, and Marketing, you will have the opportunity to dig deep into your personal areas of interest. Our graduates have gone on to become accountants with major accounting firms, analysts and loan officers at both large and community banks, insurance sales representatives, managers, regional sales representatives for various exciting industries and small business owners.... [-]

Outdoor Recreation Management

The outdoors will become your classroom with the Outdoor Recreation Management program. Make a career in outdoor, environmental and experiential education yours with specific training in leadership and program management with an emphasis on environmental stewardship. This program is pending approval by SACSCOC.

Fast facts

Our Outdoor Recreation Management program is the nation’s only program found within a school of business. It is also one of a handful of programs at an institution emphasizing a liberal arts education. Hiking, mountain biking as well as camping sites are all just steps from your residence hall. A short drive throughout the surrounding area will give you the chance to experience and explore canoeing, kayaking, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding. ... [-]