Program Coordinator: Todd Fraley (105 Mamie Jenkins Building; 252-737-5083; fraleyt@ecu.edu)
The EC Scholars program is a merit scholarship program established in 1998 that attracts high-ability students to East Carolina University who have the promise and capability to become outstanding scholars and leaders in Eastern North Carolina and beyond. The EC Scholar award is offered to the best of our entering freshman class. This is the most prestigious scholarship offered at East Carolina University. EC Scholars exhibit outstanding academic performance, engagement in the community, effective leadership skills, and complete a required study abroad experience. The amount awarded to scholarship recipients is $40,000 ($5,000 per semester for eight continuous semesters). In addition, EC Scholars are provided with a $5,000 stipend to help support their Study Abroad experience.
In addition to the Honors College program requirements , EC Scholars need to earn a final grade of B- (2.7) or higher to receive credit for each of the requirements. Students may not use the honors-by-contract option to fulfill any of these requirements. Requirements may be met on a different schedule than listed below, so long as all requirements are fulfilled prior to graduation. Requirements can also be made flexible to allow students to study abroad, graduate in less than four years, or pursue a joint degree. In these cases, students will need to consult the advising team in the Honors College to receive approval.
EC Scholars will benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes community engagement, leadership and rigorous academic coursework. EC Scholars are required to follow the guidelines of the Honors College and of the EC Scholars Program. EC Scholars will enroll for a minimum course load of 12 semester hours during each fall and spring semester and must obtain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. All EC Scholars will complete a Study Abroad academic experience and a Senior Honors Project.
Admission Requirements
Students wishing to be considered for the EC Scholars Award will first need to be accepted into the Honors College. Admission to the Honors College at ECU is competitive and by invitation. Students wishing to be considered for an EC Scholars Award will first need to meet the following minimum eligibility criteria to receive an invitation to apply:
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Submit completed ECU application prior to the date set by the Honors College. Inquiries should be directed to the Honors College.
- Meet the following minimum criteria within both the standardized test and GPA categories:
- Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 and/or minimum weighted GPA of 4.0
- Minimum mathematics/critical reading combined score of 1200 on the old SAT, and/or minimum composite score of 1270 on the new SAT, and/or minimum ACT composite score of 27
This process is outlined on the Honors College admissions webpage.
Students who meet the above criteria will receive an invitation by mail to complete the Honors College and associated applications.
Program Requirements
Freshman Year:
Notes:
1. Students at ECU may place out of ENGL 1100 with an AP score of 3 or higher in English language or English literature or with a CLEP scaled score of 50 or higher in English composition. In these cases, students will also place out of the Honors requirement for this courses. For students entering fall 2017 needing ENGL 1100, EC Scholars and Chancellor’s Fellows are required to take an Honors section, but this is optional for Centennial Fellows needing ENGL 1100.
2. All ECU students are required to take two semester hours of health coursework. EC Scholars are required to take an Honors section of HLTH 1000 offered each spring, but Centennial Fellows may take non-Honors sections.
Sophomore Year:
Note:
3. Honors seminars may count toward general education requirements. EC Scholars and Chancellor’s Fellows and Centennial Fellows are required to take three semester-hours of honors seminars.
Junior Year:
Note:
5. HNRS 4500 - Signature Honors Project may begin as early as the sophomore year. The project requirements may be fulfilled using pre-approved courses in other departments.
Senior Year:
Note:
6. Honors elective coursework is defined as additional Honors seminars, study abroad credit, 5,000-level coursework, and 294-299 sections of coursework at ECU. Students may not place out of the six semester hours of Honors elective coursework; however, they may complete these requirements using any of the options referenced. Chancellor’s Fellows are required to take six semester hours of Honors electives, but electives are optional for Centennial Fellows.
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