School Details
Originally a teacher’s college, East Central University in Oklahoma offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 70 disciplines. Online students can choose from various programs, such as criminal justice, counseling, RN to BSN, and educational leadership.
ECU online utilizes an asynchronous format, allowing students to access materials and discussion forums whenever it’s most convenient. The school is committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality studies, retaining virtual resources and the support students seek. Consider East Central University online for a bachelor’s or master’s degree to kickstart your education.
East Central University online learning:
- Designed for working students
- Transfer previously earned credits
- Financial aid options available
- Offered entirely online with ultimate flexibility
Accreditation & Licensing
East Central University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies online with East Central University. This program is designed for students seeking ultimate flexibility in their academic journey. An online interdisciplinary degree allows students to customize their curriculum, aligning coursework with career goals, or preparing for graduate studies.
Students will develop skills applicable to management and leadership roles in a variety of industries, from nonprofits and government organizations to entrepreneurial work. This program includes internships, pressing students to take part in real-world experiences as approved by the college. Increase professional competencies, the possibility of earning a better salary, and take charge of a career path with an online bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from ECU.
East Central University's online B.A. in Native American Studies gives students the applied social science tools, training and immersive experience needed to make a positive impact working with and for tribal communities. The flexible format and generous transfer policy allow for program completion in as few as two years.
The focus of this program is enabling students to address the complex issues and interests of Native American communities in multiple contexts. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, a required internship opportunity and collaborative partnerships with the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations, students can learn and engage with the needs and cultural affairs of local tribes.
ECU Online distinguished faculty have academic and applied social science expertise in fields ranging from anthropology to health and environmental studies. Instructors collaborate with students to ensure that their online learning experience offers the same value and rigor as the on-campus program.
After graduation, students will be prepared to pursue professional roles or graduate study in a wide range of fields. Possible career paths in and outside of tribal communities include public relations, museum and archival work, social work and counseling, law and politics, civil service, public health, teaching and more.
Business
You can advance your instructional career and incorporate your love of athletics into your work with the Master of Education in Sports Administration from ECU. This online physical education and coaching master’s degree prepares you for a successful roles in sports instruction and leadership.
The online program appeals to those seeking sports management positions in colleges and universities or with professional sports teams. Through the online physical education and coaching curriculum, you learn such topics as:
- Facility management
- Legal aspects of sports
- Sports ethics
- Event management
All students gain hands-on experience through the practicum. The expertise gained in sports management and administration provides a winning edge to advance your career.
Computer Science & IT
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from East Central University Online will prepare you for a variety of in-demand careers in a field that is constantly advancing. Designed for your success as a technology professional, the program offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge computer applications and career-ready skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. When you graduate, you'll be equipped with the credential to pursue graduate study, plus the expertise necessary for technology careers that involve computer programming, coding, software development and engineering, data analysis, testing and debugging, cybersecurity and more.
Through a curriculum founded on the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) guidelines, the degree explores essential business concepts, applicable mathematics and diverse computer applications with an emphasis on software engineering. The program's selection of elective courses allow you to focus your degree on your specific professional interests and build skills for the computer science career you want.
Courses are delivered in 8-week sessions and are taught by industry experts with years of experience in computer science. As an online student, you'll receive one-on-one attention from your educators, along with ample opportunities to discuss course materials virtually in an interactive learning environment. Choose from flexible schedule options and advance your education and your career at your pace.
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
You can prepare for leadership roles in law enforcement with the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from East Central University. The online criminal justice degree covers such topics as:
- Causes of crime
- Correctional institutions
- Criminal behavior theory
- Society’s reaction to crime
Through the online criminal justice bachelor’s degree program, you gain a comprehensive education that leads to career advancement. Graduates appreciate the preparation their studies lend for the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) certification exam.
You can become an ethical criminal justice leader with the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from East Central University. The online criminal justice degree provides an innovative curriculum covering such topics as:
- Addictions theory
- Organizational leadership
- Analysis of crime patterns
- Crime reduction strategies
Through the online criminal justice master’s degree program, you prepare for diverse leadership positions. You can choose the pace at which you move through your studies with the interactive digital classroom platform.
Education
Fifty-two percent of Oklahoma schools are classified as rural, according to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. To strengthen your impact on schools in your community, pursue your Doctor of Education in Rural Education degree online with East Central University.
As one of only four online Ed.D. in Rural Education programs in the nation — and the only one in Oklahoma — this online program delivers unique expertise for improving learning outcomes. You will prepare to advance as an education leader with a firm grasp of the intricacies of developing strategic plans, designing curricula and advocating for students and teachers in rural schools.
While seeking your Ed.D. in Rural Education online, you will develop wide-ranging knowledge of rural education through courses on history, finance, supervision and technology leadership. After completing the program, you will be ready to advance in school administration, higher education, consulting and education policy.
ECU Online designed this program to meet the needs of working educators and administrators. You will complete each course and the applied dissertation/capstone online, getting the flexibility to continue working while earning your doctorate. ECU’s expert faculty will offer personal support every step of the way, strengthening your academic performance.
Request information about ECU’s online Doctor of Education in Rural Education today. You can transfer up to 30 credits, finishing the program in as few as 24 months.
You can advance your career with the Master of Education in Educational Leadership from ECU. This online education master’s degree allows teachers to transition to higher-level administrative roles.
Besides studying research techniques, exceptional children, and educational technology, this online education graduate program delves into such topics as:
- Public school administration
- Classroom behavior modification
- Legal aspects of education
- Exceptional children
Through the online graduate-level courses, you develop professional competencies for effective decision-making. Furthermore, you will have the tools and practical applications to positively impact the learning and development of students in P-12.
You can open a new chapter in your academic career with the Master of Education in Library Media from ECU. This online library science master’s degree prepares you to enhance student performance and inspire learning.
The comprehensive curriculum provides in-depth content knowledge in school librarianship, instructional media, and children’s literature. Other topics of study include:
- Educational and multimedia technology
- Intellectual property
- Cataloging and classification
- Literacy
All students receive professional guidance during their practicum. Graduates enter the workforce armed with professional competencies to excel in the field of library science.
You can gain expertise in identifying the distinctive learning abilities and psychological requirements of children with disabilities with the Master of Education in Special Education from ECU. This online gifted and special education master’s degree covers the ABCs of teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities in PreK-12 settings.
Besides imparting knowledge and skills in educational technologies, teaching methods, and ethical and legal aspects, your online special education curriculum delves into practices in behavioral and instructional interventions. You will study core education subjects such as science, mathematics, and social studies. Other topics of study include:
- Behavior modification
- Cultural diversity
- Dignity and responsive teaching
A practicum provides hands-on experience before you start student teaching. Graduates have the knowledge to successfully pass state certification for teaching students with mild / moderate disabilities.
The online Post-Master’s School Superintendent Certificate from East Central University delivers the expertise you need to take the next step in your education leadership career and make an impact in your district as a school superintendent. This program is for education professionals who have earned a teaching license along with a school principal certification, and have at least two years of teaching experience. In just one year, you can complete the program with the expert knowledge and career-ready skills to take the Oklahoma Certification Test for School Superintendents and receive your certificate.
Taught by experienced leaders in education who have served their communities as school superintendents, the curriculum explores the advanced legal aspects of education while examining the politics and governance of American education. As you receive personalized attention from field experts, you’ll become proficient in the essential management techniques and decision-making methods used by successful superintendents in diverse districts.
Delivered through ECU’s online learning environment, the program features six courses, including two practicum opportunities that offer hands-on experience. As an online student, you’ll benefit from flexible course schedule options, an interactive platform that allows you to present ideas to your classmates and educators, and the freedom to learn at your own pace.
Healthcare
East Central University offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology to the working adult student. This program is designed for those seeking to increase earning potential in today’s competitive marketplace. Studies will cover subjects including but not limited to:
- Anatomy
- Health promotion
- Strength and conditioning
Courses are available fully online, with a curriculum focused on working with others to improve movement and health. Graduates with this online kinesiology degree may find pursuable career paths as personal or athletic trainers, wellness directors, and more roles in leadership. Develop skills in management and organization, a deeper understanding of the human body, and more with East Central University online.
Math & Science
The Master of Science in Water Resource Policy and Management program is designed to prepare leaders in water policy decision-making. This fully online program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of water resource management complexities, enabling them to develop socially, politically, economically, and environmentally viable solutions.
The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum covers a range of relevant topics, equipping graduates with research skills, political acumen, and the ability to integrate policy and science effectively in water resource management. With flexible online classes, students can earn their degree without compromising their personal and professional commitments.
Some of the topics covered in this environmental science master’s online include:
- Water law
- Environmental toxicology
- Native American water rights
- Watershed management
- Water quality and treatment
- Environmental conflict management
Psychology & Human Services
Start your career in human services and help people achieve better outcomes to their challenges. East Central University’s online B.A. in Human Services Counseling is the only degree of its kind in Oklahoma. You’ll study when and where it’s best for you and complete internships that give you direct field experience. Graduate in 2-4 years, then work in a variety of areas including family support, care facilities, prison systems and more.
Choose a Concentration:
- Aging
- Specialize in aging and gerontology to solve the challenges of the senior population. The curriculum features program management, group processes, geriatric psychology and more.
- Counseling
- Get ready for entry-level counseling careers. Study intervention techniques, vocational testing as well as employment and placement.
- Rehabilitation
- Work as a disability specialist to help people manage physical, mental, cognitive, behavioral and addictive challenges. The curriculum emphasizes various aspects of disability, intervention techniques, counseling and more.
- Prevention
- Courses explore violence and self-harm prevention, human development and psychological resilience to ensure you graduate with a thorough understanding of mental health counseling and prevention science practice.
Topics of study include:
- Human behavior
- Case management
- Employment and placement
- Intervention techniques
- Psychology
- And more
By graduation, you can integrate theory with practice and work as an entry-level professional in the field of human services counseling. This includes using new skills in empathy, communication, patience and active listening, and an ability to write reports and service plans.
This online bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Rehabilitation prepares students for entry-level roles in disability specializations.
Along with the core courses of this concentration, students will also take on classes in sociology, psychology, case management, and more. Students will develop their writing skills, interpersonal skills, and other professional competencies through real-world training and hands-on learning opportunities. You can enter professional fields such as family support, substance abuse, or social services with this online degree in human services.
Studies include but are not limited to:
- Counseling
- Intervention techniques
- Human behavior
Concentrate in Behavioral Health with an online BS in Psychology from East Central University. This program provides an innovative curriculum focused on the dynamics of human behavior and professional competencies. Studies may include but are not limited to:
- Adolescent psychology
- Abnormal psychology
- Personality disorders
Students will develop effective communication and interpersonal skills applicable to relationships with clients as well as patients. This online bachelor’s in psychology pushes students into diverse mental health settings hosting a faculty with professional backgrounds in various areas of psychology. Move forward in a behavioral health career with an online degree in psychology at ECU.
Work to alleviate poverty and oppression and improve the quality of life for people by earning your bachelor’s in social work online with East Central University. This powerful program emphasizes competencies and practice behaviors consistent with generalist practice which are informed by the knowledge, values and skills for professional social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. You’re prepared to work in a variety of social contexts, including rural communities.
You’ll study where and when it’s best for you and complete your degree in 2-4 years to work in a variety of public and private settings, including hospitals, income maintenance programs and hospice.
By graduation, you can take on roles such as:
- Tribal Child Welfare Specialist
- Medical Social Worker
- Child Welfare Specialist
- Case Manager
- Hospice Worker
- School Social Worker