Mars Hill University Adds New Majors and Minors

May 3, 2021

Mars Hill University students will have some new academic options for the fall 2021 semester.

The new major in interdisciplinary studies will offer a custom solution for students who find it difficult to narrow their focus to just one major, who are excited by several academic disciplines or topics, or who would like to customize a major to help them prepare for specific career goals. The interdisciplinary studies major requires a core curriculum consisting of four classes, including an internship designed to help students explore their primary areas of interest. Additional hours for the major are spread across two to three concentration areas, customized to students’ individual needs

Another new major offers an option specifically for students who want to work in the world of nonprofit organizations and community development. The community and nonprofit leadership major is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and attributes to work in the private nonprofit and public sectors in entry-level positions. The major also will prepare students for graduate study in nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, community development or public policy. The interdisciplinary major includes courses on sociology, business, diversity and inequalities, and working in community and government organizations.

Along with that new major, a current certificate program, the certificate in community engagement, is being revamped into a minor. The minor in community leadership is an interdisciplinary program in which students gain an understanding of their own special leadership abilities and how to use those abilities to lead in community organizations. The minor includes several required courses, a course in inequality and diverse communities, a year-long internship, and electives that engage students in the community.

Another new minor beginning this fall is pre-law studies. The program differs from the ones offered by other local institutions in that it is administered by a member of the North Carolina Bar, Heather Hawn, J.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of political science and director of the political science and pre-law programs. Hawn says the program is focused on first-generation college students who may want to pursue a career in the law but do not know how to get started and need guidance in choosing their career path.

The third new minor expands Mars Hill’s offerings in the performing arts. The musical theatre minor will prove an ideal fit for students planning to major in theatre arts or music, and also will provide an academic option for students who enjoy performing, but don’t wish to major in theatre arts, musical theatre, or music.