Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University History

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.

p. 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.

p. 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.

Norfolk State University Unique Programs

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.”

p. 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.

p. 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 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.

p. 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.

p. 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.

Norfolk State University Students

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.

Norfolk State University 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.

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification