Application Information
Before You Apply
Who Should Be Using This Application Procedure?
Applicants using this procedure should either be new or transferring international undergraduate students or those applying to the Graduate School at ECU. Domestic applicants seeking a second baccalaureate degree should apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Those using this application process to enter the Graduate School should hold a baccalaureate degree and be applying for entry into a new program or seeking readmission to a program for which they have been previously enrolled. Students should be seeking enrollment in:
- A master’s degree program (either on-campus or on-line), or
- A doctoral degree program (Ph.D., DPT (Physical therapy), or Ed.D. (Education)), or
- A graduate certificate program (one of 55 unique certificates of advanced study), or
- As a Non-degree/Visitor (these students may be interested in taking one or more courses at ECU, but not necessarily interested in obtaining an ECU degree or certificate at this time). Typical applicants selecting this option may include: teachers taking courses toward licensure, MBA students matriculating at another university wishing to pick up one or more courses at ECU, or students wishing to take courses for personal fulfillment. Important note – completing courses as a non-degree student does not necessarily offer a path toward matriculation in any degree or certificate program at ECU. If accepted into such a program at some future date, no more than nine (9) credits may be carried into a program, and then, only by consent of the student’s graduate advisory committee and department chair. Please note that financial aid is available only for degree seeking students.
Contact the Program to which You will be Applying
Visit the website of the program of interest to you, as well as the graduate program guide. If you still have questions about the program, the graduate program director can give you details regarding the program and its requirements and can help you determine whether this program meets your needs.
In Research-oriented Programs, Try to Identify Potential Faculty Advisors
In some programs, it is useful for prospective graduate students to identify a potential research supervisor before applying. The best potential supervisor is one who is doing research in an area close to your interests. Programs will often have a list of faculty members/potential supervisors and their research interests on their website. Follow program instructions on how best to approach potential supervisors.
Deadlines for Application
The completed application packet (whether submitted electronically or in paper form) for most programs must be received by the Graduate School by program-defined deadlines to insure that the application is given full consideration. Some programs only admit students once/year and not all programs have the same deadline for applications. Click here for program deadlines that differ from those given below.
| Domestic | International |
Fall Semester (begins in late August)
| June 1 | May 1 |
Spring Semester (begins in mid-January)
| October 15 | September 15 |
1st Summer Session (begins in mid-May)
| March 15 |
|
2nd Summer Session (begins in early July)
| May 1 |
|
Ensure You Meet the Minimum Admission Requirements to Your Program
The Graduate School has minimum requirements for all applicants to graduate programs. Review carefully to see if you qualify. Each program may have additional requirements, so be sure to ask (see Step 1). Some programs require applicants to take the GRE, MAT, or GMAT test. Important: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to ECU.
Filling Out the Application
Allow yourself about 30 minutes to complete the on-line application. In order to submit an application to the Graduate School you must first create an account using your personalized login and password. This account will allow you to save your application and continue it at a later date, as well as work on multiple applications at the same time. Keep in mind – incomplete applications will only be kept in the system for three (3) weeks. Failure to complete the application in three (3) weeks will require that you begin the process again.
Carefully write your "Statement of Intent"
Most programs (other than those in the College of Business) will require you to write a “Statement of Intent” or similar essay describing your academic interests and how you would intend to pursue them in the graduate program at ECU. This is a very important part of your application, and is given considerable weight by most graduate programs. Be sure to state your academic interests as clearly as possible and include reasons why ECU is the best place for you to do it. Tip: Have a knowledgeable person read a preliminary draft of your statement to be sure you are presenting your thoughts with clarity, accuracy, and enthusiasm.
Collect Required Documents
Start early collecting your application documents: transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, etc. . All transcripts must remain in the sealed envelope from the college or university from which it was sent; any open transcripts will be considered unofficial and can not be used. Pay close attention to instructions on appropriate documents—an admission decision cannot be made without all necessary documents. All application documents should be sent electronically or by mail (in one 9”x12” envelope) directly to gradschool@ecu.edu or the Graduate School, 131 Ragsdale Hall, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858. Tip: When gathering letters of recommendation (for programs requiring them), approach people who can provide a strong, personal letter that focuses on your academic and intellectual abilities. Comments on your positive character traits and professional experience, while helpful, are not as relevant as comments on your ability to succeed academically.
What You Need: A Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, or Diners Club)
A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required for each application submitted. The on-line application accepts Visa, Mastercard, or Diners Club and is the most efficient and effective means of payment. If your application is being submitted by mail, credit card is the preferred mode of payment using only Visa and Mastercard.
If you submit your application by Mail
The electronic application is the preferred way to apply to ECU. If you choose to submit your application by mail or need to submit parts of your portfolio by mail, send all application materials in one-9”x12” envelope to: Graduate School, 131 Ragsdale Hall, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858. Make your check or money order payable to East Carolina University.
When You Have Your Test Scores Sent to ECU
All students applying for degree or certificate programs need to have official test scores (e.g., GRE, MAT, GMAT, etc., depending upon the program) submitted to the Graduate School at ECU. If you know your test scores, please enter them on the application form. They will be considered unofficial until we receive official notification from the testing service. The ECU code is 5180 (GRE), and 1354 (MAT). For non-degree/visiting students or students seeking readmission to ECU, no test scores are required.
Applicants Whose Native Language Is Not English
If English is not your native language and you do not have a degree or diploma from an institution which uses English as the language of instruction, you are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is administered at many sites worldwide. Your score on this test must be forwarded to the Graduate School by the testing service. TOEFL requirement for the exam beginning 2005 will be 20 on each section for a minimum total score of 80. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the writing test and 213 on the computer based test is required. Individual programs may have higher minimum requirements. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an acceptable alternative to the TOEFL exam. A score of 6.5 is required for the IELTS.
International Students
International and U.S. graduate applicants are to complete the application in a similar manner. Applicants from outside the U.S. will not see the word "International" in the document. Based on information obtained from the application, we will have the necessary information to determine that you are an international student.
International students should initiate the visa process and complete and return their I-20 form as soon as possible upon receipt of it from ECU. Please send it to: Graduate School, 131 Ragsdale, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858.
Thank you for your interest in East Carolina University!
We look forward to having you become a part of one of our programs on the Greenville campus or on-line.
Be sure you have a credit card ready to pay the application fee. If you do not have access to a credit card, you may send a check or money order to: Graduate School, 131 Ragsdale Hall, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858.
TOP Application Process
East Carolina University's GRE (code is 5180), and MAT (code is 1354): HF3-LV-64 (GMAT - accounting), HF3-LV-16 (GMAT - MBA).
Applicants to ALL graduate degree and certificate programs must complete and submit an application, electronically or by mail, with the application fee. (Select item 1 or 2 below)
Degree seeking applicants must complete the following steps:
- Submit an application online or by mail to the Graduate School with the application fee
- Mail in one package to the Graduate School:
- Application and Application fee, if not submitted electronically
- Official transcripts from all schools where seven or more hours were earned
- Statement of Purpose and letters of recommendation if required
- Have official MAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and/or IELT score report sent directly from the testing service to the Graduate School
- Some departments require additional application information. Contact your program of interest for additional requirements.
Non-degree applicants must submit a non-degree application online or by mail with the application fee and an official transcript showing a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Please note that financial aid is available only for degree seeking students.
To Apply, choose one of the following options:
1. Apply Online
3. Other application forms for downloading and printing:
After You Apply
After you apply questions about the status of your application may be directed to the appropriate processor according to your last name:
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