Dec 02, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalogue

Special Academic Centers


 


Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics - CESTEM

(https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/wce/partnerships-centers/centers/cestem)

The Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - CESTEM - (formerly the Science and Mathematics Education Center - SMEC) at UNCW is committed to regional service and endeavors to stimulate teachers’ intellectual curiosity and increase exposure to current technology. The center is responsible for the identification, development, delivery, and evaluation of K-12 professional development programming in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). CESTEM applies the resources of UNC Wilmington to improve the teaching and learning of STEM disciplines in the K-12 schools of southeastern North Carolina. The center offers a range of professional development programs in the areas of STEM for pre-service and in-service elementary-, middle-, and high-school teachers, as well as an annual STEM education conference. Through center-sponsored activities, teachers can earn Continuing Education Units toward their license renewal.

CESTEM operates the Technology Loan Program (TLP), a program that lends science and technology materials and other resources to regional K-16 teachers for their classrooms. CESTEM also hosts student STEM competitions for grades 3-12, including the Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair, the Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad, and the Regional SeaPerch Competition annually.

Contact CESTEM at (910) 962-3168 for more information on programs.

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

(https://uncw.edu/research/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship)

The mission of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is to be a catalyst for entrepreneurship at UNCW and entrepreneurial growth in Southeastern North Carolina by linking together emerging and high-growth ventures, students, entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty and staff, and relevant support organizations to create business growth, educational opportunities, research, internships and jobs, as well as innovation.

Center for Marine Science

(https://uncw.edu/research/centers/marine-science)

The Center for Marine Science (CMS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is dedicated to interdisciplinary approaches to answering questions in basic marine research. The mission of the center is to promote basic and applied research in the fields of oceanography, coastal and estuarine studies, marine biotechnology and aquaculture, marine biology, marine chemistry, and marine geology. Faculty from 11 departments with teaching and/or research interests related to the marine sciences participate in this program; including marine science researchers in the Departments of Biology and Marine Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geography and Geology, Environmental Sciences, and Physics and Physical Oceanography. Center faculty serve on regional, national and international research and policy advisory groups and thereby contribute to the development of agendas on marine research in the United States and the world. International interactions with labs in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and all regions of the coastal United States augment extensive programs addressing North Carolina coastal issues. By integrating these advisory functions with research programs of the highest quality, CMS enhances the educational experience provided by the University of North Carolina Wilmington for both undergraduate and graduate students in marine science.

The Center for Marine Science occupies a research and education facility located six miles from the main campus on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, providing support for coastal and marine science efforts throughout UNCW. The modern marine science center at Myrtle Grove has a total of 181,000 square feet of net indoor space including: a new 69,000 square foot marine biotechnology building and 12,000 square foot shellfish research hatchery, group meeting facilities for up to 150 individuals; fully equipped research laboratories, classrooms, and marine science laboratories; a greenhouse with running seawater; a radioisotope laboratory; computer workrooms, cold rooms, and walk-in freezers; temperature controlled rooms; autoclave and media preparation room; darkroom; chemical storage and balance rooms; fireproof vault for data storage; clean room; central analytic facility; sample processing rooms; aquarium room with running seawater; 7,200 gallon oceanographic test tank with electric overhead hoist; indoor storage; outdoor storage; shower/locker facilities; and outdoor facility for tanks with running sea water.

Core facilities include: nutrient analysis; DNA sequencing; oceanographic instrumentation; running seawater systems; and high-field NMR and stable isotope ratio mass spectroscopy. The seawater system provides raw, filtered, and purified seawater; tank farm services; and aquarium room services. The location of the center provides easy access to regional marine environments such as: tidal marshes/mud flats/sand flats/oyster reefs; tidal creeks; barrier islands and tidal inlets; the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway; near shore marine environments; the Gulf Stream; hard bottom communities; sand dunes and maritime forests; and both highly developed and minimally developed estuarine environments. A 770-foot pier with docking facilities for several coastal research vessels is in place on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The center maintains 22 research vessels ranging in size from sixteen to sixty-eight feet as well as specialized equipment for offshore and nearshore/estuarine sampling and observation.

The Center for Marine Science serves as host for: the Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program (CORMP); the Undersea Vehicles Program; an Extension Office for North Carolina Sea Grant; the Marine Mammal Stranding Network; the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve; and UNCW’s Marine Quest Program, an extensive community outreach program for public schools and adult education.

The H. David & Diane Swain Center for Business and Economic Services

(https://uncw.edu/research/centers/swain-center)

The Center for Business and Economic Services in the Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is the business research/extension division in the business school. The center’s staff provides research services as well as technical assistance in regional economic development. In addition, the center creates and administers seminars and other professional education programs to assist individuals and organizations in developing their managerial, technical, and personal capabilities.

The Office of Continuing and Professional Education

Continuing and Professional Education provides a diverse array of non-credit courses and training opportunities for adult learners and organizations. We prioritize high-quality learning experiences tailored to professional development and personal enrichment for individuals, government entities, and local businesses. Our focus lies in reskilling and upskilling the workforce, offering services such as:

For more information, please contact Dr. Mitchell Bloomer, Director of Continuing and Professional Education, via email (UNCWProfessionalEducation@uncw.edu) or telephone at 910-962-2762.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNCW

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNCW is a university-led and member-supported organization that focuses on providing educational and experiential programming for adults aged 50 and older in southeastern North Carolina. OLLI at UNCW aims to connect the older adult and university communities by offering a wide range of non-credit, lifelong learning opportunities.

As one of the 125 institutes founded by the Bernard Osher Foundation, OLLI at UNCW is part of a prestigious network dedicated to serving seasoned learners aged 50 and above. The organization’s programs are designed to promote intellectual growth, personal enrichment, and social interaction among its members.

If you would like more information, please contact Amy Keith, the Director of OLLI at UNCW, via email at keithaw@uncw.edu or by telephone at 910-962-4034.

Distance Education Programs

The Division of Academic Affairs administers the University’s distance education academic programs through the Office of Distance Education and eLearning. The University operates the following graduate degree programs through online delivery.

Graduate Programs

  • DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 
  • Concentration)
  • DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration) (BS-
  • DNP)
  • DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Concentration) (online with on campus intensives)
  • DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice (Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration) (M.S.N. to D.N.P.) 
  • (online with on campus intensives)
  • DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post APRN Concentration) (online with on campus 
  • intensives)
  • Ed.D. Educational Leadership in Community College Leadership (Hybrid)
  • Ed.D. Educational Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction (Hybrid)
  • Ed.D. Educational Leadership in Educational Administration (Hybrid)
  • Ed.D. Educational Leadership in Higher Education (Hybrid)
  • M.A. Conflict Management and Resolution
  • M.A. History for Professional History Educators (online with two Summer Institutes on 
  • campus)
  • M.A. Integrated Marketing Communication
  • M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies (relaunching Fall 2025)
  • M.A. Spanish
  • M.A.T. Art Education Specialization (online with F2F field exp/intern)
  • M.A.T. Elementary Education Specialization
  • M.A.T. Spanish Specialization
  • M.A.T. Teaching English as a Second Language Specialization (K-12)
  • M.A.T. Middle Grades Education Specialization
  • M.A.T. Physical Education and Health Specialization
  • M.B.A. Business Administration, with 12 concentration options: M.B.A. Business Administration: 
  • Executive (online with on campus and international residency), Business Analysis, Cybersecurity, 
  • Entrepreneurship & Business Development, Finance, General Business, Healthcare Management, Human 
  • Resources Management, Information Systems, International Business, Marketing, Supply Chain 
  • Management
  • MBA/MS BAN Business Administration & Business Analytics (Dual Degrees)
  • MBA/MSF Business Administration & Finance & Investment Management (Dual Degrees)
  • M.Ed. Academically and Intellectually Gifted
  • M.Ed. Curriculum Studies for Equity in Education Specialization
  • M.Ed. Elementary Education Specialization
  • M.Ed. Higher Education Specialization
  • M.Ed. Language and Literacy Education Specialization
  • M.Ed. Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy in Early Childhood Specialization
  • M.Ed. Physical Education and Health Specialization
  • M.Ed. Spanish Education Specialization
  • M.Ed. Teaching English as a Second Language Specialization
  • M.H.A. Healthcare Administration
  • M.P.A. Public Administration (Executive)
  • M.S. Business Analytics
  • M.S. Chemistry
  • M.S. Clinical Research and Product Development
  • M.S. Finance & Investment Management
  • M.S. Instructional Technology
  • M.S. Supply Chain Management
  • M.S.A. School Administration (Principal)
  • M.S.N. Nursing (Nurse Educator)

Add-on Licensures

  • Academically and Intellectually Gifted, Add-on Licensure
  • Curriculum & Instruction, Add-on Licensure Elementary Mathematics, Add-on Licensure Reading 
  • Specialist, Add-on Licensure School Administration, Add-on Licensure
  • Teaching English as a Second Language, Add-on Licensure

Certificate Programs

  • Business Foundations, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Clinical Research and Operations, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Clinical Residency in the Secondary Schools, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • College Teaching and Learning, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Community College Leadership, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Community College Teaching in Early Childhood, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Conflict Management and Resolution, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Emergency & Disaster Management, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • eSports Performance, Management, and Leadership, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Evaluation, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Hispanic Studies, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Human Resource Management, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Instructional Technology Specialist, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Multimedia and Web Development, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Nurse Educator, Post Graduate Certificate
  • Online Teaching and Learning, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Science and Medical Writing, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Teaching English as a Second Language, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
  • Teaching English as a Second Language Clinical Residency, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
     

Graduate applications for admission are received at the UNCW Graduate 
School in James Hall, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5955; phone (910) 962-7303, extension 2; or 
online at https://uncw.edu/admissions/graduate/

Information concerning all Distance Education programs and courses may be obtained by contacting 
the Office of Distance Education and eLearning at UNCW, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 
28403-5689; phone (910) 962-2807 or online at the Distance Education website:
https://uncw.edu/myuncw/academics/deel/online-education/.

Global Partnerships and International Education

(https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/support-success/international/global-partnerships)

Michael Wilhelm, associate provost for global partnerships and international education

Global Partnerships and International Education is comprised of three units: Education Abroad, English Language Center, and the Office of International Students & Scholars.

Education Abroad

UNCW offers more than 800 education abroad opportunities in more than 50 countries. UNCW provides opportunities for students to take courses, complete internships, engage in service-learning, and conduct research abroad. Credit earned through international programs may be applied towards a UNCW degree. Financial aid may be used in conjunction with education abroad programs and scholarships are available. Students may select from short-term and summer programs, as well as semester, year-long and two-year dual degree options.

All applications for any credit-bearing program or activities abroad must be made through the Office of Education Abroad. 

UNCW students who study abroad retain their active UNCW student status and will not have to re-enroll upon return.

Eligibility requirements include:

  1. Good disciplinary standing
  2. 2.5+ cumulative grade point average
  3. 18 years of age at time of participation
  4. Any program-specific requirements

Further information is available at https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/support-success/international/education-abroad/

English Language Center

UNCW’s English Language Center offers intensive English courses and cultural programming to help multilingual learners become confident users of English in academic and professional settings. Applicants are required to have a high-beginner level of English proficiency to enter the program. Completion of the advanced level of the ELC program satisfies the minimum English language requirement for undergraduate and graduate programs at UNCW. 

Further information is available at: https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/support-success/international/english-language-center/

Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)

The Office of International Students & Scholars fosters globalization at UNCW by recruiting, admitting, welcoming, advising, supporting, engaging, and advocating for UNCW’s community of international students and scholars. OISS builds partnerships with overseas partners to attract international students to UNCW and fosters relationships with advisers, counselors, agents, and governmental agencies to increase the international student and scholar population on campus.  OISS provides transition support that addresses the unique needs of international students and scholars; ensures institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations for foreign students, visiting scholars, and employees on our visa sponsorship (F, J, H, and LPR); coordinates events and programs that engage international students with the broader community to promote a global culture throughout our campus; and serves the broader campus community in an administrative and advisory capacity.

Further information is available at: https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/support-success/international/students-scholars/

Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)

(https://sbtdc.org/offices/uncw)

The Small Business and Technology Development Center is a business development service of The University of North Carolina system that provides management counseling and education services to small and mid-sized businesses in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties. The SBTDC at UNCW provides services in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, Duplin, Brunswick, Bladen and Columbus counties. The center helps established firms, high-growth companies and start-up businesses meet today’s challenges, manage change, and plan for the future.

Services are well defined and are designed to meet clients’ needs:

  • Management Counseling – The center helps businesses with financing, marketing, human resources, operations, business planning, and feasibility assessment.
  • Management Education Services – The SBTDC also provides targeted, research-based educational products that are focused on change management, strategic performance, and leadership development for management team, employees, and board members.
  • In addition, it offers specialized market development assistance in:
    • government procurement
    • international export financing
    • marine trades services
    • technology development and commercialization.

For those thinking about starting a business, the SBTDC at UNCW offers a Pre-Venture Orientation (PVO) program on a regular basis. This two-hour class offers an excellent overview of the first steps in starting a business, obtaining financing and business planning. There is no fee to attend the program.

For more information, call the SBTDC at UNCW at (910) 962-3744 or visit our Web site at https://sbtdc.org/offices/uncw.