Eastern Connecticut State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (medium programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Master's degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Eastern Connecticut State University History

Eastern Connecticut State University was founded in 1889. It is accredited by the The New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Its mission statement identifies it as “the state’s public liberal arts university” and says that attendance at Eastern “allows students the opportunity to acquire knowledge, values, and skills necessary to pursue meaningful careers and advanced study, become productive members of their community, and embrace life-long learning.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

Eastern Connecticut State University Academics

Eastern Connecticut State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 3 colleges: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Continuing Education, and the School of Education and Professional Studies.

p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in 31 fields. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as biology, English, modern & classical languages, mathematics, performing arts, social work, and education. Educational certification is available.

p. Graduate programs are offered in accounting, education, and organizational management, with several specializations. There are no doctoral programs or graduate certificates.

ECSU offers 31 different undergraduate degree programs, 41 undergraduate minors, as well as teacher certification programs in elementary, secondary, and physical education. The student-to-teacher ratio is 16-to-1, and over 70% of all classes are taught by faculty. More than 90% of all ECSU faculty hold the terminal degree in their field. The average class size is 25 students. ECSU offers a competitive honors program that is intended to challenge exceptional students, enrich the University’s academic profile, and produce leaders within every class. The honors curriculum emphasizes writing, debate, and critical thinking while also offering topics of interest for all students.

Eastern Connecticut State University Unique Programs

Eastern Connecticut State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to meet the following requirements: SAT score of 1150 and a class rank in the upper 20%. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will take part in Honors courses, write a thesis, and have the opportunity to participate in Honors Club events. All Honors Program students receive a scholarship for their tuition.

p. On-line learning programs are offered in some undergraduate and graduate programs.

p. The Office of International Programs administers the National Student Exchange, where students can study for a semester or a year at another participating school in the United States or Canada. This program is generally open to sophomores and juniors only.

The Connecticut NASA Educator Resource Center was established at ECSU and given a mandate from NASA to provide free, low-cost educational materials to educators for the purposes of improving science, mathematics, and technology education. The Center is a kind of repository and clearinghouse for materials produced through the NASA Field Center and NASA Headquarters. The Center is led by a Board consisting of local educational leaders and ECSU faculty.

ECSU offers a Canadian Studies program, an internationally focused and interdisciplinary program focused on the culture and history of Canada and its many different people. In addition to sponsoring lectures and providing a curriculum, the program sponsors regular trips to Canada. The Canadian Studies program offers the Canadian Studies minor at ECSU. The minor could be useful to students studying business, education, and human services.

Eastern Connecticut State University Financial Aid

Tuition at Eastern Connecticut State University is $3,034, with additional fees of $792 and $1,775 for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. Other fees apply for activities, student loans, technology, and room and board.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Student employment is available both on and off campus. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

At ECSU, scholarship awards are dispersed by the scholarship committee, consisting of faculty and staff from various departments across the campus. ECSU also encourages students, before they consult with the ECSU financial aid department, to review the possibilities for grants through their home state or the federal government. ECSU offers numerous scholarship opportunities for a variety of purposes: departmental awards for specific academic disciplines, admissions scholarships that are awarded during the admissions process, and purely competitive scholarships (for which new freshman applicants are not eligible).

Eastern Connecticut State University Students

Eastern Connecticut State is home to more than fifty university-recognized clubs and organizations, with interests in different cultures, religions, social activities, or academic fields. The Student Government Association is also highly active on campus, providing an opportunity for students to get involved in the political process within the university microcosm. For diversions outside the classroom, the Student Center provides food, recreation, and a place for students to gather.

Student life at Eastern Connecticut State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are academic and professional groups, a bowling club, athletic groups, religious and political organizations, and creative groups. Intramural sports include volleyball, men’s softball, floor hockey, and women’s basketball.

Eastern Connecticut State University Traditions

The E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame provides former student-athletes an opportunity to be honored and students and alumni an opportunity to recognize those student-athletes who made a significant impact on the history and traditions of Eastern Connecticut State.

Eastern Connecticut State University Local Community

Eastern Connecticut State University is located in Willimantic, Connecticut, a 30 minute drive from Hartford and midway between Boston and New York. Population of Willimantic is approximately 15,000. Near-by attractions include a local theater, a textile and history museum, and nearby state parks.

Willimantic has a population just over 15,000. At only 4 square miles in total area, Willimantic is a small eastern town with the charm and natural beauty that has made the northeast a desirable location for so many Americans. Willimantic has a significant Hispanic population for the northeast part of the country, with roughly thirty percent of residents reporting Hispanic ethnicity. The greatest reported ancestry is Irish, followed by French. Willimantic is home to dozens of campgrounds, hike & bike trails, and natural areas where outdoor recreation opportunities abound.