DE 101 ~ Future Students
Are you a New DE Student? Visit the Getting Started page for next steps.
We recommend that you review the modules on the Student Readiness website.
You may also wish to view the Online Learning 101 module, presented by the UNC System, onlinelearning.northcarolina.edu.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Page sections:
Is online learning right for me?
Frequently asked questions
East Carolina University offers online distance education programs that allow students to access their coursework 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the Internet. At ECU, online courses are taught by the same instructors as our campus classes and the readings, assignments and exams mirror the on-campus section. These programs include structured, well-designed courses and special instructional techniques to help you succeed as an online student.
Learning management system (LMS): These course management systems typically have tabs or folders in which instructors can post course information, course materials and assignments for students to access easily. ECU uses Canvas as the main Learning Management System. If the course uses a different system, the instructor will let you know. Students are advised to regularly check their ECU email account, even between semesters.
The course outline and schedule of assignments (syllabus) that an on-campus student would normally get the first day of class are located in the learning management system during the first few days of the semester.
Communication: Students and instructors can communicate in text-based discussion forums where students can “talk” with each other about the coursework and respond to various topics posted by the instructor. Some courses include real-time chat sessions where students interact with their instructor and classmates online at a scheduled time.
Assignments and homework are submitted online via the class website (in Canvas), usually on a weekly basis. Many instructors give their tests online. Students will have a particular “window of opportunity” to login and take tests. Some instructors may require students to secure a proctor to administer tests.
There may be additional fees associated with Distance Education courses for verification of student identity for proctored examinations. For additional information on exam proctoring, see our proctoring information page.
Online learning is a great choice for many people, particularly those with full-time employment and family obligations. If you are interested in earning an ECU degree or certificate, but commuting to campus is not an option or if traditional college classes do not fit into your busy schedule, then online learning might be right for you!
Succeeding as an Online Student
A successful online student taking online courses learns to…
- Be comfortable using technology, computers and navigating the Internet.
- Manage time well.
- Be self-disciplined and avoid procrastinating.
- Invest 9-12 hours each week on each course.
- Be very organized.
- Enjoy working independently.
- Follow written instructions carefully.
- Actively participate, share ideas and ask questions in online discussions
- Be flexible and open-minded about the online experience.
Online courses offer a large degree of convenience and flexibility, but it’s important to note that these courses require the same level of commitment and effort as attending a class on campus.
What programs are offered?
We offer online degree and certificate programs in business, health care, education, technology, and other areas to give you the options you need to meet your objectives. View the online program page and choose Undergraduate Degree completion for bachelor’s degree options or choose one of the graduate program lists.
What does online degree completion mean?
The online undergraduate degrees at ECU are “degree completion” programs open to eligible transfer students.* If you have prior college credits, even from some time ago, we encourage you to review our online offerings. Some majors have specific eligibility requirements, feel free to contact us before applying.
*High school students should adhere to freshman application requirements. Freshman/early college students will be bound by the freshman residency requirements as well as be required to attend all freshman orientation activities.
How much does it cost?
Distance education tuition and fees are charged by the semester hour. Current rates are posted on the ECU Online Tuition page. Resident (in-state) and non-resident (out-of-state) rates are listed.
There may be additional fees associated with Distance Education courses for verification of student identity for proctored examinations.
For additional information on exam proctoring, see the proctoring information page.
How do I apply? When are the deadlines?
Undergraduate (transfer) applicants: Deadlines and transfer requirements are posted on the Undergraduate Admissions transfer page. Please review the transfer requirements carefully. Official transcripts from all previous institutions are required.
Some programs have specific eligibility requirements, contact us before applying if you have questions.
- Application Guide
- Create a Navigator account to apply online
- Transfer FAQs ~ Undergraduate Admissions
- Transfer Hub
Graduate Applicants: for deadlines and admissions details find your program on the Graduate School site. Contact the listed program director regarding exam waivers (GRE/GMAT).
What courses will transfer?
Visit the Transfer Course Equivalency page to access a searchable database by institution and course title of how courses you have taken or plan to complete will transfer to ECU. Students must have earned a C or higher in a course from a regionally accredited institution to be eligible for transfer.
Transfer FAQs ~ Undergraduate Admissions
What if I am still taking courses or won’t complete them before the deadline?
Undergraduate Applicants: Request official transcripts from all previous schools to be sent to Undergraduate Admissions when you apply (before the deadline).
Once the grades are posted for those courses, request another set of transcripts and send them to Undergraduate Admissions.
Graduate Applicants: Contact the program director if you have questions.
How long do courses last?
The university operates on the semester system. The fall and spring semesters are each approximately fourteen weeks in length plus one week for exams at the close of each semester. The summer session is offered in two formats: two five-week terms and one eleven-week session. Credit hours to be earned in each course are noted for each course listed. Many online programs follow this semester-based and summer session scheduling.
What does proctoring mean?
A proctored exam is one that is overseen by an impartial individual (called a proctor) who monitors or supervises a student while he or she is taking an exam.
There may be additional fees associated with Distance Education courses for verification of student identity for proctored examinations.
Read more about proctoring on our Proctoring information page.
Still have questions? Complete our contact form.
Thank you for your interest.