Eastern: Adapting the Liberal Arts to a Dynamic World

Eastern Connecticut State University stands as Connecticut’s only public liberal arts university, combining the quality and atmosphere of a private college with the access and affordability of a public institution. Serving nearly 4,000 students annually at its picturesque Willimantic campus, the University provides a dynamic and broad-based education for today’s rapidly changing world and workforce.

Eastern offers 41 majors and 68 minors that are united by a strong liberal arts foundation and grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. All students, whether majoring in an art, science or humanities discipline, graduate with highly sought-after skills, including the University’s five target learning outcomes: critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, creativity and quantitative literacy.

Eastern’s academic offerings continue to evolve with the changing economy. The new bachelor’s degree in nursing is designed to alleviate Connecticut’s nursing shortage. Bolstered by a groundbreaking partnership with Hartford HealthCare, nursing students will have access to a soon-to-be-built simulation lab at Windham Hospital. Eastern’s graduate school offerings have recently expanded with online master’s programs in accounting, management and data science, making them more accessible to working adults.

Supplementing Eastern’s educational philosophy are a variety of high-impact, hands-on learning experiences. Students engage in internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, fieldwork, service learning and more, providing them with opportunities to build their skills in real-world settings.

Whether it’s student-teaching in a local school, interning at the state Capitol or building houses with Habitat for Humanity, Eastern students put their education to work outside of the classroom.

Eastern’s residential campus prides itself on fostering a tight-knit community where students develop close relationships with professors, peers and university personnel. The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 with an average class size of 22 students. The campus is big enough to offer a multitude of academic, social and cultural opportunities, but not so big that students get lost in the crowd.

Eastern is not just a place to study; it’s a place to live and grow. Most undergraduate students, including 84 percent of first-year students, reside on campus. There are nearly 100 student organizations, with support services ranging from academic tutoring to mental health counseling. The Student Center serves as the hub of campus life, hosting hundreds of events annually and housing a fitness center, food court, theater, cultural centers and other resources.

Other top-notch facilities include the 174,000-square-foot Science Building, which features state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. The Fine Arts Instructional Center, spanning 118,000 square feet, features three performance venues, an art gallery, private music rooms, art studios and more.

Among its many accolades, Eastern is consistently ranked among the top public regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Eastern has been recognized as a “Green Campus” by the Princeton Review 14 years in a row due to its many sustainability initiatives.

At Eastern Connecticut State University, students receive more than just an education; they embark on a journey of personal and professional growth. The University's blend of a strong liberal arts foundation, practical learning experiences and a vibrant residential community makes it a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and impactful college experience. Discover what makes Eastern a special place to study, live and thrive by visiting easternct.edu