Welcome to the Office of Graduate Studies!
Graduate Studies is part of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The mission of Graduate Studies is to enhance the success of graduate students and ensure the quality of all graduate programs at the University. The Graduate School provides the institutional perspective on graduate education, serves as the central organizational unit for graduate studies, and provides administrative support to graduate programs, faculty, and students. The Graduate School also promotes scholarship, research and professional development among graduate students and faculty.
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT OPEN HOUSE
Graduate Open House - (Virtual)
Saturday, October 21, 2023 10am - 12pm
Our Fall Open House will consist of graduate academic information sessions focused on admissions, resources, opportunities and more. We will have a student panel ready to greet you and staff ready to answer your questions.
We invite you to attend and learn how NSU can provide you with advanced training and networks that will help you launch the next phase of your career. A complimentary application fee waiver will be provided to all in attendance.
Save your seat and register now: Open House Registration
Our Goals
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. Master's degree programs build upon the foundation of undergraduate education and provide advanced knowledge, specialized skills, methodologies, and opportunities for independent learning. Doctoral degree programs provide the highest level of preparation for leadership roles and careers in teaching, research, and professional practice.
Our Programs
The University offers seventeen master’s degree programs housed in the Colleges of Liberal Arts, Science and Technology and in the Schools of Social Work and Education. Each master’s degree program consists of a coherent program of study which includes core and concentration coursework, electives, seminars, and other educational experiences, such as practicums, theses and creative scholarly projects.
The University offers three doctoral degree programs in Engineering, Psychology, and Social Work. Doctoral programs include core and concentration coursework, comprehensive and/or qualifying examinations, advanced research coursework, and preparation and defense of a dissertation. The aim of doctoral education is to prepare leaders who are grounded in the knowledge, theories and best practices of their disciplines and professions.
Graduates are expected to demonstrate competence and expertise in their fields, a global perspective, and the ability to engage in both independent scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration in knowledge development.
Tuition Assistance Fellowships
A limited number of tuition assistance fellowships are available to graduate students. Tuition assistance fellowships do not cover full tuition. Average awards are $3,000 per semester. All graduate students are considered for tuition fellowships. To receive a Tuition Fellowship, students must be enrolled for a minimum of 9 credit hours, have a grade point average above 3.0, and be in good academic standing in their program. Students may also be recommended for the Fellowship by their Program Coordinator or Advisor.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate students may also apply for a limited number of graduate assistantships in the Office of Graduate Studies. These assistantships cover tuition and fees for the academic year. Students must be full-time, registered for 9 credits or more and be recommended by their Program Coordinator or Advisor. Students must be in good academic standing to receive this assistantship. Students work 10 hours per week in Graduate Studies.
Additionally, students may apply for graduate assistantships in Residential Life. The assistantship covers room and board, and offers a stipend of approximately $10,300 for service as a graduate assistant in the residence halls. Applications are available from the Office of Residential Life.
Other Awards
A number of research and teaching assistantships are available to graduate students in certain academic departments. These assistantships are not available in all programs. These are competitive grants and may include tuition/fees waiver; tuition/fees waiver plus stipend of up to $18,000; or stipend only. Generally, the review committees in the various programs determine eligibility based on several factors including grade point average. The assistantship is a 12-month award that allows the student to take up to 24 credit hours per year. It also requires the student to meet the specific departmental and university requirements on academic and assistantship responsibilities to maintain eligibility during the year and to request for renewal. Applicants should contact their academic department to find out what might be available.