Programs

School of Education

Dr. Denelle Wallace, Dean The School of Education offers several programs designed for students interested in an advanced degree in education. Nine programs are available in pre-elementary education including options for Pre K-6 certification and K-12 Special Education programs. Our Urban Education program offers four programs in school counseling, community counseling, principal preparation, and initial teacher certification in a subject content area. Browse our options below.

• M. A. in Special Education Adapted Curriculum K-12

  Kianga R. Thomas, Ed.D.
  krthomas@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-9583

  Students seeking credentials to teach individuals in the adapted curriculum program may earn a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education Adapted Curriculum K-12. Admission requirements consistent with those of the Graduate Council of Norfolk State University and the admissions committee of the Department. Methods courses require 20-hour observation-participation field experiences. Students must have passing scores on PRAXIS I (or equivalent) before taking more than nine credit hours. Students must pass the VRA and VCLA to be approved for student teaching. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

• M. A. in Special Education General Curriculum K-12

  Kianga R. Thomas, Ed.D.
  krthomas@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-9583

  Students seeking credentials to teach individuals in the special education general curriculum (mild disabilities) program may earn a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education General Curriculum K-12. Admission requirements are consistent with those of the Graduate Council of Norfolk State University and the admissions committee of the Department. Methods courses require 20-hour observation-participation field experiences. Students must have passing scores on PRAXIS I (or equivalent) before taking more than nine credit hours. Students must pass the VRA/RVE and VCLA to be approved for student teaching. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

• M. A. in Special Education General Curriculum (Non-teaching)

  Kianga R. Thomas, Ed.D.
  krthomas@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-9583

  Students from any discipline who wish to increase their competence in serving persons in special education programs may earn a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education. Admission requirements are consistent with those of the Graduate Council of Norfolk State University and the admissions committee of the Department. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

• M. A. in Special Education Rehabilitation Counseling

  Kianga R. Thomas, Ed.D.
  krthomas@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-9583

  Students may earn a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education which documents preparedness to work as a rehabilitation counselor. Admission requirements are consistent with those of the Graduate Council of Norfolk State University and the admissions committee of the Department. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

• Master of Arts in Urban Education

  Angel Dowden, Ph.D.
  Department Chair
  amdowden@nsu.edu
  757-823-2926

  The following sequences are offered in the Master of Arts in Urban Education degree program.

  Community Counseling (Offered at Norfolk Naval Base)

  Dr. Keesha Kerns, Program Coordinator
  kmkerns@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-8036 or (757) 489-8516
  
  This is an accelerated sequence designed for students interested in community counseling and family service agencies. Teacher certification is not required, applicable or available. Refer to the Graduate School for application deadlines for fall, spring and summer admissions. This is a 60 credit program that prepares students to become eligible for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification in Virginia and the National Counseling Certification (NCC).

  School Counseling PreK-12

  Dr. Keesha Kerns, Program Coordinator
  kmkerns@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-8036 or (757) 489-8516
  
  This sequence is designed for applicants wishing to become school counselors (not agency-based counselors) in Pre-Kindergarten through grade twelve. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall and spring terms.

  Principal Preparation Program (Accelerate Online Program)

  Dr. Denelle Wallace, Program Coordinator
  dlwallace@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-8590
  
  The Administration and Supervision PreK-12 sequence is a fully online accelerated program geared toward teachers wishing to become an administrator in PreK-12 settings.  This program can be completed in as few as 16 months. Teachers must have at least three years of full-time teaching and a full not provisional teaching license. Applicants must provide a copy of their Teacher’s License when applying as well as three performance evaluations. Forms are available through the Graduate School or the Department of Secondary Education and School Leadership. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall and spring terms.

  Subject Area Concentration

  Dr. Cynthia Nicholson, Program Coordinator
  csnicholson@nsu.edu
  757-823-2325
  
  This program is desgined for teachers pursuiing their master's degree as well as interested in re-certification in their content area.  Students interested in Math and English can apply for the accelerated online program.  This program can be completed in as few as 12 months.  Applicants must submit a copy of their teaching license as well as complete the Certification of Preliminary Endorsement form in the application portal. 

Online Degrees in Education

The School of Education offers several online degrees designed for traditional graduate students and for the busy professional. Four of the degree programs: Special Education General Curriculum K-12, Urban Education Advanced Teacher Preparation programs in English and Mathematics, as well as our Principal Preparation program are offered as accelerated online programs that can be completed in as few as 12 - 18 months at a reduced cost in tuition. More information can be found at https://online.nsu.edu/degrees/education/

• Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education PreK-6

  Kianga R. Thomas, Ed.D.
  krthomas@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-9583

  The Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education PreK-6 program is available to persons who have a baccalaureate degree in the arts and sciences (or equivalent) and who wish to receive a teaching license in Elementary Education. Methods courses require 20-hour observation-participation field experiences. Students are allowed to enroll in 9 hours before submitting passing scores on PRAXIS I or equivalent. Students must pass the PRAXIS II, VRA, and VCLA to be approved for student teaching. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

• Master of Arts in Special Education General Curriculum K-12

  Dr. Kianga Thomas (I)
  Department Head
  (757) 823-2700

  The Early Childhood/Elementary and Special Education Department (EESE) provides undergraduate and graduate programs for students seeking preparation to work with young children in the community, agencies, and preK-12 school settings. The goal of the teacher education programs is to prepare competent, compassionate, collaborative, and committed leaders. - Learn more

• Master of Arts in Urban Education English

  Dr. Cynthia Nicholson
  csnicholson@nsu.edu

  The Department of Secondary Education and School Leadership offers multi-dimensional Urban Education degree programs and teacher education to assist in-service and pre-service school practitioners interested in acquiring state-endorsements and enhancing their professional development. - Learn more

   

• Master of Arts in Urban Education Mathematics

  Dr. Cynthia Nicholson
  csnicholson@nsu.edu

  The Department of Secondary Education and School Leadership offers multi-dimensional Urban Education degree programs and teacher education to assist in-service and pre-service school practitioners interested in acquiring state-endorsements and enhancing their professional development. - Mathematics

• Master of Arts in Urban Education Principal Preparation

  Dr. Denelle Wallace
  dlwallace@nsu.edu 

  The Department of Secondary Education and School Leadership offers multi-dimensional Urban Education degree programs and teacher education to assist in-service and pre-service school practitioners interested in acquiring state-endorsements and enhancing their professional development. - Principal Preparation

College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, Dean

• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

  Robert Perkins, Ph.D.
  rkperkins@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-8436

  The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) Program addresses the diverse needs of professionals who provide leadership in the criminal justice system. Two areas of concentration permit students to develop specialized skills and expertise: Criminal Justice Management and Planning and Juvenile Justice. The program requires a total of 36 credit hours. The core of six courses (18 credit hours) establishes the foundation for the concentrations. The specialized concentrations consist of three required courses (9 credit hours) and three electives (9 credit hours). Students may select the thesis or comprehensive examination to complete degree requirements. The GRE is not required. This is a flexible and individualized program of study. Classes are held at the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center. Applicants are accepted for fall and spring admission.

• Master of Science in CyberPsychology (Online)

  Scott Debb, Ed.D.
  Program Coordinator
  smdebb@nsu.edu
  757-823-8943

  The M.S. CyberPsychology degree is offered as an accelerated fully online program that can be completed in as few as 14 months. Utilizing synchronous and asynchronous instruction, this degree prepares students to be social science researchers whose emphasis is in cyberpsychology. This applied discipline examines the influence that current and emerging (digital) technologies have on human behavior—essentially, exploring what it means to be human in the 21^st century and beyond. This program builds on a wide range of psychological theory which is combined with critical examination of emerging trends across all domains of human behavior. Students are equipped with essential research skills sought after across a wide range of employment settings and doctoral training programs.

• Master of Fine Arts

  Solomon Isekeije, MFA
  Program Coordinator
  srisekeije@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-8844

  The Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies provides highly motivated and mature students with an intensive, multifaceted, educational experience in the visual arts.  The M.F.A. is a professional terminal degree in studio art, usually completed in two and a half years.  It is not a media specific studio program. This structure allows students the flexibility to explore and develop new working methods without the constraints of a media driven major. Applicants must submit a Portfolio. Applicants are accepted for fall admission only.

• Master of Arts in Media and Communications

  Cathy Jackson, Ph.D.
  Program Coordinator
  cmjackson@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-2442

  The program leading to the Master of Arts in Media and Communications offers three (3) sequences: interpersonal communication, mass communications and journalism. The interpersonal communication sequence has two tracks: speech communication and composition and language studies. The mass communications sequence has two tracks: media management and media production. The journalism sequence has two tracks: news editorial management and public relations.

• Master of Music in Music

  Matthew Russell, D.M.A.
  Co-Program Coordinator
  mnrussell@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-9199

  Anne Neikirk, D.M.A.
  Co-Program Coordinator
  alneikirk@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-9112

  The Master of Music degree program offers sequences in music education, performance, and theory-composition, each of which requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and certain terminal options. Instrumental auditions, placement exams in theory and music history required. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

• Master of Arts in Urban Affairs

  Robert K. Perkins, Ph.D.
  Program Coordinator
  rkperkins@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-8436

  Master of Arts degree program in Urban Affairs is a multidisciplinary program, utilizing the resources of the Social Science disciplines. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall and spring terms.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology (Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology)

  Andrew Franklin, Ph.D.
  Associate Director of Clinical Training
  asfranklin@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-2893

  Norfolk State is part of the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology program which awards a Ph.D. degree in clinical psychology. It is jointly sponsored by Norfolk State University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Old Dominion University. Applications to the VCPCP may be obtained from the program website or by calling (757) 451-7733.

  The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC  20002; (202) 336-5979/Fax (202) 336-5978; Email:  apaaccred@apa.org.

  In compliance with federal disclosure regulations, The Virginia Consortium provides all prospective students with information about the degree to which the Program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the U.S. (states, territories, and the District of Columbia) at the bottom of the program website.  

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Dr. Michael Keeve, Dean

• Master of Science in Computer Science

  Rasha Morsi, Ph.D.
  csgrad@nsu.edu (Traditional Program)
  csgradonline@nsu.edu (Accelerated Online Program)
  (757) 823-9448

  The Master of Science degree in Computer Science requires 30 graduate credit hours of course work and a thesis (6 credits), or 33 graduate credit hours of course work and a project (3 credits). The program offers four choices of study: general study in computer science, emphasis in information assurance, emphasis in computational science and engineering, and emphasis in communication networks.

  The Master of Science degree is also offered as an accelerated online program that can be completed in as few as 12 months at a reduced rate.  For more information click this link.

   

• M.S. in Cybersecurity - Online

  Mary Ann Hoppa, Ph.D.
  Program Coordinator
  mahoppa@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-8654
  
  The M.S. in Cybersecurity is a fully online degree program.  It is designed to focus on computer security and to increase the pool of well-educated security professionals.  Theory and practical training will be combined with critical thinking and communication skills that are required by professionals in the cybersecurity field. Students will be prepared to apply their knowledge to defend against cyber threats directed towards the USA.  In addition, students will be prepared to provide needed cybersecurity services to US agencies and organizations. Students will not only be trained to defend against cybersecurity attacks but also to use digital forensics to identify attackers.
  
  The M.S. degree in Cybersecurity requires the successful completion of 36 graduate credit hours of course work which includes a capstone project of 6 credits.

   

• M. S. in Electronics Engineering

  Prathap Basappa, Ph.D.
  pbasappa@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-2843

  The Master of Science degree program in Electronics Engineering equips students with analytical skills, research experiences, and specialized training in the discipline. The program offers the following areas of specialization: computer engineering, microelectronics, communications, and optoelectronics. Students in the Master of Science degree program in Electronics Engineering may choose to complete the master’s degree program with or without the thesis option. If a student chooses to complete the M.S. degree without a thesis, 30 semester hours of course work must be completed.

• Master of Healthcare Administration - Online

  Marie St. Rose, Ph.D.
  Allied Health Director
  (757) 823-2480
  mstrose@nsu.edu
   

  The Master of Healthcare Administration (HCA) seeks to prepare students to function as leaders in the delivery of health care services. The curriculum is competency-based and grouped in five domains: communication and relationship management, leadership, professionalism, knowledge of the health care environment, and business skills and knowledge. The program is delivered fully online to provide flexibility for professionals who are balancing personal and work responsibilities with academia. 

  The curriculum for the Master of Healthcare Administration requires the successful completion of 36 credit hours of course work including a master’s research project (3 credits). Courses are offered in sequence every fall and spring. Students must complete the program within four years.

   

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering

  Sam-Shajing Sun, Ph.D.
  ssun@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-2993

  The Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary program housed in the Department of Physics. Persons holding baccalaureate or Master of Science degrees in chemistry, physics, materials science, electrical, chemical, or optical engineering or related disciplines are eligible for admission.

• M.S. in Materials Science

  Sam-Shajing Sun, Ph.D.
  ssun@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-2993

  Students in the Master of Science degree program in Materials Science may choose to complete the master’s degree program with or without the thesis option. If a student chooses to complete the M.S. degree without a thesis, 30 semester hours of course work must be completed. Applicants must submit a resume in addition to the requirements outlined in the application form. Applicants are accepted for fall and spring admission.

Online Degrees in Science, Engineering and Technology

• Master of Science in Computer Science General

  Dr. Rasha Morsi, Program Coordinator
  (757) 823-0047
  rmorsi@nsu.edu

  The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science program at Norfolk State University provides a quality graduate education to students, especially those from underrepresented sectors of the population, by strengthening analytic skills, offering valuable research experiences, and promoting professional development in computer science. - Learn more

• Master of Science in Cyberpsychology

  Scott M. Debb, Ed.D.
  Program Coordinator
  757-823-8943
  cyberpsychology@nsu.edu

  The M.S. in CyberPsychology program is a two full calendar year program (fall/spring/summer) that utilizes synchronous and asynchronous online instruction to prepare students to be social science researchers with emphasis in cyberpsychology. Courses are delivered in 8 and 16 week course formats. The M.S. CyberPsychology program is an applied study of the reciprocal relationships between humans in the 21^st century and the current and emerging (digital) technologies we increasingly rely upon. This program builds on a wide range of psychological theory which is combined with critical examination of emerging trends across all domains of human behavior and technology. Students are equipped with essential research skills sought across a wide range of employment settings and Doctoral training programs. - Learn more

• Master of Science in Electronics Engineering Biomedical Engineering

  Dr. Kyo D. Song
  Department Head
  (757) 823-8105
  ksong@nsu.edu

  The Department of Engineering offers its students curricula that focus on key concepts and developments in the Electrical, Electronics and Optical engineering fields.

  The B.S. and M.S. degree programs provide students with exciting opportunities to conduct research at major research facilities of the university and other research laboratories, both nationally and internationally. Areas of research include biomedical engineering, carbon electronics, gaming, image processing, microelectronics, modeling and simulation, nanotechnology, high power electronics, optoelectronics, photonics, and quantum optics. - Learn more

• Master of Science in Electronics Engineering Microelectronics & Photonics

  Dr. Kyo D. Song
  Department Head
  (757) 823-8105
  ksong@nsu.edu

  The Department of Engineering offers its students curricula that focus on key concepts and developments in the Electrical, Electronics and Optical engineering fields.

  The B.S. and M.S. degree programs provide students with exciting opportunities to conduct research at major research facilities of the university and other research laboratories, both nationally and internationally. Areas of research include biomedical engineering, carbon electronics, gaming, image processing, microelectronics, modeling and simulation, nanotechnology, high power electronics, optoelectronics, photonics, and quantum optics. - Learn more

School of Social Work

Dr. E. Delores-Dungee-Anderson, Dean (I)

• Master of Social Work

  Master of Social Work Program

  Valjean Livingston, Ph.D., Admissions Director
  757-823-2463
  vlivingston@nsu.edu

  Breshell Nevels, Ph.D., Program Director
  757-823-8122
  bjnevels@nsu.edu

  Fall 2021 Admissions Timetable

  The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work will begin screening MSW applications for summer and fall 2021 during December 2020.  We will begin contacting applicants for interviews during the middle of January 2021. Face to face (virtual) interviews will be scheduled during the months of February, March and April of 2021. Admissions decisions will be concluded by April 30, 2021.

  General Admissions Information

  Full Time and Extended Time Students are admitted in the fall semester only. The application deadline for fall semester admissions is March 1.

  Advanced standing students are admitted in the spring and summer terms only.  The deadline for spring admission is October 15, and the deadline for summer submission is February 1.

  To meet accreditation guidelines, the School of Social Work requires that supplemental application materials be completed to be considered for the MSW Program.  Information on supplemental materials can be found on the MSW web page:  MSW Admission.

• Ph.D. in Social Work

  Viola Vaughn-Eden, Ph.D.
  vvaughan-eden@nsu.edu
  (757) 823-8122

  The Ph.D. Program prepares students for leadership roles in social work and in the field of family-centered social work practice. Special emphasis is placed on knowledge building for social work practice and service delivery on behalf of diverse, especially African American, families. The program seeks students who are committed to a focus on the family as the unit of attention in research and theory development. The program is unique in its focus on family-centered social work with African American families. It also has integrative seminars designed to help students to connect theory and research, and to develop dissertation ideas and proposals.