Skip to main content

Programs

Graduate Programs

The overall goal of graduate education at Norfolk State University is to provide advanced, discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and perspectives which prepare graduates to assume leadership roles and contribute to a profession, discipline or field.

School of Education

Dr. Leon Rouson, Dean (I) 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.

  • Master of Arts in Subject Area Concentration

    Subject Area Concentration

    This program is designed for teachers pursuing their master’s degree as well as interested in re-certification in their content area. Applicants must submit a copy of their teaching license as well as complete the Certificate of Preliminary Endorsement Form enclosed in this application.

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

    Angela McIntosh, Ph.D.
    asmcintosh@nsu.edu
    (757) 823-8705

    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

    Angela McIntosh, Ph.D.
    asmcintosh@nsu.edu
    (757) 823-8705

    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)

    Angela McIntosh, Ph.D.
    asmcintosh@nsu.edu
    (757) 823-8705

    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

    Angela McIntosh, Ph.D.
    asmcintosh@nsu.edu
    (757) 823-8705

    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

    Larry Ferguson, Ph.D.
    ltferguson@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)
    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
    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 (Offered Online)
    The Administration and Supervision PreK-12 sequence is geared toward teachers wishing to become an administrator in PreK-12 settings. 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.

Online Degrees in Education

  • Master of Arts in Pre-Elementary Education

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

    The Graduate Program for the Master of Arts in Pre-Elementary Education was authorized in 1979. The Pre-Elementary Program was designed primarily for teachers with certification in Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade. It is an interdisciplinary program, which focuses on Assessment and Intervention for High Risk Children and Family Involvement in Programs for Young Children. Methods courses require 20-hour observation-participation field experiences. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

  • Master of Arts in Pre-Elementary Education with Licensure in Special Education Early-Childhood Birth-Age 5

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

    The Graduate Program for the Master of Arts in Pre-Elementary Education with licensure in Special Education Early Childhood (birth-age 5) was authorized in 2002. This program was designed primarily for teachers with certification in Special Education K-12 or Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade seeking additional licensure in Special Education Early Childhood. It is an interdisciplinary program which focuses on assessment and intervention for high risk children and family involvement in programs for young children with disabilities. Methods courses require 20-hour observation-participation field experiences. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

  • 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.

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 Arts in Visual Studies/Master of Fine Arts

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

    The Master of Arts and 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 complete the Portfolio Review Application included in this packet. Applicants are accepted for fall admission only.

  • Master of Arts in Media and Communications

    Cathy Jackson, Ph.D.
    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.
    mnrussell@nsu.edu
    (757) 823-9199

    Anne Neikirk, D.M.A.
    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.
    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)

    Desideria S. Hacker, Ph.D.
    dshacker@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.

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Dr. Michael Keeve, Dean

  • Master of Science in Computer Science

    Rasha Morsi, Ph.D.
    rmorsi@nsu.edu
    (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.

    Spring 2019 Admission Review Cycle

    September 28, 2018      Early Decision Deadline

    October 31, 2018           Regular Decision Deadline

    November 22, 2018       Late Decision Deadline (May not be eligible for financial support)

    Fall 2019 Admission Review Cycle

    January 31, 2019            Early Decision Deadline

    March 29, 2019               Regular Decision Deadline

    May 31, 2019                  Late Decision Deadline (May not be eligible for financial support)

  • Cybersecurity - Online

    Cheryl Hinds, Ph.D.
    Program Coordinator
    chinds@nsu.edu
    (757) 823-9551

    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.

     

    Spring 2019 Admission Review Cycle

    September 28, 2018      Early Decision Deadline

    October 31, 2018           Regular Decision Deadline

    November 22, 2018       Late Decision Deadline (May not be eligible for financial support)

     

    Fall 2019 Admission Review Cycle

    January 31, 2019               Early Decision Deadline

    March 29, 2019                 Regular Decision Deadline

    May 31, 2019                     Late Decision Deadline (May not be eligible for financial support)

  • The Master of Science in Electronics Engineering

    Sacharia Albin, Ph.D.
    salbin@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.

  • Healthcare Administration - Online

    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.

     

  • Doctor of Philosophy Degree 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.

  • Master of Science 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.

School of Social Work

Dr. Rowena Wilson, Dean

  • 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
    757-823-9236
    bjnevels@nsu.edu

    Full Time and Extended Time Students are admitted in the fall semester only. Application Deadline for fall semester admissions is March 01. Only social work advanced standing students are admitted in the spring semester. October 15 is the application deadline for spring semester admissions. To meet accreditation guidelines, the School of Social Work requires that supplemental application materials be completed to be considered for the MSW Program.

  • Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Social Work

    Viola Vaughn-Eden, Ph.D.
    vvaughan-eden@nsu.edu
    (757) 823-8773

    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.