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F A S T   F A C T S
Location | Mars Hill
Population | 7,679
Enrollment | 1,073
Language | English
Calendar | Semester
Canada | Home Payment

Term Dates
Fall | 08/30-12/13
Spring | 01/10-05/02

Mars Hill University

Mars Hill, NC

       
Small classes, personalized attention
One of only two universities in NC that offer a bachelor's degree in zoology

About This Campus

Mars Hill University is a private, four-year liberal arts institution located in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in Western North Carolina on its original site. Mars Hill University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Mars Hill University offers 32 majors with various concentrations and 31 minors for the traditional program. Various academic programs are also offered through Adult and Graduate studies which features non-traditional pathways to degree completion. Among those programs, some which may have special appeal for exchange students are: Zoology, Art Therapy, Integrated Health Sciences, Music, Interdisciplinary Studies, Theater Arts, and Appalachian Studies (minor).

Location Information

Mars Hill University is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains of Western North Carolina. Everything on our gorgeous campus is within a 10-minute walk; a 25-minute drive can take you to a challenging hike on the Appalachian Trail or to an exotic restaurant in Asheville. Popular with tourists of all ages, our region is particularly coveted by nature lovers. An hour away is the town of Cherokee, home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Helpful Information

MHU is eager to welcome NSE exchange students; chances of placement on our campus are excellent. Dr. Maria Moreno, campus NSE coordinator, is available to help you navigate registration and course selection. Off-campus housing is available. If you choose this option, you should plan to bring a car, as there is no public transportation in this rural area.
2024-2025 Chance of Placement
Home Payment |Open
Campus Availability & Deadlines
2025-2026 Chance of Placement
Home Payment |Excellent
Understand Chances of Placement

Academics

Registration
  • Campus Catalog
  • When will I register? After campus students
  • Syllabus Request for Course Pre-Approval: Contact Host Coordinator for assistance
Notable Academic Programs
  • Integrated Health Sciences major - A degree in Integrated Health Sciences prepares students to pursue graduate and professional programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Athletic Training. The program highlights an integrated approach featuring coursework across multiple disciplines including biology, psychology, sociology, health and human performance, and nursing. The Integrated Health Sciences major offers three concentrations (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Athletic Training). After successful completion of the degree with respective concentration, graduates will be well positioned to enter and succeed at the graduate/professional program of their choice.
  • Zoology major - This major prepares students for future studies in graduate school or professional programs, as well as for the work force. Graduates have pursued a wide variety of careers, including veterinarian medicine, human medicine, agriculture, environmental education, and as research scientists in fields of wildlife biology, ecology, conservation, genetics, and forestry. MHU is the only private, 4-year university in NC that offers a zoology program.
  • Business Administration major - This major prepares students for professional, managerial, and leadership positions in business, governmental, and non-profit organizations. Emphasis is placed on the development of communication, teamwork, technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills that are needed by successful organizations competing in a global economy. Above all else, we strive to instill in students a desire to be life-long learners who will promote socially responsible solutions to organizational problems and who will recognize the importance of ethical behavior and integrity in all aspects of their lives. Four concentration options: Healthcare Management, Finance and Economics, Management, Marketing.
  • Art Therapy major - This program introduces students to the use of the visual arts as an expressive therapy. An undergraduate degree in art therapy is meant to prepare students for work in a therapeutic setting and for graduate work in the field of art therapy. A Master’s degree is required to practice as an Art Therapist. Students will develop their artistic skills through visual arts courses in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Psychology coursework will focus on the skills and populations students are likely to encounter in art therapy settings.
  • Fashion Marketing major - Fashion marketing is the place where fashion and business meet, where finished designs and collections finally come to market. Fashion marketing plays a pivotal role – designs must be communicated to consumers in a way that makes people want to purchase them. This program provides students with an understanding of historical, sociological, and cultural trends that influence fashion. A degree in Fashion Marketing prepares students for a career in visual merchandising, events planning and management, marketing research, fashion brand development, promotional planning, or as a fashion buyer and merchandise manager for traditional and online stores. It combines love for fashion and aptitude for business in one practical but exciting major.

Unique Academic Programs

  • Appalachian Studies minor - This minor provides an opportunity to explore the history, culture and natural environment of southern Appalachia and the wealth of cultural and natural resources right in MHU’s backyard.
  • Interdisciplinary Studies major - Perfect major for students who are excited by a lot of disciplines or have unique career goals. An IDS major prepares students for the world of work in the following ways: Breadth of knowledge - students know how to apply problem-solving skills from more than one discipline to a problem. Adaptability - Breadth of knowledge increases your ability to adapt to the ever-changing job market. Career planning focus: IDS majors work one on one with the IDS Program Coordinator to learn more about their career goals and options available to meet those goals. You will get real world experience through your IDS internship as well.
  • Community and Nonprofit Leadership major - This major prepares students to work in the private non-profit and public sector as well as graduate study in nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, community development or public policy. Students will develop their abilities to make positive change in their community, region, and the world, learn to work effectively with people different from themselves, enact principles of social justice, and engage in extensive experiential learning.

Options
Honors Access: Yes

Undergraduate Majors Open to NSE Students

Art, Art History, Art Therapy... ++ show all

Conditions

GPA and Other Academic Requirements Exchange Preferences
  • Full-year exchange Accepted
  • Single term exchange Accepted
Non-Native English Speakers
  • TOEFL: must have a score of 500.00 paper, N/A computer or 61.00 Internet
  • IELTS: must have a score of 173.00
Summer Exchange
  • Not available
International Students (Visa Students)
  • Will accept on Home Pay
Canadian Students - learn more
  • Will accept Home Payment Pay

Tuition / Finances

Figures per Semester are current as of 11/24/23

Finances Tuition and Fees - Home Payment Students
  • Pay regular tuition to your home campus. No tuition/fees are paid to your host campus.
Maximum Credit Hours Per Semester
  • Home Payment: 20 ($900 per additional hour)

Financial Aid for NSE Students
Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Miscellaneous Fees - Per Semester

Purpose Amount Period Plan Status
NSE Program Fee $125 Year Home Mandatory
Course Fees / MaterialsVariesSemesterHost & HomeMandatory

Room / Meals

Figures are current as of 11/24/23

On-Campus Housing Per Semester Off-Campus Housing
  • Approximate monthly cost: $700
  • Proximity to campus:
Meal Plans

Health

Figures per Semester are current as of 11/24/23

Important Notes about Health Insurance
health insurance is recommended but not required for our students.

Exchange with Canada - Health Insurance
Students do not need to purchase health insurance.

Requirements

    Other Health Related Comments
    We require completion of a medical history form on our website, along with submission of actual immunization records (photo or copies OK). No medical records required.

    All data in this document is the responsibility of the campus and has been provided by the campus NSE coordinator.
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