Graduate Education
The 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. All programs require a minimum of 30 semester credit hours for degree completion.
The University offers several master’s degree programs. 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 minimum requirements for the master’s degree include the successful completion of 30 semester credit hours of approved coursework and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Degree programs may require a thesis option, or other culminating scholarly and creative projects. The requirements for each master’s program are included in the program description published in the Graduate Catalog.
The University offers three doctoral degree programs which require a minimum of 54 semester credit hours for degree completion. 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. The minimum requirements for the doctoral degree include successful completion of all program requirements and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 point scale. Specific requirements for doctorate degrees vary by discipline and are specified in each program description published in the Graduate Catalog.
Degrees, Certificates, and Programs Offered
Counseling, MA
Computer Science, MS (Online option available)
Criminal Justice, MA
CyberPsychology, MS (Fully Online)
Cybersecurity, MS (Fully Online)
Electronics Engineering, MS (Online option available)
Fine Arts, MFA
Healthcare Administration, MHA (Fully Online)
Health Informatics, MHI (Online courses with an in-person internship)
Media and Communications, MA
Materials Science, MS
Music, MMUS
Public Health, MPH
Social Work, MSW (Online option available)
Special Education, MA (Online option available)
Urban Affairs, MA
Urban Education, MA (Fully Online)
Teaching, MA
Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Clinical Psychology (w/Old Dominion University)
Materials Science and Engineering
Social Work (Online)
Certificates
CyberPsychology (Online)
Addictions and Trauma (Online)
Accelerated BS/MS Programs
BS/MS in Computer Science
BS/MS in Cybersecurity
BS/MS in Electronics Engineering