Online vs. Executive Residency Graduate Programs at NC Wesleyan
Choose the Graduate Experience That Fits Your Goals
At North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), graduate students can choose from two flexible pathways designed to meet different academic, professional, and lifestyle needs: 100% Online Graduate Programs and Executive Residency Graduate Programs. Both options provide a high-quality master’s degree experience with dedicated faculty support, affordable tuition, and career-focused curriculum. The difference in Online vs Executive Residency is how you learn and engage with your program.
Whether you’re a working professional seeking maximum flexibility or a student looking for a blended learning experience that includes face-to-face interaction, NCWU offers a pathway designed for your success.
NCWU offers the following Executive Residency Graduate Programs:
Why Graduate Students Choose NC Wesleyan
NCWU’s graduate programs are designed to help students advance their careers while receiving personalized support from experienced faculty. Students benefit from:
Online vs Executive Residency Graduate Programs: Quick Comparison
Which Option Is Right for You?
Feature |
Online Graduate Programs |
Executive Residency Programs |
Learning Format |
100% Online | Hybrid (Online + In-Person Residencies) |
Best For |
Working professionals seeking flexibility | Students seeking a blended learning experience |
Campus Attendance |
No required campus visits | Required residency weekends each semester |
Schedule Flexibility |
Maximum flexibility | Structured schedule with online coursework and residency weekends |
Faculty Interaction |
Online engagement | Online learning plus in-person faculty interaction |
Networking Opportunities |
Virtual networking | Enhanced networking through residency experiences |
Duration |
Many programs completed in 12-18 months | Approximately 19-20 months |
Available Programs |
MBA, MSCJ, MPH, MSSL, HPSS, MSITM and others | MBA, MSITM, MSSL |
Internship Component |
Program dependent | Required Applied Learning Internship each semester |
F-1 Visa Eligibility |
Varies by program | Designed to support qualified F-1 international students |
Program requirements and timelines may vary by degree program
What Are NCWU Online Graduate Programs?
NCWU’s online graduate programs are designed for students who need a flexible, convenient way to earn a master’s degree while balancing work, family, and personal commitments. Students complete coursework online and can study from anywhere while maintaining access to faculty, advisors, and academic support services.
Benefits of Online Graduate Programs
- 100% online coursework
- Flexible learning from virtually anywhere
- Ideal for working adults and career changers
- Accelerated course formats
- Dedicated faculty and advisor support
- Affordable tuition
- No required residency weekends
- Balance work, life, and education on your schedule
Who Should Choose an Online Graduate Program?
An online graduate program may be the best fit if you:
- Work full-time and need maximum flexibility
- Frequently travel for work
- Prefer self-paced learning within course deadlines
- Live outside commuting distance from campus
- Want to complete your degree entirely online
- Need a schedule that accommodates family and professional responsibilities
What Is the Executive Residency Program?
The Executive Residency Program combines the convenience of online coursework with the value of face-to-face learning experiences. Students complete most coursework online while attending concentrated residency weekends on NCWU’s campus each semester. This blended format creates opportunities for collaboration, networking, professional development, and hands-on learning.
Benefits of Executive Residency Programs
- Blended online and in-person learning
- One concentrated residency weekend each semester
- Direct engagement with faculty and peers
- Strong professional networking opportunities
- Real-world applied learning experiences
- Required internship experiences each term
- Designed for domestic and international students
- F-1 visa qualified program opportunities for eligible students
Current Executive Residency Programs
Who Should Choose an Executive Residency Program?
An Executive Residency Program may be right for you if you:
- Value in-person learning experiences
- Want stronger face-to-face networking opportunities
- Learn best through collaboration and discussion
- Want to connect directly with faculty, classmates, and industry professionals
- Are an international student seeking a program that includes residency components
- Want practical internship experiences integrated into your degree program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an online graduate program and an Executive Residency Program?
The primary difference is the learning format. Online programs are completed entirely online, while Executive Residency Programs combine online coursework with required in-person residency weekends on campus.
Can I work full-time while enrolled?
Yes. Both pathways are designed to accommodate working professionals. Many students continue full-time employment while earning their degree.
Are Executive Residency Programs mostly online?
Yes. Most coursework is completed online, with students attending scheduled residency weekends on campus each semester.
How many residency weekends are required?
The standard Executive Residency pathway typically includes five residency weekends throughout the program, depending on the degree selected.
What is the Tuition & Cost of Grad programs?
NC Wesleyan’s graduate tuition rates are extremely competitive compared to other graduate schools in the U.S. Learn more about tuition costs per credit hour here.
Our Executive Residency programs are the same per credit hour, however the amount of credit hours needed for this program are different than normal online only program.
Which graduate programs are available online?
NCWU offers multiple online master’s programs, including Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Strategic Leadership, Public Health, and Information Technology Management.
Are Executive Residency Programs available for international students?
Yes. NCWU’s Executive Residency model is designed to support eligible international students and includes a residency component that aligns with program requirements. Executive Graduate Programs are a great solution for international students with an F1 Visa and includes internship courses that fulfills CPT requirements.
Things to remember:
- CPT is a required academic component
- Students complete practicum/internship courses tied to work experience
- CPT authorization may allow Full-time, part-time work, or internship/volunteer work
- Depending on academic approval and course requirements
- You can keep your current job if it’s directly related to your field of study AND it is approved as part of your CPT/practicum course
Do Executive Residency students complete internships?
Yes. Students in Executive Residency programs complete an Applied Learning Internship each term, connecting classroom learning with real-world professional experiences.
Which option is best for networking and professional connections?
Executive Residency Programs provide additional in-person networking opportunities through residency weekends, while online programs offer virtual collaboration and professional engagement.
How long does it take to complete a master's degree?
Many online graduate programs can be completed in as little as 12-18 months, while Executive Residency programs are typically completed in approximately 19-20 months.
How do I decide which graduate pathway is right for me?
If flexibility and convenience are your top priorities, an online graduate program may be the best choice. If you prefer a blended experience that combines online learning with in-person interaction and networking opportunities, an Executive Residency Program may be a better fit.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you choose a fully online master’s degree or an Executive Residency Program, NC Wesleyan University offers a graduate education designed around your goals, schedule, and career aspirations.
