Application Criteria
The Admissions Philosophy of Norfolk State University is to select students that may benefit from its program offerings, faculty, rich campus environment, and available support services.
NSU seeks students that will take advantage of the opportunity to engage in a transformational experience that can increase their ability to maximize their potential, and foster a passion for lifelong learning that will equip them to be engaged leaders and productive global citizens.
Freshman Evaluation
NSU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions evaluates applicants based on their individual potential for successful graduation at NSU. Several key factors are taken into consideration:
- prior academic performance
- SAT and/or ACT test score(s)
- special talents
- demonstrated leadership
- individual motivation and character
- recommendation letters
The Office of Admissions is authorized to review, accept, defer, or deny applicants based on this evaluation of a student’s application. NSU does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race, gender, age, disability or religious beliefs.
SAT & ACT Scores
All applicants under the age of 21 must submit Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) scores or American College Testing (ACT) scores.
Applicants over the age of 21 are exempt from submitting SAT and ACT scores.
Required Completed Units
The applicant should have completed a minimum total of 22 units distributed as follows:
| Course |
Hours |
| English |
4 |
| Mathematics * |
3 |
| Science |
3 |
| History and Social Sciences |
3 |
| Health and Physical Education |
2 |
| Fine Arts or Practical Arts |
1 |
| Electives |
6 |
| TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED |
22 |
* Algebra l, Geometry, Algebra ll recommended
High School Equivalency
Students with a high school equivalency diploma will be considered upon the successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test with a minimum score of 530. GED graduates may be subject to the requirements outlined above. The University is interested in the quality of the applicant’s academic preparation and indicators of overall promise as a student.
Requesting IB and AP Credit
Step One: Student must request official International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement examination scores be sent directly to Norfolk State University, Office of Admissions.
Step Two: The Office of Admissions will evaluate the IB and AP transcript scores.
Step Three: The Office of Admissions will generate the Certificate of Advanced Standing (CAS) that will be sent to the student and the selected academic department within six weeks of receipt.
The IB and AP policy may be found on the NSU Policies website.
Transfer Evaluation
Prospective transfer students will be admitted to Norfolk State University if the following requirements have been met:
- The applicant has achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above, on a 4.0 grading scale from a regionally accredited college/university.
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended have been submitted to the Office of Admissions.
- High school transcript/GED scores and official copy of standardized test results (SAT/ACT) are required if fewer than 12 college semester hours of credit are transferrable.
Please view more information for Transfer Students
Declaring a Major
Norfolk State University offers students who are unsure of a major, an opportunity to explore various academic programs and careers through a General Education track in the Department of History and Interdisciplinary Studies. The Interdisciplinary General Education (BS.INT.GEN) track allows students an opportunity to take transferable general education classes while researching degree granting majors.
Through intensive academic advisement by Spartan Success Center Advisors and the Interdisciplinary Studies faculty, students will declare a degree granting major prior to completing 30 credit hours.