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Make your next move at ECU

Immerse yourself in a vibrant and academically rigorous community built around twelve colleges and schools, including eight that offer undergraduate degree programs.

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Find your passion

Still deciding on a major? Explore degrees offered at ECU.

East Carolina University researchers wearing life jackets ride in a small boat near a coastal bridge during fieldwork.

Chart your course

With more than 170 degree options, ECU offers opportunities for every interest. Apply now to claim your treasure.

An East Carolina University researcher works with laboratory equipment and pipettes while conducting scientific testing.

Elite Research Institution

ECU is an R1 research institution, a designation given to the top research universities in the U.S.

Commencement speaker Kevin Williamson encourages ECU graduates to face fear, write their own unique story.

A group of East Carolina University award recipients pose indoors, holding framed certificates while standing and sitting around a purple couch, smiling during a recognition event.

More than 130 faculty, staff and students who embody ECU’s motto, Servire, were honored during the University Awards for Service ceremony.

A group of 13 people smile while holding clear acrylic trophies awarded for their exemplary work, professionalism and generosity of spirit that furthers East Carolina University’s mission and goes beyond their job title or duties.

Pirates who’ve made outstanding contributions to ECU’s mission and faculty and staff who have achieved 30 or more years of service were honored.

A graduate from East Carolina University’s Class of 2026 sits on brick steps in front of a campus building, wearing a black cap and gown with honor cords and a white stole, smiling confidently outdoors.

The ECU Class of 2026 is ready to advance by doing and answer the call to serve others.

Four women are in a group hug, smiling broadly.

Purple and gold run deep for one ECU family celebrating spring commencement.

Explore ECU through the lenses of our university’s photographers.

Virtual Tour Schedule a visit

Three students sit in a ballroom setting smiling and holding up pirate hooks with their hands.

Students play volleyball outdoors, jumping at the net to block and spike the ball on ECU's campus.

Two dancers perform on stage in coordinated costumes, holding an extended pose under stage lighting.

ECU photo gallery

ECU at a glance

Take a quick, by-the-numbers look at our university.

Discover More

26,000+

students

Become a Pirate

425+

student organizations

Get Involved

university

Top-Tier Research

Aug

Faculty Convocation

9:00 am to 10:00 am

Aug

Fall 2026 Census Day

12:00 am to 5:00 pm

Picture Yourself as a Pirate

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May 12

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May 8

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Congratulations, #ECU26! Greenville native @mrbeast has a few words for #ARRRGH graduating class as they set the course for what’s next. 🏴‍☠️

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May 7

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For the advocates. ⚖️

What started as a personal mission for Taylor Hodges ultimately turned into a professional passion, guiding her to build a career focused on advocating for others.

"Coming from a divorced family myself, I developed an early awareness of how family dynamics can influence emotional development and mental health," she said.

Throughout her time at ECU, Hodges developed the skills to prepare her for her next steps as a law student and future attorney. She credits her professors and advisors for their support.

"My professors and advisors have provided me with the tools and support needed to succeed. I am truly grateful for their guidance, resources and confidence in me."

This fall, she will begin an accelerated program at Elon University School of Law, where she plans to build a career advocating for children and adults navigating custody and divorce.

📸: Victoria Anne Photography

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May 6

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For the ones who make the most of every moment. 📊

Nicole Cerezo Santana accelerated her path at #ECU, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management with a certificate in data analytics in just three years while serving as president of ECU’s chapter of the American Marketing Association. She continued her journey through the immersive MBA program, building real-world experience through study abroad, competitions and industry connections.

“None of these opportunities would have been possible without ECU and the incredible support from the College of Business,” she said.

From studying abroad in Australia to leading on campus, her journey reflects the power of making the most of every opportunity.

📸: Jules Rowe

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May 5

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For the resilient. 💻

After moving to the United States, Erick Villatoro, a first-generation college student, was looking for a university that would not only challenge him but also set him up for success. As a transfer student, he found both at #ECU.

"I wanted a degree that would truly challenge me," he said, adding that "ECU has been instrumental in my development."

After transferring to ECU and changing majors, he found his place in the information and cybersecurity technology program. His involvement across campus set him up for success, including founding a chapter of the student organization — the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) at ECU.

"East Carolina University allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, providing me with the leadership experience necessary to transition confidently into the workforce," he said.

Villatoro will move to Charlotte, NC, to begin a full-time IT position, carrying with him the resilience and community he built throughout his time as a #Pirate.

📸: Yareli G. Photography

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May 2

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