East Carolina University College of Human Ecology


The College of Human Ecology at East Carolina University, United States, has the mission to educate professionals who enhance the well being of people and communities. CHE was formed in July 2003, when it combined The School of Human Environmental Sciences and the former Carolyn Freeze Baynes School of Social Work and Criminal Justice Studies. The four Departments in The College of Human Ecology, The Department of Child Development and Family Relations, Department of Criminal Justice, Department of Interior Design and Merchandising, Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, and School of Social Work.

Department of Child Development and Family Relations

The Department of Child Development and Family Relations offers the only academic child life program in North Carolina and developed the first medical family therapy doctoral program in the nation.

Department of Criminal Justice

The Department of Criminal Justice developed the first certificate program in forensic science in North Carolina and sponsors a summer comparative studies program based in Europe.

Department of Interior Design and Merchandising

The Department of Interior Design and Merchandising offers a bachelor's degree in merchandising with apparel or an interior concentration. Only four other universities in the country offer merchandising programs with concentrations in both areas.

Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management

The Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management has the largest hospitality management program in North Carolina, as well as the first internet-based master's degree in nutrition in the state.

School of Social Work

The School of Social Work has established a satellite network of master’s-level classes taught off campus in for eastern North Carolina cities. The bachelor’s and master’s programs offer field experiences.