EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Division of Continuing Studies
Greenville, North Carolina

Founded in 1907, East Carolina University (ECU) is the third-largest of the sixteen institutions in the University of North Carolina system and offers baccalaureate, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields, including medicine. Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University's goal is to provide students with a rich and distinctive educational experience. ECU's commitment to providing outstanding off-campus educational opportunities is long-standing; the University offered its first distance education course in 1947. The Division of Continuing Studies provides a portal at http://www.options.ecu.edu to the resources of the University as well as assistance that allows adult learners to choose programs that fit their schedules and academic goals. East Carolina University is constantly evaluating and updating its distance learning programs to take advantage of the latest technology and is committed to meeting the evolving needs of the lifelong learner.

Distance Learning Program

East Carolina University's academic community has developed a diverse offering of distance learning programs in direct response to the needs of students. A number of fully online programs are currently available, with additional programs under development. ECU is committed to providing programs designed to meet the professional needs and demanding schedules of busy, working adults. For more information on the latest offerings, students should visit the Web site for the Division of Continuing Studies, which is listed in the Contact section of this description.

Delivery Media

East Carolina University's Web-based courses are faculty-member created Web sites that contain course materials and interactive tools. Most utilize the Blackboard Course Management System. Faculty members may employ a variety of communication tools within their courses, including threaded discussion groups, small-group work, asynchronous Web-based chats, and instant messaging. In addition, faculty members may elect to deliver essential components of their courses via audio and video streaming, by distribution of CDs, or by using desktop videoconferencing technologies.

Programs of Study

Graduate programs are offered in art education (M.A.Ed.), business administration (M.B.A.), business education (M.A.Ed.), criminal justice (M.S.), educational specialist/educational leadership (Ed.S.), English/technical and professional communications (M.A.), health education (M.A. or M.A.Ed.), instructional technology (M.A.Ed. or M.S.), library science (M.L.S.), music education* (M.M.), nursing/family nurse practitioner* (M.S.N.), nursing/neonatal nurse practitioner* (M.S.N.), nursing/nurse midwifery* (M.S.N.), nursing/nursing education (M.S.N.), nutrition and dietetics (M.S.), occupational safety (M.S.O.S.), psychology* (M.A.), science education (M.A.Ed.), special education (M.A.Ed.), speech-language pathology* (M.S.), technology systems/computer networking management (M.S.), technology systems/digital communications (M.S.), technology systems/distribution and logistics (M.S.), technology systems/information security (M.S.), technology systems/manufacturing (M.S.), technology systems/performance improvement (M.S.), and vocational education/information technologies (M.S.).

Undergraduate degree-completion programs are available in birth–kindergarten education (B.S.), communication (B.S.), general business (B.S.), health information management (B.S.), health services management (B.S.), hospitality management (B.S.), industrial technology (B.S.I.T.), information and computer technology (B.S.), information technologies (B.S.B.E.), and registered nurse/Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN/B.S.N.).

Graduate certificates are offered in assistive technology, community college teaching, computer network professional, distance learning, information assurance, multicultural literature, performance improvement, professional communication, security studies, virtual reality in education and training, and Web site developer.

Post-master's nursing certificates can be earned in family nurse practitioner*, neonatal nurse practitioner*, nurse midwifery*, and nursing education.

Add-on teacher licensure programs are offered in driver's education, pre-school*, and technology facilitator.

For the programs listed above, the * denotes programs for which some on-campus attendance is required.

Student Services

Distance learners at East Carolina University have access to library services, the campus network, e-mail accounts, the bookstore, registration, and academic advising at a distance. Academic advisers are available by phone, e-mail, fax, and in person to assist students with course selection.

Credit Options

Transfer credit is granted on academic course work within degree-specific limits, and no credit is granted on the basis of professional experience. CLEP course credit may also be available.

Faculty

ECU's approximately 1,300 full-time faculty members, the majority of whom hold terminal degrees, teach both the on-campus and distance-learning courses.

Admission

Before registering for a course, students must first apply and be admitted to ECU. Students may be admitted as degree-seeking or as nondegree/visiting students. Admission for students seeking a degree is based on their previous academic record and standardized test scores. In addition, graduate students are required to submit letters of recommendation.

Tuition and Fees

Undergraduate tuition and technology fees are $88 per semester hour for in-state residents and $443 per semester hour for out-of-state students. Graduate tuition and technology fees are $139 per semester hour for in-state residents and $645 per semester hour for out-of-state students. Graduate business-student tuition and technology fees are $199 per semester hour for in-state residents and $705 per semester hour for out-of-state students. Graduate students taking undergraduate courses are charged graduate tuition. Rates are projected and subject to change without prior written notice.

Financial Aid

Distance learning students are eligible to apply for financial aid and are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid at 252-328-9379, faques@mail.ecu.edu, or via the Web at http://www.ecu.edu/financial/ for more information.

Applying

Prospective students must submit an application, accompanied by a fee of $60, for admission. Applications can also be obtained online from the Division of Continuing Studies at the Web site listed in the Contact section. While most programs accept students year-round, students are urged to apply early.

CONTACT

Carolyn Dunn
Division of Continuing Studies
404-E Self-Help Center
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353
Phone: 252-328-9218
800-398-9275 (toll-free)
E-mail: options@ecu.edu
Web site: http://www.options.ecu.edu