Lees-McRae expands master’s offerings with two new graduate degree programs

Whether they are looking to make themselves more competitive in the job market, expand their skills within their current role, or gain specialized credentials, more students and professionals are seeking master’s degrees in an effort to take their academic and professional experience to the next level.

According to Forbes, the rate of growth for those earning master’s degrees has outpaced the increase for baccalaureate degrees since 2000, and interest in these advanced degrees continues to grow. To keep up with that demand, Lees-McRae has introduced two new graduate programs, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation Sciences (MWCS). Both programs are currently enrolling students for the Fall 2027 semester.

The college’s one-year MBA program will be housed within the School of Business and Management, and will offer three academic tracks: traditional MBA, MBA with a concentration in Sport Management, and MBA with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation Management. By building upon the college’s preexisting strengths in sports management and wildlife and conservation sciences, earning an MBA from Lees-McRae gives students the chance to focus on an aspect of the business field that will set them apart from their peers.

“At Lees-McRae, we believe business education should extend well beyond the classroom. Our MBA will challenge students to apply their knowledge to authentic business problems, develop strategic thinking, and lead with integrity in an increasingly complex global economy,” Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Pam Vesely said. “This degree strengthens our School of Business and Management as a place where theory, innovation, and professional practice come together to prepare the next generation of business leaders.”

Housed within the May School of Natural and Health Sciences, the MWCS builds upon the college’s keystone Wildlife Biology and Wildlife Rehabilitation programs.

The program prepares students to address contemporary conservation challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and more, and equips them with the necessary skills for careers in wildlife conservation, environmental consulting, and natural resource management.

“Few institutions are as naturally positioned to prepare the next generation of wildlife conservation professionals as Lees-McRae College. Our location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our commitment to experiential learning, and our established strengths in wildlife biology provide an exceptional foundation for graduate study,” Vesely said. “This new master's degree allows us to build upon those strengths while advancing the May School of Natural and Health Sciences as a leader in conservation education, scientific inquiry, and environmental stewardship.”

Expanded graduate offerings are essential for the college’s academic evolution, and to keep up with the rising demand for higher-level education. Now with five master’s programs on offer, Lees-McRae is not just a place where students can build a strong academic foundation, but also one where they can take their career to the next level.

Learn more about the Master of Business Administration

Learn more about the Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation Sciences