The general education core at Norfolk State University provides the foundation for the University’s mission to develop in students the knowledge, qualities and attitudes necessary to become productive citizens who contribute to a globally and rapidly changing society. Such citizens are educated persons. They are lifelong learners who communicate effectively and appreciate diverse manifestations of different cultures, recognize and exercise their responsibility to contribute to the growth of society, use technology appropriately to enhance their personal and professional lives, and possess a rational open-mindedness that leads to analytical and critical patterns of thought.
The breadth of knowledge and skills required by the general education core complements the depth of knowledge that students acquire in their specialized fields, thus enhancing their ability to contribute to their local, national, and global communities.
Students entering Norfolk State University who complete the general education core will be able to:
- Write and speak logically, clearly, and precisely.
- Read and comprehend written and graphic information.
- Locate, compile, organize, and document information from print and digital sources.
- Understand mathematical and technological thought and conceptualize appropriate logic in problem solving.
- Understand and apply key concepts, principles and processes in the natural and social sciences.
- Demonstrate technological proficiency appropriate to their professional and personal needs.
- Examine, evaluate, and appreciate history’s influences on economic, political, and social events.
- Understand and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives.
- Examine and understand the role of personal and responsible citizenship in democratic society.
- Appreciate aesthetics.
Office of Academic Engagement: Spartan Seminar Series
Norfolk State University has created signature initiatives for student success. The Spartan Seminar Series will serve students into their sophomore year; three total semesters will provide sustained opportunities to onboard and socialize students into the academic culture and expectations of the institution. The three required courses are designed to increase academic performance, persistence, and preparation for success, resulting in students who are acutely aware, distinctively prepared and perpetually affiliated with Norfolk State University. During the first year, freshmen will take Spartan Seminar 101 and 102. Spartan Seminar 201 will follow in the sophomore year.
For more information, please contact the Office of Academic Engagement at (757) 823-9081.
Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree
Requirements for the bachelor’s degree are both quantitative and qualitative. The department head and advisor make the initial check for fulfillment of departmental requirements. The Office of the registrar makes the final check for compliance with University-wide requirements.
To receive the bachelor’s degree, a student must:
- Complete Spartan Seminar Series (SEM 101 Spartan Seminar 101, SEM 102 Spartan Seminar 102 and SEM 201 Spartan Seminar 201) with a minimum grade of C. An exemption approval form is available in the academic departments.
- Complete the General Education Core requirements.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- Have a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit.
- Meet all requirements of the curriculum leading to the degree for which he or she is a candidate.
- Have spent a minimum of two semesters in residence at Norfolk State University and have earned a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit during this period, including all of the courses required by the senior year curriculum.
- Meet core competency requirements.
Exceptions to degree requirements may be made only with prior written approval of the Provost upon recommendation of the Department Head and College/School Dean. Exceptions may not exceed six semester hours of academic credit.
General Education Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree
Students entering Norfolk State University seeking the baccalaureate degree are required to take forty (40) semester hours from the general education core curriculum consisting of the following subject areas:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Communications (9 Semester Hours) | ||
| ENG 101 | College English I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College English II | 3 |
| ENG 285 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Digital, Computer & Telecommunications (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| CSC 150 | Computer Literacy | 3 |
| Health and Physical Education (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| PED 100 | Fundamentals of Fitness for Life | 1 |
| HED 100 | Personal and Community Health | 2 |
| Humanities (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to World Literature | ||
| Basic Art Appreciation | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Mathematics (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| MTH 103 | Mathematics in General Education | 3 |
| Spartan Seminar Series (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| SEM 101 | Spartan Seminar 101 | 1 |
| SEM 102 | Spartan Seminar 102 | 1 |
| SEM 201 | Spartan Seminar 201 | 1 |
| Natural Sciences (7 Semester Hours) | ||
| BIO 100 | Biological Science | 3 |
| SCI 101 | Physical Science for Non-Science Majors | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Biological Science Lab | ||
| Physical Science Laboratory | ||
| Social Sciences (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Social Sciences | ||
| History of World Societies II | ||
| United States History Since 1865 | ||
| Intro to Business & Entrepreneurship | ||
| Basic Principles of Economics | ||
| Cultural Perspectives (6 Semester Hours) | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| African American Literature 1 | ||
| African American Music 1 | ||
| African American History 1 | ||
| African American History Since 1865 1 | ||
| African American Health 1 | ||
| African History/Cultures 1600-PRESENT 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
Courses satisfy the University’s cultural elective requirement. Departments may require specific courses for their majors.
Requirements for the Associate Degree
The University awards the associate of science degree to those who successfully complete requirements as set forth for the program desired. Candidates for the associate degree must complete an application for graduation through the academic departments and pay the required graduation fee. At least 20 hours of general education core are required of students pursuing an associate degree. At least 25% of the coursework leading to an associate degree must be completed in residence (at Norfolk State University). Associate degree candidates must meet core competencies required of all NSU undergraduate students.
Minimum requirements for the associate degree are 60 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00. A minimum grade of “C” or better is required in major courses and in ENG 101 College English I, ENG 102 College English II, and SEM 101 Spartan Seminar 101, SEM 102 Spartan Seminar 102 and SEM 201 Spartan Seminar 201.
General Education Requirements for the Associate Degree
Norfolk State University offers an associate degree program in Architectural Drafting. Students seeking an associate degree are required to complete general education core requirements appropriate to the degree program. See the associate degree program description and curriculum for more information about specific general education core requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Communications (6 Semester Hours) | ||
| ENG 101 | College English I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College English II | 3 |
| Digital, Computer & Telecommunications (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| CSC 150 | Computer Literacy | 3 |
| Health and Physical Education (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| PED 100 | Fundamentals of Fitness for Life | 1 |
| HED 100 | Personal and Community Health | 2 |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| PHY 152 | General Physics | 3 |
| PHY 152L | General Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| Spartan Seminar Series (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| SEM 101 | Spartan Seminar 101 | 1 |
| SEM 102 | Spartan Seminar 102 | 1 |
| SEM 201 | Spartan Seminar 201 | 1 |
| Mathematics (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| MTH 153 | College Algebra & Trigonometry | 3 |
| Social Sciences (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Social Sciences | ||
| History of World Societies I | ||
| History of World Societies II | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Basic Principles of Economics | ||
| Humanities Elective (3 Semester Hours) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Humanities | ||
| Basic Art Appreciation | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to World Literature | ||
| Total Credits | 28 | |