NSU’s School of Education Offers Two Degree

Programs in Martinsville, Virginia

 

Norfolk, Va.—Norfolk State University’s School of Education will offer two, four-year degree programs to residents in the Martinsville, Va. area. Starting in January, NSU will offer a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education (non-licensure) and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with licensure in pre-kindergarten-3^rd grades (PK-3). The bachelor of arts degree in PK-3 has an optional add-on endorsement for three- and four-year olds.

At this time, Norfolk State is the first and only Virginia institution offering a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with licensure PK-3 that includes the three- and four-year old add-on endorsement.

The degree programs will be available through the New College Institute in Martinsville. NCI is a state-funded entity that provides access to bachelor's degree completion programs, master's degrees, teacher endorsement programs, teacher recertification courses, and more through partnerships with colleges and universities. “We’re excited about the program,” said Barry Dorsey, Ed.D., NCI executive director. “We see that it has great potential here in this area.”

Through this initiative, NSU is meeting Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s Early Childhood Initiatives that call for an expansion of Pre-K programs by providing highly qualified teachers and more early childhood education sites. The non-licensure degree program also meets the federal Head Start mandate, which requires Head Start teachers to obtain a bachelor’s degree in an effort to provide preschoolers with high-quality instruction. The licensure degree program meets the No Child Left Behind mandate, which requires teachers to be highly qualified.

Students who enter the degree programs will receive their instruction on the campus of NCI and via videoconferencing with Norfolk State and its faculty. They must meet all admissions standards set by NSU. Candidates for both degrees must complete a minimum of 50 hours of general education requirements before entering the programs. Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours from Patrick Henry Community College or Danville Community College. At successful completion of the degree programs, students will receive their degrees from Norfolk State.

Candidates for the PK-3 degree who go onto obtain licensure for three- and four-year olds can teach that age group in a public school setting. This additional endorsement provides nine hours towards a master’s degree.

“We’re providing a unique opportunity for students to get a four-year degree that they otherwise may not have,” said Arletha McSwain, Ph.D., NSU Early Childhood and Elementary Education department chair. “It goes back to Norfolk State’s mission of meeting the diverse needs of the community.”

For more information about Norfolk State University’s School of Education teacher education programs, visit www.nsu.edu or call 757-823-8701.