Norfolk State University
Norfolk, United States • Founded 1935
Overview
Established in 1935, the Norfolk State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Norfolk (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Virginia.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Norfolk State University (NSU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Norfolk State University (NSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 89-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
NSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Norfolk State University. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Norfolk State University are summarised below. These numbers help you size the institution against your shortlist and weigh academic depth alongside programme fit.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Norfolk State University's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.
Unit 6 items
- College of Engineering, Science and Technology
- College of Liberal Arts
- Office of Graduate Studies
- School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Social Work
Programs Offered
Below are Norfolk State University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.
Bachelor's Degree
33 programmes
Norfolk State University's 33 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Psychology, General Psychology
Social Work Social Work
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
History History
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Journalism Journalism
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician General Engineering
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
14 programmes
At postgraduate taught level, Norfolk State University runs 14 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Music Music
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
3 programmes
There are 3 programmes to choose from at Norfolk State University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Materials Sciences Materials Science
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Social Work Social Work
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
2 programmes
Norfolk State University offers 2 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Norfolk State University
How to apply to Norfolk State University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Research programmes at Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University's catalogue includes 52 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Norfolk State University's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Norfolk State University's official website at www.nsu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (757) 823 8600. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Norfolk State University
Common questions about Norfolk State University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
When did Norfolk State University open?
Norfolk State University traces its founding to 1935 (approximately 91 years ago).
Where is Norfolk State University located?
Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, United States.
Is Norfolk State University a public or private institution?
Norfolk State University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Norfolk State University?
Student enrolment at Norfolk State University is around 5,000-5,999.
How is Norfolk State University organised academically?
Norfolk State University has 6 academic units.
Is Norfolk State University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
What is Norfolk State University's official website?
Norfolk State University's official website is www.nsu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
If Norfolk State University's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around Norfolk State University. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Beyond Norfolk State University, several other universities in the United States deliver focused General Engineering programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.
Universities Often Compared with Norfolk State University
Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.
