Online Programs
Lees-McRae
A bachelor’s degree can increase your earning potential dramatically over your lifetime and make you eligible for new opportunities in your career field. Our Lees-McRae faculty and support staff are experts in helping working professionals complete their bachelor’s degree on their own schedule, and our competitive pricing puts additional education within your reach.
Elevate your potential with Lees-McRae Online.
$375 PER CREDIT HOUR
Our out-of-pocket costs are some of the lowest in the region. Many students qualify for price reductions and scholarships, including discounts for currently working in an occupation related to the program or graduating from one of our partner colleges.
ROLLING START DATES
Most of our programs have new courses starting every eight weeks. Whether you want to follow a traditional fall-to-spring schedule or get started as soon as possible, we have you covered. Choose the schedule that works for you. The next start date for each program is listed below.
PERSONALIZED SUPPORT
Online students have access to the same academic resources as our main campus students, including peer advising from the Burton Center for Student Success and job skills training from Career and Life Planning. Each student also receives individual guidance to help them get started in the program.
It pays to get more education.
In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median weekly wage for professionals with a bachelor’s degree was $1,305, compared to $938 with an associate degree and $781 with a high school diploma. By retirement age, someone with a bachelor’s degree will have earned $750,000 more than an associate degree holder.
Ready to get started?
Business Administration, BAAS
Course Length: 8 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: January 2024
Criminal Justice, BAAS
Course Length: 8 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: January 2024
Elementary Education, BS
Course Length: 16 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: January 2024
Human Services, BAAS
Course Length: 8 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: January 2024
Master of Arts in Teaching
Course Length: 16 weeks
Program Duration: 2 years
Next Start: January 2024
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Course Length: 8 weeks
Program Duration: 1 year
Next Start: January 2024
Master of Healthcare Administration
Course Length: 8 weeks
Program Duration: 1.5 years
Next Start: January 2024
Interested in learning more?
Check out these upcoming events.
Virtual Open House
Learn about the Lees-McRae Online and Distance Learning bachelor's and master's programs and meet with the program coordinators for your intended area of study.
Our streamlined programs allow you to immediately start taking classes relevant to your profession by giving you credit for general education courses (basic science, English, history, math, etc.) you’ve already passed.
For those who attended one of our partner community colleges, the process of coming to Lees-McRae is even easier. We offer guided pathways to prepare students for further education and guaranteed admission to students who earn their associate degree.
Affordable Excellence
At Lees-McRae, we offer a high-quality education at a price you can afford. After factoring in our tuition discounts, our program costs are some of the lowest in the country, giving more students access to a superior Lees-McRae education. Students who work in a related field or are members of Phi Theta Kappa can receive up to $30 off per credit hour, and students who attended one of our partner colleges could get an additional $30 off—possibly bringing your cost per credit hour down to $290.
"Lees-McRae taught me what I needed to know to thrive as a teacher and get named Beginning Teacher of the Year for my district. I don't think could have done that without my professors preparing me so well for the workplace. Their communication is always open, and they will go above and beyond as long as you're willing to meet them halfway."
Elementary Education (Online)
Surry Community College Partnership
Seated cohorts for Elementary Education, Special Education, and Nursing are offered at Surry Community College (SCC) in Dobson, North Carolina. Those who prefer a traditional seated classroom experience but are unable to commute to Banner Elk can get a Lees-McRae-quality education at a familiar location.
Our Elementary Education and Special Education programs are offered at SCC as degree-completion options for those who have already finished two years of undergraduate education in the appropriate field.
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing may choose one of two paths—the RIBN: LPN to BSN program for licensed nurses or the RIBN: RN to BSN program for nursing students who wish to become registered nurses while earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Meet Your Team
Our online education experts are here to help figure out the right path for you. With insight into what credits carry over, what discounts you’re eligible for, and what information you need to apply, the online team has your back. Every student who is accepted to an online program will also receive a full transcript evaluation and assistance getting the necessary materials before classes start.
