East Carolinian

Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: staff photo

Four years of college is enough schooling for many students. However, for others, it's just the beginning.

Furthering one's education beyond a bachelor's degree is no longer simply an option; it is becoming a necessity.

This year, 6,535 students are enrolled in graduate school at ECU.

"The application process is such that we are increasing our numbers at a rate of 10 percent per year," said Ronald Newton, the associate dean for the university's graduate school.

The graduate school has even had to triple their staff in the past three years because of the increase in students applying to programs.

"I think students now realize a degree beyond undergraduate level is essential for success," Newton said. "It's apparent you need a master's degree to succeed in a career."

According to the school's Web site, ECU offers 77 master's degree programs and 57 graduate certificate programs through its 10 colleges and schools. Also, there are 18 doctoral programs, with new programs recently added.

The new doctoral programs include health psychology and medical family therapy as well as audiology and economics.

There are also two new master's programs: sustainable tourism and biomedical sciences.

The influx of graduate students at ECU is partially due to the abundance of online programs.

"We are delivering them education in a big way - electronically," Newton said.

More than 60 percent of graduate students at ECU are distance education students.

Also, many of ECU's graduate students are from North Carolina; one reason being the higher cost of tuition for graduate school, especially for out-of-state students. Many students also decide to take on assistantships during their two years of graduate school. According to Newton, an average of 6 million dollars is awarded annually through assistantships.

Erica Leggett is one graduate student at ECU who decided to take on an assistantship.

"I am a GA for Campus Living and a part of the Cotton, Fleming and Jarvis hall staff. I worked as an RA for two years during my undergrad," said Leggett.

"I hold office hours each week and work on projects specific to Cotton, Fleming and Jarvis [Residence Halls]," Leggett said. "I love being a GA because of all the people I get to meet and having the opportunity to be actively involved in the ECU community."

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools