University of North Carolina
Wilmington

Student Research Opportunities

Take part in faculty and student-led studies on and off-campus. Get involved with commercial product development.

There's so much happening at UNCW's CREST Research Park. This state-of-the-art facility has direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, and busy migratory paths for indicator species. Wilmington is a perfect location for studying coastal and marine science.

Research initiatives encompass all colleges within the university. Get involved with the CREST Research Park to study human health, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, food, or biotechnology. Participate in scientific studies to apply your existing knowledge and work with high-tech analysis systems while earning valuable lab experience.

A hallmark of UNCW is its commitment to mentoring undergraduates in research and scholarly activity. The Honors Scholars College supports this commitment in various ways including housing the Center for the Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CSURF) and coordinating the departmental honors projects.

Special Academic Programs

Feed your hunger for adventure with an international summer program.

Have fun while earning credit hours when you join an academic intensive that takes students and professors to exotic destinations. Practice your foreign language skills in South America. Participate in an archeological dig exploring Mayan ruins. Survey the ecology of African rainforests. Visit a university in China.

You could sign up for a semester abroad, or trade places with another student in the U.S. More than 90,000 Seahawks have participated in our domestic exchange programs since 1967. Direct partnerships are available with 500 universities in every part of the world, so you can study anywhere you can imagine.

Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance

With financial aid, grants and scholarships, UNCW will be your oyster.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington supports you from the first day you set foot on campus to the day you walk across the graduation stage. More than 30 percent of our students receive tuition assistance. For in-state residents, financial aid covers up to 40 percent of all attendance costs. Grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study are also available to minimize student's expenses. That's why UNCW students have less debt compared to more than 1,000 of the most affordable public and private universities. Best of all, thirty-nine percent of our students are debt-free when they graduate.

Student Resources

The University Learning Center is a vital part of UNCW students' education. Our academic support services are based on the principle that quality learning takes place when peers work collaboratively to develop knowledge and build skills. The University Learning Center provides students a learning environment and experience that differs from the classroom, focusing on high-quality, individual, small-group and large-group student-centered and student-led learning. We also use a number of programs, like UNCW Seaport, UNCW Canvas, and UNCW Blackboard accounts, to help enhance our students' online learning experiences.

Diversity and Inclusion at UNCW

Diversity creates a strong community and an inclusive environment where varying perspectives can thrive. Seahawks have unique backgrounds and hail from cities far beyond North Carolina. Our goal is to provide community-wide, individual-oriented resources that give all students the ability to forge their own paths to success on and off campus.

The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion cooperates with affinity groups that represent UNCW's students, faculty, and staff members. Meet more than 1,000 students who are part of the Centro Hispano familia. Join the community built by UNCW's LGBTQIA Resource Office. Visit the Upperman African American Cultural Center to access student resources, attend educational events, and influence advocacy programs inspired by Dr. Leroy Upperman, who was a pillar of the Wilmington community for more than 50 years.

• Upperman African American Cultural Center
• Centro Hispano
• LGBTQIA Resource Office

Applying to UNCW

When the admissions committee reviews a first-year application for enrollment, we look carefully at the applicant's academic rigor, coursework, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal attributes.

Our staff takes pride in getting to know you as more than an applicant both inside and outside of the classroom. Because UNCW students do not declare their major course of study until their sophomore year, first-year applicants are not selected based on the major that they choose. Many of our incoming freshmen fall within the following ranges:

• Middle 50% GPA: 3.91-4.48 (weighted)
• Middle 50% ACT composite: 23-27
• Middle 50% SAT: 1190-1290
• Most enrolling freshmen are in the top 20 percent of their graduating class.

UNCW seeks students who are academically curious, excited to be in the classroom, and willing to fully immerse themselves in our community of scholars. We embrace a community of well-rounded students who will bring their many talents and interests to our campus. Seahawks are the leaders of tomorrow. Seahawks shape their futures on our campus today so they can become the leaders of tomorrow.

Transferring to UNCW

UNCW uses a holistic approach to review transfer students' applications and will consider several aspects of an application before making admission decisions.

In order to be competitive for admission, applicants are recommended to have at least:

• Met high school minimum requirements if under the age of 21
• 24 hours of college-level coursework (12 should be complete, the remaining 12 can be in progress)
• A cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale on all transferable work attempted from all institutions attended**
• Eligibility to return to the last institution attended

Applicants with the following courses completed or in progress have a higher likelihood of gaining admission:

• 3 hours of college-level math
• 6 hours of college-level English

Students who wish to see if their credits from another school will transfer to UNCW should visit the Transfer Equivalency Tool for more information.

Real-World Applied Learning Projects

When you do more, you learn more. Gain knowledge, expertise, and confidence.

College should give students the skills needed to excel throughout their personal and professional lives. Applied learning exemplifies this. It takes education out of the classroom and into the places where knowledge makes a difference. Each student in the College of Arts and Sciences completes a project that showcases his or her abilities. Other academic divisions have similar requirements that challenge undergraduates to do their best work.

For example, our students have researched potential antibiotics produced by marine actinobacteria and their relationship between genes and ocular proteins. Many impressive senior projects have started with freshman volunteer opportunities or sophomore internships. These learning opportunities are the beginning of great things. They give students a chance to apply existing skills and acquire new technical knowledge.

Where Will Applied Learning
Take You?

Your project is whatever you want it to be. See what UNCW graduates have accomplished.

Students assist with clinical trials, medical imaging, and teaching. They study the effects of earthquakes on sea levels, and they measure coastal erosion in Hawaii. Social work undergraduates help nonprofits in the Wilmington area while learning more about human services. Applied learning enhances the college experience, advances research, and promotes community involvement. With applied learning, students take their knowledge from the classroom and use it to investigate important global problems.

Seahawks at UNCW

UNCW is diverse. Our global student body affects what we do and how we think.

It broadens our horizons and opens our minds. The university welcomes students from 42 states and more than 40 countries. It doesn't matter where you're from or who you are; you will fit in with the rest of the flock. Come meet Sammy the Seahawk and let current students who will show you the campus. At UNC Wilmington, you can be yourself or discover who you want to be. Spread your wings and let your imagination take flight. Are you ready to become a Seahawk?

UNCWelcome

Attending the Involvement Carnival is a great way to make friends at the beginning of the year.

The Involvement Carnival is one of the most exciting things on the UNCW calendar of events. The fair enables our students to investigate the possibilities available to them on our campus and in the greater Wilmington community. Student organizations, UNCW departments, religious organizations (generally local places of worship), community service agencies, and businesses all participate in this popular annual event.

Our Involvement Carnival grows and covers more space on campus every year. Most student organizations rely on the Involvement Carnival as a recruitment opportunity since many students passing by the tables often sign up to receive more information about a group that interests them. Freebies, such as pizza, ice cream, baked goods, candy, coupons, pens, flying discs, cups and more are everywhere!

Academics and Campus Life

• The University of North Carolina Wilmington is one of 17 institutions in the state's university system.
• Our campus covers 640 acres. We're 5 miles from Downtown Wilmington and 6 miles from Wrightsville Beach.
• UNCW is a mid-sized school with 16,500 students. Ninety-four percent of freshmen and thirty percent of undergraduates live in UNCW housing.
• We've received dozens of top ratings for our academics and affordable tuition.
• There are five colleges on campus: the College of Arts and Sciences, Cameron School of Business, Watson School of Education, College of Health and Human Services and Graduate School.
• There are 49 UNCW majors to choose from, along with 42 graduate programs.

Students and Campus Activities

• The Seahawks have 19 NCAA Division I varsity sports teams., including UNCW baseball, UNCW basketball, UNCW softball, UNCW soccer, and UNCW volleyball.
• There are 30 Greek organizations and more than 270 clubs on campus.
• UNCW is diverse. Students hail from 42 states and more than 40 countries.
• Our favorite color is teal, but we're also partial to navy and gold.

Schedule a campus tour so that you can see the surroundings and discover your personal motivation for studying at UNCW. Get to know our school and your potential peers.

Getting To Know Wilmington

Explore historic Downtown Wilmington, NC, which is famous for its cobblestone streets, moss-covered oaks, and Southern charm.

The heart of the city is just 5 miles west of campus. Wrightsville Beach, one of the best beaches on the East Coast, is just a few miles to the east. The Intracoastal Waterway separates these barrier islands from the mainland. Click here for an interactive map of Wilmington, NC!

Around Campus

If you look at the UNCW campus map, you'll see that the main campus covers more than 640 acres. New construction and frequent renovations keep the campus up to date. Hit the UNCW bookstore or check out the UNCW library's wide selection of books and research materials. Hoggard Hall is one of the oldest and most recognizable buildings on campus. Built in 2000 and expanded in 2013, the UNCW rec center includes three outdoor facilities. For UNCW basketball games and special events like freshman convocation, students flock to Trask Coliseum, which accommodates 5,200 spectators.

Generous endowments from UNCW alumni Herbert and Sylvia Fisher support the university union and student center. These donations also fund activities and resources. When you get your mail at the Fisher University Union, you can grab a bite to eat or visit the Lumina Theater next door to watch a new film. Shuttles will take you anywhere on campus or you can schedule a student-led tour to explore the rest of UNCW.

Student Safety at UNCW

Here are a few of the things that we do every day to keep our students safe:

• Approximately 100 emergency call boxes are strategically located across campus.
• UNCW employs full-time police officers who patrol the campus and respond to calls 24 hours a day.
• Crime prevention and security initiatives protect students and visitors.
• For pedestrian safety, a 25 mph speed limit is enforced throughout the campus.
• The UNCW dorms and campus are 100% smoke-free.
• No pets are allowed in the residence halls for health and safety.
• UNCW has a zero-tolerance policy against violence and harassment.
• Student conduct rules encourage personal responsibility.
• Violations of the student code are addressed during administrative hearings.
• The university encourages diversity, acceptance and inclusiveness. It prohibits all forms of discrimination.

Campus Alerts

UNCW is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment where students can learn, live and work.

Designated as a Disaster-Resistant University, UNCW promotes a safe environment on campus through education, response, and well-practiced plans for a variety of emergencies.

UNCW Alert includes multiple communication tools that the university may deploy during an emergency. Information is conveyed to the campus community through the university homepage, emails, text messages, phone calls, social media and other messaging from the university.

The UNCW campus is completely self-contained, meaning no portions of the city, including city roads, permeate the campus perimeter. A pedestrian-first culture is encouraged through the use of pedestrian corridors, including traditional sidewalks, multi-use paths, meandering trails, and greenways.

See How We Did

• UNCW was a "best college value" school for 2017 according to Kiplinger.
• The Cameron School of Business was featured in The Princeton Review's 2016 edition of "The Best 295 Business Schools."
• According to The Princeton Review's regional rankings, UNCW was one of the best schools in the Southeast for 2017.
• U.S. News & World Report named UNCW the sixth best public university in the South for 2017.
• UNCW was listed as one of the top 50 public colleges based on affordability, beauty, and academics by Consumers Digest.
• Based on cost, prestige, selectivity and 16 other factors, UNCW was listed as a top 50 college in national rankings published by The Business Journal.
• The Watson College of Education was featured as one of the 20 best schools for elementary and special education according to Teacher.org.
• In 2015, Watson College of Education was named one of the top five "best value" schools by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

UNCW's graduate school is known for its affordable Master of Social Work programs, student retention, and outstanding online courses. Numerous publications have listed UNCW as a top military-friendly school for advanced education. UNCW is the sixth best school for international studies. Each year, nearly 900 students participate in the UNCW study abroad program. We're also one of the best colleges in the nation for surfers according to SmartClass. The list goes on, but you're probably ready to learn more about the exciting on-campus activities and events. We're ready to tell you about them.

• UNCW Designated a ‘Military Friendly’ School
• Online Programs at UNCW Earn Recognition - Ranked 76th on U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 List of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• UNCW Ranked 2nd Among Public Universities and 34th Overall on a List of Best Value Colleges 2017
• StartClass Ranks UNCW #13 Among Nation’s Best Colleges for Surfers
• UNCW Ranks 6th Among Peer Institutions in Students Studying Abroad by Open Doors®
• UNCW’s Watson College of Education Ranked 53rd in Nation for Best Online Master’s in Education Program

Our Flock of Seahawks

No matter what excites you, there's another Seahawk who shares your fascination.

With more than 250 student organizations, it's easy to make a fast friend for life. Our flock is known for creating and embracing traditions. At any of our Seahawk events, you can meet and befriend someone with whom you have nothing in common just by trying something new. Jump into a volleyball game during Beach Blast or fling some mud at an Oozeball match. Make the Trek to Trask at Convocation, chill at the Fisher Student Center, or enjoy some world-class cuisine at the UNCW dining hall.

Sports Tournaments and Creative Clubs

Express yourself and your love for the game at an intramural scrimmage or a heart-pounding Seahawks match against the league's top contenders

If you have school spirit to burn, cheer for your fellow Seahawks at one of the legendary UNCW men's basketball or UNCW women's basketball games. If you just want to play, as Seahawks frequently do, we've got you covered with over 50 clubs and intramural teams, including such favorites as rugby, ice hockey, crew and golf.

The opportunities don't end there. Direct your own film. Learn to shoot a bow and arrow like a modern William Tell. Dive beneath the waves or sail over the breakers. Program a new app or write a pilot for a TV series. Create and debate a new U.S. Constitution. Get some sand between your toes. We'll be right there with you. As one student put it: If you're watching TV, you're missing something great at UNCW.

International Study Opportunities

Do what you love, and love what you do.

Intern at a marketing firm in Australia. Learn Mandarin and earn sociology credits in China. Study art or philosophy in Florence or Paris. The Office of International Programs provides information on more than 500 universities in 50-plus countries. You can even get your passport right on campus. Here are some of the benefits you'll derive from studying abroad.

• Increased foreign language skills, and fluency
• A global perspective on your major/minor areas of study
• A competitive edge in the global workforce
• First-hand experiences with diverse cultures, people, and places
• Leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Cultural awareness, appreciation, and engagement
• Cross-disciplinary perspectives
• Relevant experience and marketability
• An international network of peers and colleagues
• Recognition of cultural biases
• Heightened appreciation of your own culture
• Confidence, resourcefulness, and resilience when dealing with dynamic situations that arise during international travel and cultural exchanges

Where Will You Go?

You can study abroad for a full semester in fall or winter or for a shorter period during the summer.

Either way, you will find that the things you do, the places you go and the people you meet will have a lasting effect on your life. UNCW offers over 800 programs of international study.

Internships with Leading Employers

Internships focus on learning and giving students the opportunity to apply the knowledge that they have acquired through their coursework while gaining marketable skills through hands-on experience.

More than 275 employers provided internships to Cameron School of Business students this past spring, including Barclays Capital, General Electric, Morgan Stanley, IBM, KPMG and Merrill Lynch. Kick off the school year with UNCW's Career Success Week. Meet employers at Network Night or visit the annual Career Fair to apply for on and off-campus jobs or gain experience as an intern. The UNCW Career Center hosts events throughout the year that helps students find exciting opportunities in a variety of industries from healthcare to technology.

We have a robust resume-building program where students gain pre-professional experience at such diverse places as CNN and MTV and the National Institutes of Health. Environmental science students complete 100 internships per year at sites like the North Carolina Aquarium, Coastal Land Trust, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA.

Wilmington is an established and thriving film community, home to EUE Screen Gems Studios, the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, the nonprofit documentary organization Working Films, multiple production companies, and the acclaimed Cucalorus Film Festival. Students have the opportunity to work with international filmmakers and independent creators through internships and part-time jobs.

UNCW SeaWork

SeaWork is UNCW's online resume and job posting system.

It's a way for students and alumni to interact with employers for internships as well as full-time and part-time jobs. Be sure to keep your profile and resume updated. Employers review posted resumes when they search for new talent. You can access Career Shift and Internships.com as well.

Fitness Equipment and Programs

Head over to the weight room for a set of burnouts, or sign up for a motivating group fitness class or cycling session led by nationally certified trainers.

• The Fitness Center is home to over 10,000 square feet of strength training equipment, including selectorized, plate loaded and free weights as well as Olympic lifting platforms. You can track your cardio workouts on the selection of 114 machines anywhere with the Preva app on your cell phone. You can watch TV, surf the web or meet and interact with others while you're training.
• The Aquatics Facility has an eight-lane, 25-yard multi-functional indoor pool that offers a wide variety of aquatic exercise and recreational activities. The outdoor pool is open from April to September. This leisure pool, which was designed in the shape of a Seahawk, is equipped with built-in benches and bubble jets. The patio deck and pool are great for lounging, a fast dip between classes or a game of water basketball. You can also reserve kickboards, pull buoys and life jackets.
• The Harris Teeter Functional Training Area is designed to develop your body through daily lifestyle activities with state-of-the-art Freemotion, LifeFitness Synergy, TRX, ViPR equipment as well as a selection of free weights. Small group training classes are also held here.

Sports and Activities

There's something for every Seahawk at the SRC.

• Group exercise studios
• Fitness assessment center
• Multipurpose courts
• Multipurpose gymnasium
• Climbing wall
• Racquetball courts
• Table tennis and lounge
• Locker room
• Indoor walking/jogging track
• Challenge course
• Recreation fields

Athletics

UNCW attracts top coaches and student-athletes in all popular sports. Which team would you like to join?

Clubs and intramural sports

Seahawks tend to be health-conscious and fitness-minded. They're always up for a run on the beach, a hike on the trails beside the campus or a workout session in the fitness center. There are over 50 club and intramural sports, including the following and more. If you can't find an athletic club that appeals to you, you haven't looked at all the opportunities.

Activities on Campus

Our pedestrian-friendly campus has walking and biking paths, and nearly every building has racks for skateboards and bicycles.

Between classes or when the day is done, you can flash over to Wrightsville Beach via the 15-mile bicycle and pedestrian network that borders campus called the Cross-City Trail. Between classes, you might choose to bask in a hammock to study, read, write or take a quick nap. Sunscreen is essential.

Things to Do Around Town

Wilmington's Riverfront was voted the Best American Riverfront by readers of USA Today during the 10 Best Readers' Choice contest in 2014. While you're there, you can tour the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial or take a leisurely stroll down the scenic, nearly two-mile long Riverwalk.

Off campus, you'll find that the downtown area offers unique shopping and dining options as well as an art walk and gallery crawl. There are ghost tours, trolley rides and horse-drawn carriages. In the spring and summer, check out the Downtown Sundown Concert Series, North Carolina Azalea Festival, Riverfest and morning farmers market.

The UNCW Homecoming Celebration

Homecoming is a special time of year at UNCW. Seahawks past and present gather for the annual celebration. It is a celebration for alumni of all ages and backgrounds to return to the beautiful city of Wilmington to support their Seahawks and show their Seahawk pride. Alumni, friends, fans and families from all over the world paint the town during the festival. They celebrate with reunions, the TEALgate pregame party, and performances. It is a great opportunity for alumni to reconnect, inspire the next generation of Seahawks and cheer on UNCW athletics. Don't miss the crowning of this year's homecoming king and queen.

School Spirit at TEALgate

During our famous celebration, we honor old traditions and make new memories. Join the fun under the big tent on beautiful Hoggard Lawn and leave your stamp on the next TEALgate with fellow Seahawk alumni.

Signature events include an Alumni Champagne Brunch, a Student Affairs reunion and the African-American Graduate Association Luncheon. Over the weekend, the UNCW Alumni Association will also recognize three distinguished individuals for outstanding professional achievements and personal commitments to community engagement.

Student events are held throughout the week, including "Dub Idol" and a late-night breakfast. Many events require registration and tickets, but most activities are free and open to all.

Happenings in Wilmington

Whether you call it Hollywood East or Wilmywood, our city has a great reputation in the entertainment industry

Why should you go to Hollywood when you have UNCW? You can start your college and film careers in Wilmington. Hundreds and hundreds of movies, hit TV shows, music videos, and commercials have been filmed in the area. The city's rise to film stardom began in the 1980s and, since then, many blockbusters have been filmed here. Wilmington is home to the popular indie film festival Cucalorus and has some of the largest film lots and soundstages east of L.A.

Exploring the Area's Waterways

If there is a sport or hobby that involves water, you can do it near Wilmington.

This part of the coast is a haven for surfing, paddleboarding, and outdoor recreation. Boat rentals are available along the Cape Fear River. UNCW is close to several great beaches. Nearby Kure Beach has the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast. Plenty of shopping centers and attractions are within 15 miles of campus.

Getting Around

Wilmington has easy access to Interstates 40 and 95 for travel in all directions.

Major transportation routes will take you to nearby Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte. The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is about 15 minutes from campus. Students can get daily nonstop flights to Charlotte, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York. These hubs offer convenient connections to many domestic and international destinations.

If you want to explore the campus, the city, or the beach, UNCW shuttles will take you anywhere you want to go. We're sure that you'll love your new home in Wilmington!

Getting Outdoors

With the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, and Intracoastal Waterway nearby, there are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors while learning more about marine life.

Paddle to Masonboro Island, an undeveloped nature preserve that's home to marshes, tidal flats, and lowlands. Aquatic invertebrates and more than 200 shorebirds occupy varied coastal habitats. The greater Wilmington area has ample opportunities for recreation and coastal research. Study whelks or document the nesting habits of loggerhead and green sea turtles.

Beaches and Recreation

After class, ditch your laptop and books, and head for the beach.

Try your hand at surfing, sailing, or kayaking. At UNCW's paddleboarding club, you can make friends while trying something new. Wrightsville Beach is just a few miles from campus and the university hosts events like Beach Blast there. Make sure to stop by Kure Beach and Carolina Beach too for more fun in the summer and throughout the year. Seahawks are meant to be near the coast. They love the crystal blue waters and golden beaches. Did you know that UNCW's logo was inspired by this coastal color scheme?

A Wealth of History

Cotton and tobacco were traded for munitions, foodstuffs, and clothing in the Civil War era when Wilmington became the main entry point for the Confederate States after the fall of Norfolk in 1862. It was finally captured by Union forces in 1865 after the defeat of Fort Fisher.

During World War II, shipbuilding became prominent and the city's strong ties with the sea continue with the growing international Port of Wilmington. It became one of the fastest developing U.S. cities in the 1990s after Interstate 40 was completed. This helped to spur tourism and the establishment of manufacturing facilities owned by corporations like General Electric and Corning.

Modern-Day Wilmington

Currently, the population is around 117,000. The city gets rave reviews as one of the best places to live in the state of North Carolina.

Many TV shows are filmed in Wilmington and at EUE/Screen Gems Studios, and over 180 movies have been shot in the area.

Tourists and Seahawks flock to Riverfest, the historic preservation district, the Azalea Festival, and the many lush golf courses. Wrightsville Beach is also popular for surfing, sailing, and sunbathing as well as tasty seafood.

UNCW students get to enjoy the city, the campus, and the natural beauty of the area. Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first European to explore the area in 1524, said that it was "as pleasant and delectable to behold as is possible to imagine." Nearly 500 years later, it still is.