New and Current Graduate Students

Your first and most important step is to confirm your intent to enroll by completing the Intent to Enroll form in your application portal. To secure your place in your graduate program, log in to your application portal and accept the Intent to Enroll option within 14 days of receiving your offer of admission.

After you submit the form, please allow up to 24 hours for processing. You will then receive an automated email with instructions outlining your next enrollment steps.

After accepting your offer of admission, you will be prompted to submit your $100 enrollment deposit through your application portal. The enrollment deposit confirms your intent to enroll at NCCU and allows the university to begin preparing your student record and enrollment processes.

Please note that the enrollment deposit is separate from the application fee submitted during the admissions process. The enrollment deposit is required of all admitted students and cannot be waived.

The enrollment deposit may be paid online through the payment options available in your application portal. Accepted forms of payment include credit card or debit card.

Submit your $100 enrollment deposit through the online payment option available in your application portal to continue with your graduate enrollment steps.

Within 24–72 hours of submitting your Intent to Enroll form, you will receive an email notification that your NCCU account information is available in your application portal.

Follow the instructions provided to access your NCCU account and complete any required setup steps. Your NCCU account will provide access to important university services and resources, including myEOL, your NCCU email account, student accounting, financial aid information, student billing, myHousing, Canvas, parking services.

Your myEOL account is your primary NCCU student portal and provides access to important academic and enrollment services. Through myEOL, you can access your student information, register for classes, view grades, manage academic records, and complete other university-related tasks.

Your NCCU email account is the official method of communication for important university updates, including information from faculty, staff, Financial Aid, Student Accounting, and enrollment-related offices. Please check your NCCU email regularly.

If you are a former NCCU student returning for graduate study, your existing myEOL information will remain the same, and a new account is not required. If you experience any issues accessing or activating your account, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 919-530-7676 for assistance.

After receiving your next steps email, you will need to connect with your graduate advisor to complete the advising process. You may do this by reaching out to your advisor directly or by attending a virtual Advising and Registration Session with your graduate advisor and department representative.

During your advising session, you will receive important information about your program, course requirements, and the registration process, including your registration PIN.

Please note that the School of Graduate Studies does not issue registration PINs. You must complete an advisement session with your graduate advisor before you can register for classes.

All students admitted to a degree program will receive their Banner ID and Banner PIN from their assigned admissions specialist.

Learn your Banner ID number. All business conducted with campus offices will require your Banner ID number.

To be considered for federal financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year. Visit the FAFSA website and submit your application using NCCU’s school code.

When completing the FAFSA, be sure to include North Carolina Central University’s school code, 002950, so that your information is sent to NCCU’s Office of Financial Aid.

After submitting your FAFSA, monitor your NCCU email and myEOL account for updates regarding your financial aid status, required documents, and award information.

Once your financial aid package has been awarded, you can view your award information through myEOL and Banner. Log in using your NCCU account credentials to review your financial aid details, including your available awards and related information.

Financial aid awards are typically available after processing is complete. Please monitor your NCCU email account regularly for important updates and notifications from the Office of Financial Aid.

North Carolina law requires all new students enrolling at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to provide documented proof of required immunizations to the Student Health Center. Students who are required to meet immunization requirements must submit their records within the designated timeframe to maintain compliance with state and university requirements.

Immunization records must be entered and uploaded through the Student Health Center’s secure medical records portal. Records must be physician-certified or verified with a clinic or health department stamp and should include the student’s name, NCCU Banner ID number, date of birth, healthcare provider information, and dates immunizations were received.

Submit your records: Visit the Student Health Center medical records portal to complete your required forms and upload your documentation.

Need Help Finding Your Immunization Records?

If you need to locate your immunization history, acceptable sources may include:

• Previous healthcare providers or pediatric offices
• Previous colleges or universities (records do not transfer automatically)
• North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR)
• County health departments or Health and Human Services offices
• Verified personal immunization records
• Military or World Health Organization (WHO) records, when applicable

If you do not have complete immunization documentation, contact your healthcare provider to obtain missing records or determine whether additional vaccinations are needed. Students who cannot locate certain records may need laboratory testing (titers) or additional vaccinations to meet requirements.

Immunization Deadlines

• Fall semester: August 1
• Spring semester: December 15

Failure to complete immunization requirements may result in the deactivation of your NCCU card, notification to the Registrar, and restrictions on attending classes or registering for future courses.

For questions, assistance with special circumstances, or additional information, contact the NCCU Student Health Center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 919-530-6317.

Residency for Tuition Purposes

Your residency classification for tuition purposes determines whether you are considered an in-state or out-of-state student and may impact your tuition charges and eligibility for certain financial benefits. North Carolina residency for tuition purposes is governed by North Carolina state law and is determined through the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS).

For more information about residency requirements and to complete your residency determination, visit
https://www.ncresidency.org/

Please ensure your residency status remains accurate and up to date. It is your responsibility to notify NCCU of any changes that may affect your residency classification. If your residency determination requires an update or reclassification before the start of your program, you must complete the residency reclassification process through RDS.

Establishing North Carolina Residency (In-State Classification)

To qualify for in-state residency, students must demonstrate that they have established a legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina, maintained that domicile for at least 12 consecutive months before the beginning of the term, have a residential presence in the state, and intend to make North Carolina their permanent home rather than residing in the state solely for educational purposes.

Students seeking in-state tuition classification must complete the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) process and provide the required information to determine eligibility. Residency decisions are based on the information submitted through RDS and applicable North Carolina residency laws.

Students should complete the RDS process as early as possible and monitor their NCCU student account to ensure their residency classification is accurately reflected.

Out-of-State Tuition Classification

Students classified as out-of-state residents for tuition purposes are responsible for the applicable out-of-state tuition rate. Residency classification is based on the determination provided by the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS).

Students who receive an out-of-state classification and believe additional information should be considered may submit a residency appeal through RDS. Any approved changes to residency classification must be processed and reflected in NCCU records before tuition adjustments can be made.

Residency Updates and Appeals

If you have recently completed a residency appeal or reclassification process through RDS, please ensure your updated residency status is reflected in NCCU records. Residency updates may require processing time before changes appear on your student account and billing information.

Students are responsible for monitoring their residency status, tuition charges, and enrollment requirements throughout the admissions and enrollment process.

All new students are required to obtain an Eagle ID Card. Your Eagle ID verifies your status as an NCCU student and provides access to campus services, including secured building access, meal purchases, NCCU library services, and student athletic events.

To begin the process, submit your photo through myphoto.nccu.edu. Once your photo has been reviewed and approved, you will receive instructions for obtaining your Eagle ID Card.

Students attending classes on campus should visit the Eagle Card Office located in Room 117 of the Lee Biology Building. You must be registered for classes and provide a valid photo ID and your Banner ID number to receive your card.

Distance learners may request to have their Eagle ID Card mailed. Please allow approximately one week for delivery.

If your Eagle ID Card is lost or requires replacement, contact the Eagle Card Office at 919-530-7716 for assistance.

Eligible North Carolina Central University (NCCU) students who meet the health insurance requirements are automatically enrolled in and billed for the Student Blue health insurance plan after registering for classes. Students who have qualifying health insurance coverage and wish to use their existing plan must submit an online waiver with proof of insurance before the posted deadline to have the Student Blue premium removed from their student account. Visit the NCCU Student Health Center website for more information about Student Blue eligibility, enrollment, and waiver requirements.

Students who plan to park on NCCU’s campus must have a valid parking permit. Parking permits are required for all students parking in designated campus parking areas. Vehicles without a valid permit may be subject to citation or towing.

Parking permits may be purchased online through NCCU Parking Services. The cost is $350 annually or $175 per semester.

For questions or assistance, contact Parking Services:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 919-530-5023

For frequently asked questions and additional parking information, visit the NCCU Parking Services website.

After this requirement has been fulfilled, please mark this item as complete in your enrollment checklist.

NCCU Residential Life strives to provide graduate and law students with housing opportunities alongside other students in similar academic programs whenever possible. During the fall semester, a limited number of housing spaces are reserved specifically for graduate and law students. Once all reserved spaces have been assigned, remaining graduate and law students may be assigned to available housing communities with undergraduate students.

Graduate and law students are encouraged to submit their housing application by May 15 for fall enrollment to increase their opportunity for placement.

How to Apply

To access the housing application:

1. Log in to your myEOL account.
2. Select the MyHousing Portal.

A non-refundable $150 application fee is required:

• New students: The fee is due at the time of application.
• Returning students: The fee will be added to your student e-bill after the housing application is completed.

Housing assignments are made on a space-available basis. If housing is unavailable at the time of assignment, students will be placed on a waitlist. Students are encouraged to explore off-campus housing options if campus housing is not available.

Graduate and law students are typically assigned to Martha Street Apartments when space is available.

Additional Housing Resources

• View current housing rates, learn about becoming a graduate hall coordinator, and explore off-campus housing options: https://www.nccu.edu/dsa/services/residential-life 

For additional information or questions regarding graduate student housing, contact Residential Life at 919-530-7298.

Graduate students must meet with their academic advisor before registering for classes.

Choose one of the following options:

• Email your academic advisor using the contact information provided in your Next Steps Letter to schedule an advising appointment, or
• Register for and attend a School of Graduate Studies Advising and Registration Session for personalized assistance with advising, registration, and enrollment questions.

If you are unsure who your academic advisor is or need assistance, contact the School of Graduate Studies at [email protected].

If you were admitted with coursework or a degree in progress, you must submit a final official transcript showing degree conferral by the deadline for your admitted term. Official transcripts are required to verify that all admission conditions have been satisfied and that your degree has been awarded.

Transcript Deadlines

• Fall Admission: December 1
• Spring Admission: May 1
• Summer Admission: August 1

Failure to submit your final official transcript by the applicable deadline will result in a hold being placed on your student account and may impact your ability to register for future courses, receive University services, or continue enrollment until the requirement has been satisfied.

Familiarize yourself with the NCCU 2026-2027 Academic Calendar to stay informed about important university deadlines and key dates throughout the semester, including:

• Class start and end dates
• Registration and add/drop periods
• Tuition payment deadlines
• Withdrawal deadlines
• Holidays and university closures
• Final exam schedules
• Graduation application deadlines

Reviewing the Academic Calendar regularly will help you stay on track and avoid missing important deadlines throughout your graduate career.

Before the semester begins, review the NCCU Tuition and Fee Calendar to familiarize yourself with important billing, payment, and financial aid deadlines. 2026-2027 Approved Tuition and Fee Calendar

After reviewing the calendar, log in to myEOL to view your student account, verify your tuition and fee charges, and make payment arrangements before the published payment deadline. Students are responsible for ensuring their balance is satisfied or covered by approved financial aid or other payment arrangements.

Failure to meet the published payment deadline may result in the cancellation of your class schedule.

Download the myEOL Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to access your classes, grades, Canvas, NCCU email, campus announcements, events, computer lab availability, internship and job listings, and other important university resources — all from your mobile device.

Be sure to check your NCCU email regularly, as it is the University's official method of communication for registration, billing, financial aid, orientation, and important campus updates.

Start your graduate journey by attending the School of Graduate Studies New Graduate Student Orientation, held virtually via Zoom. Orientation provides an overview of academic expectations, key university policies and procedures, and campus resources to help you prepare for a successful first semester.

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Time: 12-1 p.m.

Register for Orientation

After orientation, join us for TOAST (Take Flight. Own. Achieve. Succeed. Thrive.), our signature graduate student on-campus welcome event. Meet fellow graduate students, connect with faculty and staff, explore campus resources, and celebrate the start of your graduate experience at NCCU.

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Register for T.O.A.S.T.

Stay engaged and informed by connecting with the Graduate Student Association (GSA). The GSA serves as the official voice of graduate students and provides opportunities to network, build community, participate in professional development, and engage in campus events throughout the academic year.

Follow the GSA on social media and watch your NCCU email for announcements about upcoming events, workshops, funding opportunities, and student engagement activities.

Need Assistance?

School of Graduate Studies, Graduate Enrolled Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 919-530-7396

Named after NCCU’s founder, the James E. Shepard Memorial Library is located in the heart of the campus. The library is not just for undergrads but is there for you too! Take full advantage of the many ways the library can assist you with your academic and technology needs. Stop by and visit Shepard Library today. 

The library has been renovated, but the renovations were not just cosmetic. In addition to the main floor facelift, the second floor now has 65 computer stations; black and white and color printing stations; a bistro area; a TechnoClassroom; a TechnoLounge, which includes a laptop bar; and so much more.

Visit the James E. Shepard Memorial Library’s website.

NCCU’s Office of Career Services and Outreach has a staff person, Kent Williams, dedicated to graduate students. Services include but are not limited to resume writing, interview preparation, career counseling and networking strategies. Schedule an appointment with Mr. Williams to see how the Career Services and Outreach staff can assist you. They are located in the William Jones Building, room 014.

The Writing Studio is a resource available for graduate students. All graduate students, whether at the master or doctoral level, should utilize the services offered by the Writing Studio. When you are writing your thesis or dissertation, the Writing Studio’s services may greatly assist you through the process. Additionally, check in with the Writing Studio periodically to see if they have any upcoming workshops you may be interested in attending.

Visit the NCCU Writing and Speaking Studio website.

The Student Health and Counseling Services department is located on Cafeteria Drive in the Student Health Building.  

Some of the services offered are:

• Urgent care
• Counseling and mental health
• Alcohol and drug prevention and intervention
• Allergy
• Pharmacy
• Lab services
• Nursing care
• Women’s health

Visit the Student Health Services Website

The LCI-Student Accessibility Center provides any student with a disability with access to accommodations that will ensure successful matriculation. Students must be registered with this office to take advantage of these accommodations. They are your campus liaisons and disability advocates.  

Visit the Student Accessibility Center website

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the student governing body for all graduate students. The GSA officers serve as your voice and your advocate.

Some of the many services the GSA provides are:

• representation on various committees and boards that make decisions that directly impact you, the student;
• social events designed to connect you with your peers, alumni and the campus community;
• networking opportunities;
• direct connection to the associate provost and dean for the School of Graduate Studies;
• computers for use in completing assignments directly related to your academic success; 
• and access to funds to assist you with conference-related travel expenses.

Visit the Graduate Student Association Website

Currently, only two programs, English and History, require the Foreign Language Exam.  

Candidates for a master's degree in English or History will be required to demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language and successfully complete a course in either statistics or a modern foreign language or an appropriate substitute approved by your department. The Foreign Language Exam requirement must be satisfied before admission to candidacy. Any course taken to fulfill the research tool requirement will not be counted in the hours required for the degree program.

In History, the student will demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language approved by the department or successfully complete a course in computer science and demonstrate competency in the elements of one computer programming language.

A student does not become a candidate for the master's degree in any department until they apply for admission to candidacy for the degree they seek.

General admission to the Graduate Division is not the same as admission to candidacy for a graduate degree. A formal application is necessary for the latter purpose, and the Dean’s Office supplies special forms for this application. This application may not be filed earlier than the first week of the second semester of residence; it must be filed at least three months before the degree is conferred. All conditions must have been satisfied, the foreign language or statistics requirement must be met, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher must have been earned and at least one full semester or two summer sessions of graduate-level work must have been accomplished before the Graduate Council will approve such an application. In addition, the application must be approved by the major department. The application must be accompanied by an orderly plan for a proposed thesis or research project and a program of studies in satisfaction with the degree requirements, both duly approved by the department of the student's major.

In addition to the individual course examination, graduate students who are candidates for the master's degree are required to pass two comprehensive examinations. One of these is a comprehensive written examination covering the courses within the major. The department determines how the exam will be administered. However, the exam results must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies no later than the date specified by the academic calendar.

The other examination is the final oral examination covering the thesis and its application in the major and minor subjects. A committee of examiners representing both major and minor areas administers this examination. A student failing to pass either of these examinations may apply for and secure re-examination after the lapse of a semester. Should a second failure occur, a third examination is possible upon recommendation of the major department in the case of a written examination or of the committee in charge of the oral examination and on a favorable vote of the Graduate Council. In the event of a third failure, the student has no recourse, and their candidacy will be considered vacated.

Candidates for the master's degree must submit an acceptable thesis, internship paper (if in public administration) or research project. Credit equal to one full course (three semester hours) will be granted when a thesis is accepted and successfully defended. A new policy from the University of North Carolina General Administration adopted in 1999 requires that all students working on thesis or internship papers be enrolled for at least one credit hour of thesis or course work during each semester until the thesis is completed.

The preparation of the thesis or research project is a research experience. It should show the student’s capacity under guidance to accomplish independent investigation, and it must demonstrate mastery of the technique of research. It is not required that the thesis or research project be an original contribution to knowledge in every case. In the preparation of the thesis or research project, the student is concerned with the materials of knowledge and the evidential bases on which the knowledge rests. Various types of theses or research projects are required by different departments. A final copy of the thesis must be submitted to ProQuest to be inspected by the thesis administrator no later than the date specified by the academic calendar. Once the thesis is reviewed by the School of Graduate Studies Administrator, the student will receive notification of changes that need to be made. When the thesis has met the approval of the School of Graduate Studies, the student will receive an email of its approval, and the administrator will submit it for publishing. Students will not be cleared for graduation until their thesis has been approved by the School of Graduate Studies and final submission to ProQuest has been made. 

Eligibility for graduation with honors by graduate students usually requires the following cumulative grade point averages:

• Summa Cum Laude: 3.92–4.00
• Magna Cum Laude: 3.85–3.919
• Cum Laude: 3.77–3.849

Students should consult their specific graduate program on eligibility requirements for honors as there may be differences in some cases.