Norfolk State University was founded in 1935 as a branch of Virginia Union University. It later became part of Virginia State College, then became independent in 1969 and received university status in 1979. It is an historically black university. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its mission statement characterizes its mission as “to provide an affordable, high-quality education for an ethnically and culturally diverse student population, equipping them with the capability to become productive citizens who continuously contribute to a global and rapidly changing society.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.
Norfolk State University
Academics
Norfolk State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 5 academic colleges: the School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Science and Technology, and the School of Social Work. There is also an Office of Graduate Studies.
Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as accounting, finance, tourism & hospitality management, education, criminal justice, history, political science, biology, engineering, nursing, and social work. Undergraduate science majors have the opportunity to conduct research with laser spectography, crystal growth, and an electron beam accelerator.
Graduate programs are offered in all schools except the business school. These include master’s level programs in education, sociology, music, criminal justice, visual studies, urban affairs, computer science, optical engineering, and social work. Doctoral degrees are offered in social work and clinical psychology. There are no graduate level programs offered in English, biology, history, or other traditional liberal arts.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Norfolk State University.
Norfolk State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students are considered for admission upon application to the university. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will be able to take small courses, attend special seminars and lectures, and work closely with faculty on independent study programs. The Honors Program makes Norfolk State one of only 9 universities that are part of the NEH (National Endowment for the Humanities) project “Bridging the Gap Between the Humanities and Science.”
Continuing education is offered through E-learning and through branch campuses in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth. Both graduate and undergraduate courses are offered at the Portsmouth Tri-Cities Center, and on-line certificate courses are offered through the Virginia Beach campus in healthcare, business, and various computing areas. Online courses are also available for regularly enrolled students in some subjects.
Some of the other unique opportunities available at Norfolk State University include the ACCESS (Academy for Collegiate Excellence and Student Success) program, which provides advising, mentoring, and counseling for high school graduates and returning adult students who need assistance with basic study skills.
Norfolk State University
Admissions
Norfolk State University has no undergraduate admissions deadline, except for the Nursing Program, whose deadlines vary with the degree sought. Students who apply by December have an early action option. The application fee is $25. Applications can be submitted on-line. Students who are enrolled in high school at the time of application will need to have their official final high school transcripts sent after graduation to the Admissions Office.
As part of their application, students should submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores and two letters of recommendations. Applicants must also submit a medical history form. Students should have completed high school courses as follows: 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics, 3 units of history and social studies, 3 units of science, 2 units of health and physical education, 1 unit of fine or practical arts, and 6 units of electives. Students must generally meet the following minimum requirements: high school GPA of 2.0. Students in nursing and business may have additional requirements.
Transfer students and international students will have varying requirements depending upon their prior educational background.
Students applying to the graduate programs at Norfolk State University should consult the individual department and/or school to which they are applying. Applications can be submitted on-line. The application fee and deadline vary with the program. General requirements include the GRE or other appropriate test scores (such as the GMAT) and a bachelor’s degree.
Financial Aid
Tuition at Norfolk State University is roughly $190 per credit hour per semester for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Rates go down as the number of credit hours increases. Students taking 15 credits will pay $2,147.50. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have substantially higher costs.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available; students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line. Norfolk State University has many scholarships for science majors. The university website also has links to many outside scholarships, including some for minorities.
Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Norfolk State University 4249th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Virginia scholarships and financial aid
Student life at Norfolk State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are several fraternities and sororities, professional and honor societies, and special interest organizations such as the concert choir, the university players, the Baptist Student Union, and the Young Democrats. Students can write for newspaper or help produce the yearbook.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State University is an NCAA Division I School. Teams compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, tennis, and track & field. Women’s sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. The team nick-name is the Spartans. There is a cheerleading squad and a marching band.
Athletic facilities at Norfolk State University include a 30,000 seat football stadium and a track.
Among the championships and awards that Norfolk State University has received are a conference championship in cross country for the 2003-2004 season, a conference championship appearance in baseball in 2005, and a conference title game appearance in women’s basketball in 2005. Several students have gone on to become Olympic medalists.
Local Community
Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, Virginia, which has a population of approximately 241,000, and is a port city. It is also home to a Navy Base and shipyards. The surrounding environment is urban. Near-by attractions include a zoo, botanical gardens, the National Maritime Center, the Norfolk-Southern Railway, a Triple A minor league baseball team, and several historical sites and museums.
Familiar with this school? We would love to hear about your experience. Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Norfolk State University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
22 days agoEvelyn Crow efymarie ((at)) aol dot com
I graduated a few years ago from Norfolk State University with a Master's Degree in Social Work, Currently, I am working as a Medical Social Worker and loving my job. I found that Norfolk State professors were very thorough with their teaching materials and prepared me well to enter the field of Home Health. I am proud to be a graduate. I worked hard and so did the professors who taught me. Getting ahead has to do with not just the preparation you receive in the school of your choice. I
t also has to do with your committment to your educational program, your self-esteem and your personal attitude toward achieving your goals. If you don't think you will find a job or make it in your field, you'll be defeated before you begin. Trust yourself!
about 1 year agoPIE
My Master's Degree in Human Resources Planning and Administration from NSU has not gotten me one job since 1997. Every interview that I have gone on everyone in a position to hire is looking for someone with 3-5 years experience in Human Resources and NSU does not offer Human Resources Management Courses,or the courses to work in a Human Resources Dept. NSU offeers Human Resources with emphasis in Urban Affairs which has nothing to do with working in the Personnel System. Sadly, I am still paying a student loan for over 10 years now, for that Degree. This is one mistake that I hope that no other student makes. Paying for something that is useless.
Wish I had Known.
over 1 year agoterry Hailstalk
As a disabled person and an advid football fan I am concerned about the treatment of disabled persons attending sporting events at NSU. The disabled parking lot next to the stadium area is not enough to accomodate disabled attendees and the auxillary parking lot across from the normal disabled parking lot is being reserved by parking attendes for tailgaters rather than accomodating disabled persons. I and many other patrons have had to park in lot 8 and walk around the front of the stadium to attend games, after being told by police the disabled parking lot is full. ONLY to see a number of empty parking spaces being reserved for tailgaters. I think we deserve better treatment for the years we've been here on this earth than to be back burners for young fresh legs. I believe that as well as myself senior citizens deserve to be compensated for our years of support for the university and for the physical years we have accomplished here on this earth. REMEMBER\\ONE DAY YOU TOO WILL OR MAY BECOME DISABLED AND NEED TO SAVE A FEW STEPS TO A LONGER LIFE.. believe
almost 2 years agoDeborah Keith debbyrnp07 ((at)) hotmail dot com
My story regarding Norfolk State University and how it changed my life may be a bit different from the norm. You see I entered the Nursing program in 1999 after completing my prerequisites at TCC. I had also recieved my LPN and Licenses approx 20 years prior to this. If it had not been for the patience, experience, knowledge and concerns of my Professors, and students I would never have been successful. I will never forget this wonderful school, and it's faculty. They are very encouraging and inspiring. They make you feel like there is nothing you can't accomplish. I graduated in 2004 with my BSN I was in my 50's. I am now a nurse educator, and will enter the online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Cincinnati in March. Thank you so very much NSU.
over 2 years agoanita walker-steadman anst12 ((at)) optonline dot net
BEHOLD THE GREEN AND GOLD!!!!! II graduated from Norfolk State in 1982. Norfolk State was truly a blessing to me. The education I received allowed me to be one of the best in my field of Special Education.The school is truly one of the best.I am so glad my parents helped me select this school. I am a Spartan forever.
over 2 years agoMrs. Williams-Chapman
I am a graduate of Norfolk State University. I was challenged throughout my time there. I learned valuable life lessons while I was there as well. I believe that NSU is like many other schools in America, you will have some people there to goof-off, you will have people there just to say they attended college and you will have some faculty there that just want a paycheck and can care less about the students. I am happy I choose this school to attend. I also attended another local college in Norfolk and I was not challenged. I was given a lot of work to do however, I was not challenged by any of the work. It seemed like I was just given work to keep me "busy".
My major was in Business Administration and I am happy to say that I was able to find gainful employment in my field 4 months after I graduated.
"BEHOLD THE GREEN AND GOLD"
over 2 years agoSandra
I graduated from Norfolk State (College) University in 1978. The opportunities NSU gave me back then, allowed me to work and now retire after 30 years in field of education. Thank you Norfolk State University for that opportunity
almost 3 years agoAndre Sloane jesuschurhlord ((at)) yahoo dot com
I graduated from NORFOLK STATE in 1982 and believe me, it changed my life for the good. In High School I was a goof-off barely getting by, but the TEACHER'S tightened me up,into becoming the GREAT individual I am today.THANK YOU NORFOLK STATE, ANDRE' SLOANE
almost 3 years agoMs Edna Daniels edna dot l dot daniels ((at)) uscg dot mil
To Whom It May Concern:
On February 17, 2009, my grandaughter along with classmates from Syracuse and Utica, New York came down for a tour of Norfolk State University. I feel that the tour the students receive was poorly arrange and administrate considering the distance in which they had to travel. An outside tour of fifty (50) plus individuals with a young man whom did his best, I am sure. With that many people, he is speaking (soft voice)from the front of line, which made it totally impossible for the remaining students to hear a word that was being spoken.
There are many areas with the touring of students in which I feel needs improvement. Perhaps have the tour guide to walk on the outside in the middle of the students and provide some sort of microphone so that he may be hear.
Thank you,
Ms Edna Daniels
over 4 years agoDeVaughn dq4music ((at)) aol dot com
Some individuals speak negatively about NSU because they know nothing about this wonderful school. Many of our students, especially the athletes, take their talents elsewhere.But, do they get the nurturing they need to go into society and be a vital part of it? I am so glad that I am a Spartan. I am extremely proud of my achievements in the work world. I survived! My son now attends NSU and boy is he loving it.
over 4 years agoLorraine Corbin peerples ((at)) aol dot com
I attended NSU in 1988 10 1992. I am very impressed with the improvements and some of the new facilities that have been up into place. Keep up the great work.
Lorraine
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efymarie ((at)) aol dot com
I graduated a few years ago from Norfolk State University with a Master's Degree in Social Work, Currently, I am working as a Medical Social Worker and loving my job. I found that Norfolk State professors were very thorough with their teaching materials and prepared me well to enter the field of Home Health. I am proud to be a graduate. I worked hard and so did the professors who taught me. Getting ahead has to do with not just the preparation you receive in the school of your choice. I t also has to do with your committment to your educational program, your self-esteem and your personal attitude toward achieving your goals. If you don't think you will find a job or make it in your field, you'll be defeated before you begin. Trust yourself!