Graduate Studies

Mars Hill University Graduate Studies offers graduate programs that prepare students to be leaders in their fields. Building on the university’s mission, MHU Graduate Studies recognizes professional development and real-life skills for the world of work as an important part of the growth and development of graduate students.

We provide working adult professionals and recent college graduates the opportunity to pursue graduate degrees in education, criminal justice, or business. We offer the following graduate degrees:  Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (M.A.C.J.), Master of Management (M.M.), and beginning fall 2026, Master of Business Administration (MBA).

• Master of Education
  The M.Ed. program is designed for licensed teachers seeking to expand professional knowledge and skills in curriculum and instruction at the elementary (K-6) level. This education graduate degree also offers a workshop for National Boards, or National Board renewals.
• Master of Arts in Teaching
  The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program is designed for students who would like to seek teaching licensure and currently hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one or more of the following areas: biology, history, English, mathematics, business, theatre, or related fields. The M.A.T. is a graduate-level initial licensure program.
• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
  The M.A.C.J. program is geared for working adults and offers classes online.  We aim to make the degree accessible for students, including those who are in the law enforcement field with rigorous schedules and limited time for classroom meetings.
• Master of Management
  The Master of Management (M.M.) degree is designed to prepare students as they earn their business graduate degree, with the knowledge, skills, experience and the appropriate habits of mind to effectively contribute to the management of organizations and enterprises. It is offered in two formats, a face-to face option geared to recent college graduates looking to develop management skills for the workplace, and an online option for young professionals, looking to develop management skills as well as align their purpose and passion with their career plans.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  Launching in fall 2026, the MBA at Mars Hill University is designed for working professionals in Western North Carolina who are ready to move up without putting their career on hold. It is offered in an online, flexible format. The curriculum is ideal for working professionals. We are focused on real-world leadership skills.

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