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School of Education

School of Education Graduate Programs

Dr. Denelle Wallace, Dean
757-823-8701

The School of Education offers several programs designed for students interested in an advanced degree in education. Programs are available for classroom teachers, teacher leaders and administrators.  Additional programs include school counseling, mental health counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. Browse our options below.


Master of Arts in Teaching – Secondary Education

Dr. Maria Lawson-Davenport, Graduate Program Coordinator mllawsondavenport@nsu.edu 757-823-2926

This is an initial teacher certification program which enables its candidates to receive a Master's degree and certification in a subject content area and be qualified to teach in the Commonwealth of Virginia.


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

Dr. Tamara Smith-Moyler, Graduate Program Coordinator
tdsmith-moyler@nsu.edu
(757) 823-8841

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 state mandated assessments 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

Dr. Tamara Smith-Moyler, Graduate Program Coordinator
tdsmith-moyler@nsu.edu
(757) 823-8841

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 state mandated assessments to be approved for student teaching. The General Curriculum program is designed as an accelerated, online program that is especially well suited for working professionals. Applicants may be admitted for enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms.


Master of Arts in Counseling

Melendez O. Byrd, Ph.D.
Department Chair

mobyrd@nsu.edu
757-823-2926

Dr. Keesha Kerns, Graduate Program Coordinator
kmkerns@nsu.edu
(757) 823-8036 or (757) 489-8516

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

Mental Health Counseling

The Urban Education Norfolk State University’s Mental Health Counseling Program is designed to train and prepare candidates who plan to pursue careers in community settings (i.e. community services boards, social service boards, penal institutions, rehabilitation facilities, court services, public, private community agencies. The coursework offered in this degree program will prepare candidates to meet the minimum requirements for national state licensure in mental health counseling. Master of Arts degree program requires 60 semester hours of academic credit (no more than 6 credit hours may be transferred from another university) that includes a 600-hour internship experience.  This program is offered at the Norfolk Naval Base.

Professional School Counseling

Norfolk State University’s School Counseling Program is designed to train and prepare candidates in the specialty of professional school counseling. The school counseling courses are designed to prepare candidates for careers in school counseling and related educational settings at grade levels PreK-12. The Master of Arts degree program requires 60 semester hours of academic credit (no more than 6 credit hours may be transferred from another university) and includes a 600-hour internship experience
 

M. A. in Special Education Rehabilitation Counseling

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

Melendez O. Byrd, Ph.D.
Department Chair

mobyrd@nsu.edu
757-823-2926

Dr. Maria Lawson-Davenport, Graduate Program Coordinator mllawsondavenport@nsu.edu 757-823-2926

Principal Preparation Program

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.

Advanced Teacher Education in a 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.  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. 

Learn more about our M.A. in Urban Education programs.