Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University is a public, historically black university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, that falls under the University of North Carolina system. The school opened its doors in 1891 with the primary goal of training African-American teachers for states throughout America.

The school became a four-year college in 1967 and began offering graduate programs in 1969. Today, the university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. ECSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The universities academic departments range in rigor and academic interests.

Student Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1

Type: 4- Year Public College

Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

History

ECSU was founded in 1891 as a two-year Normal School to train teachers for the state’s African American population. In 1967, it became a four-year college and began offering graduate programs in 1969. The name was changed to Elizabeth City State College in 1963 and Elizabeth City State University in 1979.

Elizabeth City State Teachers College Historic District Elizabeth City State University Circa 1913 1914 - California Transfer Support Network
Elizabeth City State Teachers College Historic District (Elizabeth City State University) Circa 1913-1914)

Location

ECSU is located on a small campus in historic downtown Elizabeth City, NC, on the banks of the Pasquotank River. The campus is just minutes from the Outer Banks, major shopping centers, and several state parks.

Campus Life

The campus environment at ECSU facilitates the opportunity for students to meet new people and develop friendships that last forever.

Students enjoy the convenience of being near classes and close to the amenities that Elizabeth City offers. Companies are active in recruiting students from various Elizabeth City colleges.

Elizabeth City State University Aerial View
Elizabeth City State University Aerial View

The institution has student housing and residential communities while providing a shuttle service to and from school and local Elizabeth City establishments or venues.

Moreover, there are several resources for students to be involved in the ECSU college environment. Students can elect to join student organizations related to interests such as law, community service, and teaching services.

Several intramural sports organizations promote college involvement, and the college encourages students to participate in maintaining positive mental health.

College is intended to be a time where students can discover their interests while primarily serving as a time to search for their calling in life.

The costs associated with these organizations can range. Still, every student needs to review their availability and determine if joining the local college law club is feasible.

Academics

ECSU offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees through its five schools: Business and Economics; Education; Health and Human Sciences; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Graduate Studies.

Most Popular Majors at ECSU

The most popular majors are Elementary Education, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Business Administration. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredited the university.

Distance Education

The nature of contemporary higher education has resulted in the inundation of technology and online courses into the university curriculum.

ECSU Official Logo
ECSU Official Logo

Colleges around the country institute full-distance education programs to accommodate students wherever and whenever they are. ECSU possesses an engaging distance education program that promotes convenience and access.

ECSU is located in a rural community. As a rural institution, it requires a flexible way of receiving your education for those not directly near the campus.

ECSU Online Degree Programs

ECSU online degree programs, course offerings, and department services focus on students limited by external responsibilities like taking care of children or needing to work.

ECSU has several online degree options. Online degree programs are of equal quality to in-person courses, including professors, resources, tools, and success.

All online degree programs are rightfully accredited and will open up many opportunities for your future career.

Regardless of where you are in your educational journey, discover your path by evaluating some of the following online degree program offerings:

  • B.S. in Business Administration
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice
  • B.S. in Homeland Security
  • B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • M.S. in Elementary Education

The aforementioned online degree programs are meant to be accessible, convenient, and affordable. All while ensuring that the programs can be completed on your own account and with families, costs, and fees in mind.

Graduate Degree Programs

Elizabeth City State University is dedicated to providing quality graduate degree programs that meet the needs of the North Carolina community.

ECSU has programs that appeal to various interests, including aviation science, education, psychology, business, economics, and even study abroad programs.

The school is world-renowned for its signature programs in both aviation and pharmacy.

In fact, the college partners with the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to provide students with real-world experience and reputable professors.

Transfer Admission

ECSU has specified articulation agreements with all North Carolina community colleges. Students who graduate from a North Carolina community college with an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science (A.S.) can enroll in one of the many bachelor’s degree programs at ECSU.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Requirements for transferring to ECSU include:

  • Submitting an official transcript for all attempted college coursework
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all eligible college coursework
  • Submit SAT or other Standardized Test Scores to ECSU Registrar’s Office

The transfer admission requirements differ depending on your age and the range of credits you will be transferred to the degree program.

Ensure you search the Minimum Course Requirements (MCRs) for your intended major and review the prerequisites that you must manage to ensure a successful transfer.

Athletics

ECSU is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The university field teams in men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track & field; women’s volleyball; and men’s baseball.

ECSU Athletics Logo (Vikings)
ECSU Athletics Logo (Vikings)

Championships

ECSU has won CIAA championships in men’s basketball (1985), women’s basketball (1989), baseball (1991), women’s cross country (2005), men’s cross country (2009), women’s tennis (2010), outdoor track & field (2011), indoor track & field (2014).

Conclusion

Elizabeth City State University is a hidden gem among HBCUs. With its convenient location on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and its wide variety of academic programs, it is worth considering for your college education! Go Vikings!