Admissions
Welcome! The Graduate School at East Carolina University is home to more than 4,500 students engaged in graduate level coursework and research. ECU offers a wide array of programs in many disciplines and we’re delighted that you are considering joining the Pirate Nation as a graduate student. We invite you to explore our program offerings, and to find the one that best aligns with your interests and career goals.
Eligibility to Participate in Graduate Programs
To qualify for admissions into a graduate program, you must have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a college or university recognized by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) or an international university deemed to have equivalent credentials as determined by one of our pre-approved foreign institution evaluation servicers.
Graduate students are considered full-time if they are taking 9 credits or more. Graduate students are usually eligible for financial aid if they are taking 5 credits or more.
Exceptions to Standard Graduate Admission
Applicants without bachelor’s degrees but with professional degrees.
The Graduate School may consider an applicant who does not possess a bachelor’s degree, but instead has an earned J.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., PharmD, D.M.D., D.O., or M.D. degree from a college or university recognized by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) or an international university deemed to have equivalent credentials as determined by one of our pre-approved foreign institution evaluation servicers.
Applicants who have a previously earned post-bac/post-master’s/post-doc certificate in the same discipline to which they are seeking certificate program admission at ECU
The Graduate School will not admit a student to a certificate level program if the student already holds a certificate in the same discipline, unless the first certificate was earned at an institution that is not accredited by one of the agencies officially recognized by ECU or an international institution deemed equivalent. Exceptions to policy may be granted in the instance that a certificate program director can substantiate that the ECU certificate sought by the applicant is significantly different than the certificate the applicant currently holds. Requests for exceptions to policy should be directed in writing to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Management at least 30 days before the advertised application deadline date for the certificate program to which the applicant seeks admission.
Applicants who have a previously earned master’s or doctoral degree in the same discipline/program to which they are seeking master’s level admission at ECU.
The Graduate School will not admit or transfer a student to a Master’s program if the student already holds a Master’s or doctoral degree in the same discipline, unless the first advanced degree was earned at an institution that is not accredited by one of the agencies officially recognized by ECU or an international institution deemed equivalent. Exceptions to policy may be granted in the instance that a program director can substantiate that the ECU degree sought by the applicant is significantly different than the degree the applicant currently holds. For example, a Master of Nursing degree with a major concentration in Midwifery may be justified as a different degree than a Master of Nursing with a major concentration in Anesthesia if there is at least 30 semester credits of unique coursework in the second degree not represented in the first degree. Another exception may be in the arena of professional licensure and an applicant’s inability to secure licensure in the state of North Carolina with their current credentials. For example, an applicant has a master’s degree in instructional technology from an out-of-state institution. North Carolina chooses not to grant relevant licensure to the applicant, prohibiting the educator from accepting certain positions. The applicant desires to earn a similar degree at ECU, where successful completion of the program leads to licensure from the Department of Public Instruction. Requests for exceptions to policy should be directed in writing to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Management at least 30 days before the advertised application deadline date for the program to which the applicant seeks admission.
Doctoral applicants with previously earned doctoral degree.
An individual who has an earned doctoral degree is generally not eligible for admission into a subsequent doctoral program at ECU regardless of discipline. Exceptions to his policy include: (a) the previous degree being earned at an institution that is not accredited by one of the agencies officially recognized by ECU or an international institution deemed equivalent or (b) the nature of the two doctoral degrees are distinctly different (e.g., research intensive and professional practice doctorate). Exceptions to policy may be granted by the Graduate Dean on a case-by-case basis. All requests must be made in writing to the Graduate School Dean at least 30 days before the advertised application deadline date for the program to which the applicant seeks admission. The request for exception should be sent by the program director interested in admitting the applicant, and should include a strong justification statement along with assurance that the applicant’s first Ph.D. is in an unrelated area, and that there will be no duplication, transfer, or waiving of coursework.
Get more detailed information about the admission process.
Special Admission & Graduate Enrollment Opportunities
Non-Degree
Are you interested in enrolling in graduate-level courses but not pursuing a graduate or certificate program just yet? Applying as a non-degree student may be a great option for you! Non-degree admission is an option for individuals who would like to take graduate-level courses without committing to a certificate or degree-program. Non-degree applicants include visiting students, individuals taking courses for personal/professional enrichment, or individuals taking prerequisite course work for later application to an advanced degree program. At ECU, there are two categories of non-degree applicants:
(1) Graduate Non-Degree
The Graduate Non-Degree application process is managed by the Graduate School. Applicants must complete the online application and must submit an official transcript showing an awarded bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution. Standardized exams are not required for most non-degree applicants. Some specialty track Non-Degree application instances require more information as part of the application process and in these instances, the additional requirements are imbedded within each application. Financial aid is not available for non-degree students, regardless of non-degree application type.
Completing courses as a non-degree student offers no assurance that a student will be accepted into a graduate program at some future date. If accepted into a program at a future date, no more than nine non-degree credits may be counted towards a degree or certificate program, and then, only by consent of the student’s graduate advisory committee and department chair.
Students interested in taking a course as a non-degree student should contact the program or department that houses that course. Admission as a non-degree student does not guarantee enrollment eligibility. Not all programs allow non-degree students in their graduate courses – the College of Business, College of Nursing, and the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders are examples of programs with strict requirements for non-degree enrollment.
Ready to explore graduate level non-degree options further or start an application? If so, visit our application website.
(2) UG Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure
The Undergraduate Admissions Office manages applications for individuals wishing to take post-baccalaureate courses for the specific purpose of preparing for the teacher licensure credential without pursuing an advanced degree. For more information about the alternative licensure track and application process, visit the ECU Undergraduate Admissions website. You can also contact the Undergraduate Admission Office directly at 252-328-6640 or admis@ecu.edu to speak to a representative.
Early Admission to Graduate Studies
Early-Assurance:
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences, the Early Assurance programs within the Honors College may be a great fit for you! The Honors College features Early Assurance programs to our nationally recognized Brody School of Medicine (MD) and to graduate programs in physical therapy (DPT), nursing (PhD), and audiology (AuD).
Under these programs, selected students from ECU’s Honors College are guaranteed entry into these top graduate programs upon completion of their undergraduate degree provided they satisfy program requirements. These programs are restricted to North Carolina residents and serve as a pathway for a select group of Honors students to pursue their dreams by reserving their space in a doctoral program’s entering class four years into the future.
In each Early Assurance program, small cadres of Honors students are engaged in service, leadership, and academic experiences to prepare them for the transition into graduate work. Students accepted as Early-Assurance will still be required to complete a Graduate School application for their anticipated entry term into the advanced degree portion of their studies. Graduate applications are made available to the public approximately 10 months before the start of the semester or the graduate program application deadline, whichever is earlier. The Graduate School application form provides an opportunity for Early Assurance participants to self-identify which will expedite the admission process.
Accelerated:
ECU offers several accelerated bachelors-to-masters programs. These programs are typically completed in a shorter time period than if pursued independently and includes a period of dual enrollment between UG and GR studies. Admission to these programs begins at the Undergraduate level first.
Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures for Enrolled and Prospective Students
All ECU academic programs that may lead to licensure prepare students to sit for licensure in North Carolina. In order to comply with NC-SARA and the U.S. Department of Education regulations regarding distance education and professional licensure ECU is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of North Carolina:
If you are considering an academic program that leads to a professional license, please be aware that ECU may or may not be able to confirm whether a particular program meets requirement for professional licensure outside the State of North Carolina. ECU highly recommends that you contact the academic program for assistance with professional licensure questions and enrollment options. SARA does not provide reciprocity for state professional licensing requirements. Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by that state’s licensure requirements in order to be eligible for a license. Please explore the Professional Licensures Boards to learn about the appropriate licensing or certification organizations and their requirements. Search our state Licensure Dashboard to see if the program you’re interested in meets the educational requirements for licensing/certification in your home state (or state where you intend to work).
Important Note to Residents Outside North Carolina
Admission of applicants outside the State of North Carolina to a degree, certificate or individual online program or course offered by East Carolina University, is dependent on ECU’s ability to secure authorization from the applicant’s state of residence, if such authorization is required.
East Carolina University delivers online education programs and courses throughout the United States and internationally. All programs have been approved by the University of North Carolina System. Many states have prescribed an “authorization” process for out-of-state institutions delivering online programs to its state residents to ensure quality post-secondary education, to preserve the integrity of an academic degree, and to instill greater consumer protection for its student citizens.
East Carolina University has taken steps to protect its students and operations through nationwide compliance: by participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA); obtaining authorization, approval, exemptions and waivers; or confirming that East Carolina University can operate without such authorization because the state’s laws do not pertain to a public institution, to an accredited institution, or to the ECU’s activities in that state.
As of November 14, 2016, East Carolina University is approved by to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide education to students from all SARA member states. States and institutions that choose to become members of SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and administered by four regional higher education compacts. For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership.
Because authorization is an evolving area, please check this site again for the latest statement from ECU. For questions or concerns specific to SARA or the state authorization process, contact us at destateauth@ecu.edu.
Non-Discrimination Policy
East Carolina University prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the following protected classes: race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status (including relationship or association with a protected veteran; or Active Duty or National Guard service).
East Carolina University supports the protections available to members of its community under all applicable federal laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 799A and 845 of the Public Health Service Act; the Equal Pay Act; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974; the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992; and Executive Order 11246 as amended by Executive Order 11375.
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, accommodations of the disabled extend to student programs, employment practices, elimination of physical barriers, and special assistance to disabled students and employees within the university.[1]
Additional information regarding potential accommodation can be found on the Disability Support Services website at https://accessibility.ecu.edu/students/
Reporting Sexual Discrimination Concerns (Title IX)
East Carolina University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This includes admission and employment. To file a complaint, contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity by emailing oed@ecu.edu or calling 252-328-6804.