About Us

East Carolina University has been a leader in distance education in North Carolina for more than fifty years. ECU recognized the potential of online learning early and was among the first schools in the nation to develop and offer a degree completely over the Internet. Since then, the university has created more than 50 degree and certificate programs in health, education, technology and other areas. A number of new degrees are under development for online delivery, as well. Chances are you will find a program that suits both your professional needs and your academic goals.

East Carolina University has a long history of providing educational opportunities to students off campus. 

• The first extension course began in 1947.
• By 1965, ECU offered the most credit courses of any extension program in the state. 
• In 1993, the North Carolina Adult Education Association awarded ECU the Creative and Innovative Program award.
• Not long after, ECU became one of the first universities in the nation to develop a master's degree for internet delivery.

At ECU you will find:

• small classes taught by full time campus faculty
• online degree programs that can be completed without campus attendance

Since its inception in 1907, East Carolina has evolved from a teachers training school to a national research university. The student population has grown from 147 to over 23,000. The campus now includes more than 160 buildings. The university’s academic programs are housed in ten colleges and professional schools, including the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

East Carolina University, a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina, is a public doctoral university committed to meeting the educational needs of North Carolina and beyond. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university is dedicated to educational excellence, responsible stewardship of the public trust, and academic freedom. ECU values the contributions of a diverse community, supports shared governance, and guarantees equality of opportunity.

The university’s motto is "servire," meaning "to serve." The university seeks to meet that obligation through the interrelated components of its mission: service through education, research and creative activity, and leadership and partnership.

The service mission of East Carolina University, as an institution with a tradition of strong regional ties and public outreach, is to provide leadership and to engage in partnerships supporting public education, health care and human services, cultural activities, and regional development.