East Carolina UniversityAcademics Summary

Written by Samantha Mandel

Samantha Mandel

Hometown

Matthews, NC

Major

Biology

View all previous student authors

Most ECU students are satisfied with their academic experiences. The faculty-to-student ratio varies by department, but overall, in major-area courses, the classes
are much smaller and more conducive to discussion. The average class size is 24, but it varies with the department’s number of majors and the class level. Many freshman classes, especially lecture classes and labs that count toward the required 42 hours of general education credit, are taught in lecture halls and may have 100 or more students. Students should not ignore the gen-ed classes, because they can often open new directions for them to take in their studies.

The professors are what really makes ECU a great school. Professors are willing to help students who are willing to help themselves learn and develop professionally. ECU’s professors are diverse, fascinating, and usually dedicated to student development. Academic success, and certainly the quality of a student’s ECU experience, are primarily determined by one’s efforts to attend class and take notes. Twenty percent of an entering class may not return for a second year or a second semester, but ECU also has numerous successful and prestigious alumni. ECU has a reputation as a party school, and partying does not necessarily include drinking, but new students should remember that they can only stay at the party if they maintain the grades and academic standing to do so.