East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
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.
ECU's Web-based courses are faculty-member created Web sites that contain course materials and interactive tools. Many use 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.
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.
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.
Programs of Study
The Master of Arts (M.A.) is offered in English/technical and professional communications and in psychology*. The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) is offered in art education, health education, instructional technology, science education, and special education. The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) is offered. The Master of Science (M.S.) is offered in criminal justice, instructional technology*, nutrition and dietetics, speech-language pathology*, and vocational education/information technologies. The Master of Science in Industrial Technology (M.S.I.T.) is offered in computer networking management, digital communication technology, distribution and logistics, information security, and manufacturing. The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) is offered in family nurse practitioner*, nurse midwifery*, and nursing education*. The Master of Library Science (M.L.S.), Master of Music (M.M.) in music education, and Master of Science in Occupational Safety (M.S.O.S.) are also available. The * denotes those programs that require some on-campus attendance.
ECU also offers undergraduate degree completion programs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Business Education (B.S.B.E.) in information technologies, the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (B.S.I.T.), and the Registered Nurse/Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN/B.S.N.). The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is offered in birth through kindergarten education, communications, health information management, health services management, and information and computer technology.
ECU offers graduate certificate programs in assistive technology, computer network professional studies, professional communication, tele-learning, virtual reality in education and training, and Web site development. The assistive technology program requires some on-campus attendance.
ECU offers add-on licensure programs in driver's education and preschool. The preschool program requires some on-campus attendance.
Additional online programs currently under development include the M.A. degree in health education; the M.A.Ed. degree in business education; the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in educational leadership; the B.S. degree in hospitality management; and a certificate in community college teaching.
Applying for Distance Education
Prospective students must submit an application, accompanied by a fee of $50, 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. No on-campus orientation is required for distance learning students.
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. A performance-based admission policy is available for adult students. In addition, graduate students are required to submit letters of recommendation.
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.
Costs
Undergraduate tuition and technology fees are $88 per semester hour for in-state residents, $376 per semester hour for out-of-state students, and $433 per semester hour for in-state nonresidents. Graduate tuition and technology fees are $124 per semester hour for in-state residents, $506 per semester hour for out-of-state students, and $630 per semester hour for in-state nonresidents. Graduate students taking undergraduate courses are charged graduate tuition.
Financial Aid
Distance learning students are eligible to apply for financial aid and are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid at 252-328-6610, faques@mail.ecu.edu, or via the Web at http://www.ecu.edu/financial/ for more information.
For Additional Information
Division of Continuing Studies
215 Erwin Building
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353
Telephone: 252-328-2657
800-398-9275
E-mail: options@mail.ecu.edu