Montreat College

Montreat College School of Adult & Graduate Studies

Executive Summary:

Montreat College’s School of Adult and Graduate Studies offers a Christ-centered approach to adult and graduate education, with a focus on developing ethical leaders prepared to make a positive impact in their careers and communities. Founded in 1916, Montreat College has over 100 years of experience in providing quality education rooted in Christian values. The School of Adult and Graduate Studies, established over 25 years ago, offers flexible online and hybrid programs designed for working adults.

Key points:

• Christ-centered liberal arts institution with a 100+ year history
• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Offers 25+ online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs
• Flexible 8-week course format with multiple start dates throughout the year
• Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty
• Emphasis on integrating faith, learning, and career preparation
• 91% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months

The MBA program focuses on developing ethical business leaders with a global perspective. With concentrations available in areas like cybersecurity and data analytics, Montreat’s MBA prepares students to lead in today’s technology-driven business world while maintaining a commitment to Christian values.

School Overview:

Montreat College is an independent, Christ-centered liberal arts institution founded in 1916 in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The School of Adult and Graduate Studies was established over 25 years ago to provide flexible degree options for working adults. Montreat’s mission is to educate students through intellectual inquiry, spiritual formation, and preparation for calling and career, all to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

Accreditations:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

Montreat College is consistently recognized as a top regional university in the South by U.S. News & World Report. While not specifically ranked for its MBA program, the college’s commitment to academic excellence and faith integration sets it apart.

Academic Programs:

Program	Highlights
Master of Business Administration	– 36 credit hours – 100% online or hybrid options – Concentrations in Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Healthcare Administration
Master of Science in Management and Leadership	– 30 credit hours – Focus on developing ethical leaders – Applicable across industries
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	– CACREP-accredited – Prepares for licensure – Hybrid format with online and on-campus components
Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs	– Business Administration – Cybersecurity – Psychology – And more

Curriculum and Pedagogy:

Montreat’s MBA curriculum emphasizes the integration of faith, ethics, and business principles. The program utilizes a cohort model, fostering collaboration and networking among students. Courses are taught in 8-week sessions, allowing for an accelerated completion time while maintaining work-life balance.

Key features:

• Case study approach to real-world business challenges
• Integration of current technology and business analytics tools
• Emphasis on global business perspectives
• Capstone project applying MBA knowledge to practical situations

Faculty and Research:

Montreat’s faculty bring a combination of academic expertise and real-world business experience to the classroom. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, students receive personalized attention and mentoring. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and consulting, bringing current industry insights into their teaching.

Student Experience:

Class Profile and Admissions:

Metric	Value
Total Enrollment (Adult & Graduate)	332
Average Age	35
Work Experience	5-10 years (average)
GMAT	Optional
Minimum GPA	2.75

Admissions process:

1. Online application
2. Official transcripts
3. Resume
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Personal statement

Campus Life:
While primarily online, Montreat offers opportunities for students to connect through:

• Virtual networking events
• Online student organizations
• Annual on-campus residency for select programs

Global Focus:

The MBA curriculum incorporates global business perspectives throughout. While Montreat does not offer traditional study abroad programs for its adult and graduate students, the online format allows for a diverse student body, bringing international perspectives into class discussions.

Career Development and Outcomes:

Outcome	Statistic
Employment Rate (within 6 months)	91%
Average Starting Salary	$37,000 (early career)
Top Industries	Business, Healthcare, Education, Non-profit

Career services include:

• Resume and cover letter review
• Interview preparation
• Job search strategies
• Access to job boards and employer networks

Alumni Network:

Montreat’s alumni network includes over 16,000 graduates worldwide. The college maintains an active alumni association, offering networking events, mentoring opportunities, and continuing education resources.

Leadership and Social Impact:

Montreat’s MBA program emphasizes ethical leadership and social responsibility. Students are encouraged to consider the broader impact of business decisions on society and the environment. The curriculum includes courses on business ethics and corporate social responsibility.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation:

While not a primary focus, the MBA program includes coursework on innovation and strategic management, providing students with tools to drive innovation within their organizations or launch new ventures.

Resources and Facilities:

As an online-focused program, Montreat invests in robust digital learning platforms and resources. Students have access to:

• Online library resources
• Virtual tutoring services
• Career development tools

Tuition and Financial Aid:

Tuition & Fees	Financial Aid Options
$525 per credit hour	– Federal loans – Military benefits – Employer tuition assistance – Scholarships

Partnerships and Collaborations:

Montreat partners with local businesses and non-profit organizations to provide real-world project opportunities for students. The college also maintains articulation agreements with community colleges to facilitate smooth transfer pathways.

Unique Features and Traditions:

• Annual Faith and Business Symposium
• Integration of Christian worldview throughout curriculum
• Emphasis on servant leadership

Conclusion:

Montreat College’s School of Adult and Graduate Studies offers a unique blend of Christ-centered education, flexible online learning, and practical business knowledge. With its focus on ethical leadership and personal attention to students, Montreat prepares graduates to make a positive impact in their careers and communities. While not as widely known as some larger MBA programs, Montreat offers a high-quality, values-driven education that can be particularly appealing to those seeking to integrate their faith with their professional development.

Additional Information:

• School Control: Private, not-for-profit
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• In-State MBA Tuition & Fees: $18,900 (36 credit hours at $525 per credit)
• Average GMAT Score: Optional
• Business School Enrollment: 332 (Adult & Graduate Studies total)
• Average MBA Starting Salary: $37,000 (early career)
• Average MBA Starting Salary in North Carolina: $87,670 (all MBAs, not specific to Montreat)
• Concentrations: 3 (Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Healthcare Administration)
• Religious Affiliation: Christian (non-denominational)
• Military Friendly: Yes, participates in Yellow Ribbon Program

Citations:
[1] https://www.montreat.edu/about/history/
[2] https://www.montreat.edu/admissions/adult-graduate/
[3] https://www.montreat.edu/about/
[4] https://www.montreat.edu/admissions/adult-graduate/accepted-students/
[5] https://www.montreat.edu/about/job-openings/
[6] https://www.montreat.edu/admissions/online/
[7] https://www.montreat.edu/academics/adult-graduate/
[8] https://www.suitable.co/knowledge-center/case-studies/boosting-student-success-outcomes-through-experiential-learning-with-montreat-college-0
[9] https://www.montreat.edu/admissions/adult-graduate/nextstep/
[10] https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/montreat-college/outcomes/