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 and Certificates Offered
MA Criminal Justice
MA Media and Communications
MA Special Education
MA Urban Affairs
MA Urban Education
MAT Teaching
MFA Visual Studies
MHA Healthcare Administration
MHI Health Informatics
MMUS Music
MS Computer Science
MS CyberPsychology
GRAD CERT CyberPsychology
MS Cybersecurity
MS Electronics Engineering
MS Materials Science
MSW Social Work
PHD Clinical Psychology (w/ODU)
PHD Materials Science and Engineering
PHD Social Work