ECSU Launches First Fully Online Degree Program

Elizabeth City State University has launched its first, fully online degree program, offering students a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

The new Interdisciplinary Studies program is a flexible, cutting-edge program designed with 21st century learners in mind, according to program coordinator, Dr. Charles Reed.

“It will allow students who cannot, for whatever reason, enroll in an on-campus program to benefit from the world-class education that ECSU offers,” said Reed.

Reed says the new online program is designed for students who have completed credit hours either at ECSU or other institutions, but for whatever reason have not completed the degree.

“It also allows current students the flexibility to complete degree work off campus,” said Reed.

The Interdisciplinary Degree program offers a number of concentrations including Social and Behavioral Sciences, STEM, Humanities, Health, Children and Community Services, Africana Studies, and Politics and Government. Reed says that within those concentrations students are able to design their coursework. For example, a student with a concentration in Humanities may put his focus on courses specifically dealing with History, Art History, Music, English, and other disciplines.

“Students are asked to develop a coherent pathway based on their academic and professional interests” said Reed.

Students enrolling in the program will take online courses with ECSU instructors and, according to Reed, have the opportunity to complete up to 18 credit hours per semester.

“Interdisciplinary students will work with the same dedicated faculty and receive the same quality education as students who are enrolled on campus,” said Reed.

According to ECSU Provost Vann Newkirk, there are currently 14 students enrolled in the new program.

“The addition of the Interdisciplinary Studies program allows ECSU to expand its degree offerings globally, and to reach an entirely new market,” said Newkirk. “Furthermore, since the program has a great deal of flexibility, the University believes it will appeal to persons who previously attended college but never completed a degree.”