Master's in Education at Norfolk State University: Programs & Specializations

Norfolk State University, the largest HBCU in the Commonwealth by enrollment and a top producer of African American teachers for Virginia's public schools, has anchored its graduate education programs in a commitment to urban schools and underserved communities.

Its online Master of Education (M.Ed.) specializations, including Urban Education and Curriculum and Instruction, prepare working teachers to advance without leaving the classroom. In a state where students of color now make up the majority of public school enrollment, NSU’s pipeline of culturally responsive teachers fills a critical and growing need.

Norfolk's Education Landscape and NSU's Distinctive Approach

The Hampton Roads region, encompassing Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Newport News, faces a persistent need for highly qualified teachers, particularly in its urban and high-needs schools. Norfolk State University (NSU) rises to meet this demand through its School of Education, which has a deep-rooted mission to prepare educators who embrace diversity and create opportunity for all students.

A Mission-Driven HBCU Educator Preparation Provider

As a historically Black university, NSU's School of Education places cultural responsiveness at the core of its programs. Its stated mission is to recruit and prepare exceptional teachers, counselors, and administrators who can serve diverse populations within urban communities.¹ All initial teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), ensuring graduates meet rigorous state standards.²

Graduate Programs Tailored for Urban Classrooms

NSU offers multiple master's pathways that directly address local workforce shortages. The Master of Arts in Urban Education provides concentrations in Principal Preparation, Professional School Counseling, and Subject Area Concentrations such as Mathematics. The Principal Preparation track is a 39-credit, accelerated online program that can be completed in 18-24 months and includes a required 6-credit internship.³ Mathematics concentration students complete 36 credits through 7-week online courses that integrate culturally responsive, research-backed strategies.⁴ NSU also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with tracks in Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education. The Secondary Education M.A.T. requires 39 credits with 9 credits of clinical practice⁵, while the Special Education M.A. (General Curriculum K-12) is an accelerated online program. An Adapted Curriculum K-12 track is available via a distance learning consortium.⁶

Clinical Practice in Partnership with Local Schools

Field experience is central to NSU's approach. The university maintains strong partnerships with Norfolk Public Schools and other districts across Hampton Roads, giving candidates immediate access to diverse classrooms. These clinical placements align with program requirements, such as the internship for principal candidates and the 9-credit clinical component for secondary M.A.T. students. By embedding candidates in real urban school settings, NSU ensures graduates are job-ready and deeply familiar with the communities they serve. This distinctive blend of academic rigor, flexible online delivery, and deep community engagement makes Norfolk State a go-to choice for educators seeking to lead change in Virginia's urban schools.

Online and Flexible Learning Options for Working Educators

Can you earn your master’s in education entirely online from Norfolk State University without disrupting your teaching job? Yes, all of NSU's education graduate programs are designed with working professionals in mind and are available fully online, with no on-campus attendance required. Whether you are an initial licensure candidate or a career-changer with a provisional license, the online format lets you stay in the classroom while you advance your credentials.

Fully Online Programs Built for Busy Schedules

Norfolk State University delivers its education master’s programs in a 100 percent online format, with asynchronous course delivery so you can log in and complete work when it fits your life.¹ There are no mandatory live sessions, so your weekly schedule remains in your control. Programs include the M.A. in Special Education , General Curriculum K-12, the M.A. in Urban Education (with concentrations in Mathematics, English, or Principal Preparation/Administration & Supervision), and the accelerated Administration and Supervision PreK-12 program. Each course is just seven weeks long¹, allowing you to focus intensely on one topic at a time while making steady progress toward your degree.

Start Anytime, Finish on Your Timeline

NSU offers rolling admission with start dates in fall, spring, and summer.² This means you can apply and begin when it suits you, rather than waiting an entire year for a single entry point. Full-time students can complete the Urban Education concentrations in as little as 12 months³, the Principal Preparation track in 16 months³, and the Special Education degree in 18 months⁴. If you need to slow down or take a term off, the university gives you up to five years to finish your master’s,² so life’s interruptions won’t derail your goals.

Real-World Field Experiences You Can Do Locally

Online does not mean isolated from practice. Each program embeds clinical or internship requirements that you can arrange in a school near you, often your own workplace. For example, the Special Education master’s requires 600 clinical hours⁵ and a three-credit internship⁴, while the Principal Preparation track includes a six-credit administrative internship⁵. These field experiences let you apply what you’re learning immediately, under the supervision of an experienced mentor, and satisfy Virginia licensure expectations without requiring you to commute to campus.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Graduate Education Programs Within Commuting Distance of Norfolk

Relocating for graduate school is a major life decision, but Norfolk residents can find respected master's in education programs in Virginia within a short drive of downtown. Within a 50-mile radius, you can choose from at least five universities, each offering a distinct blend of convenience and academic focus. Whether you prefer a large public research university or a small private college with individualized attention, the area provides multiple options for in-person attendance without relocating.

Neighbors in Norfolk: Old Dominion and NSU

Two public universities sit within the city limits. Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, enrolls thousands of graduate students in education and offers multiple M.Ed. tracks. Its programs blend online coursework with field experiences, and many courses are held on its campus for students who prefer face-to-face learning. Norfolk State University, also in Norfolk, provides the master’s in education programs covered throughout this profile. While NSU’s M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership is fully online, the university serves as a central hub for networking, seminars, and optional in-person support services.

Virginia Beach Options

Just east of Norfolk, Virginia Beach is home to two private universities with distinct graduate education offerings. Regent University, roughly 10 to 15 miles from downtown Norfolk, delivers M.Ed. concentrations in Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, and Special Education. Regent’s hybrid model lets students combine online coursework with occasional on-campus sessions, making it a practical choice for working educators. Virginia Wesleyan University, also about 10 to 15 miles away, emphasizes small class sizes and personalized preparation; its graduate education program is intentionally small, fostering close mentorship relationships with faculty.

A Short Drive to Newport News

For those willing to commute a bit farther, Christopher Newport University in Newport News sits 20 to 30 miles from downtown Norfolk. CNU offers master’s-level programs in teacher preparation and educational leadership, preparing graduates for advanced roles in K-12 schools. The campus is easily reached via I-664 or I-64, placing high-quality, in-person graduate education within a reasonable drive for Norfolk residents.

Education Salaries and Job Outlook in the Hampton Roads Metro

Understanding salary expectations and job growth in the Hampton Roads region helps educators plan what they can do with a master's in education. While pay varies by district, role, and experience, statewide and local data offers a clear view of what you can expect as a licensed teacher in southeastern Virginia.

What Educators Earn in Hampton Roads

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), elementary school teachers in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metropolitan area earned a median annual wage of $63,710¹. However, detailed metro-level wages for secondary and special education teachers are not published by the BLS¹, making direct local comparisons for those roles difficult. This gap means prospective students should look at statewide trends to fill in the picture.

Statewide and National Context

Virginia’s average teacher salary across all grade levels reached $69,254 in 2024-2025, according to the National Education Association². That figure exceeds the regional elementary median, reflecting higher pay in some Northern Virginia districts that pull up the state average. Additionally, special education teachers in Virginia typically earn a 1, 5% premium over their general education colleagues³, a pattern driven by persistent demand for these specialized roles.

Job Outlook and Growth in the Region

While specific growth projections for the metro area are not publicly available, the Hampton Roads region continues to see steady demand for qualified educators. Large school divisions, including Norfolk Public Schools, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and Chesapeake Public Schools, regularly recruit teachers across all levels. Shortages remain acute in special education, secondary math, and science, creating strong job prospects for graduates with those endorsements. A growing, diverse student population and a wave of retirements among veteran educators indicate that hiring will remain active for years to come.

NSU Graduate Earnings Data

Program-level earnings for Norfolk State University education graduates are not yet available from federal data sources. However, Virginia’s salary schedules reward advanced degrees with higher pay lanes, meaning a master’s from NSU can directly boost your earning potential. The state’s average teacher pay and the established special education premium provide a reliable baseline for setting salary expectations.

Average Teacher Salary in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News

Teacher Licensure in Virginia: Steps and NSU's Alignment

A Virginia teaching license is valid for five years¹ and requires completion of an approved educator preparation program, passage of the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA), and subject-specific Praxis exams. Understanding these state requirements and how Norfolk State University’s programs align is essential for anyone pursuing a teaching career in the Commonwealth.

Virginia’s Licensure Pathway

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) outlines a clear route to initial licensure. Candidates must:

• Degree: Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Program: Complete a state-approved educator preparation program that includes student teaching or a supervised practicum.
• Assessments: Pass the VCLA for literacy and communication skills, and the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments for each endorsement area.
• Background Check: Submit to a criminal history background investigation, including fingerprinting, before entering a school setting.
• Application: Apply through the VDOE or through an employing Virginia school division, and be at least 18 years old¹.

Licenses are issued for five years and may be renewed upon completion of professional development requirements.

How Norfolk State University Aligns

Norfolk State University’s School of Education holds Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation, confirming that its programs meet national and state quality standards. The university is also designated as an approved educator preparation program by the VDOE. This means graduates who complete NSU’s state-approved pathways are eligible for a Virginia teaching license, provided they satisfy assessment and background check mandates.

It is important to note that NSU’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs are advanced, designed for teachers who already hold initial licensure and seek to deepen their expertise in areas such as curriculum and instruction or urban education. These graduate programs do not lead to initial licensure. Aspiring teachers looking for first-time certification should explore NSU’s bachelor’s-level teacher preparation programs, which are structured to meet Virginia’s initial licensure requirements.

Alternative Pathways for Career Changers

Virginia offers the Career Switcher Program for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching without returning for a traditional four-year education degree. This expedited route involves intensive training, coursework, and a mentored teaching placement. While NSU’s M.Ed. programs are not part of the Career Switcher Program, the university’s accredited initial licensure offerings at the undergraduate level may serve as a foundation for some alternative teacher certification candidates. Prospective students with non-education degrees should contact NSU’s School of Education directly to discuss prior coursework evaluations and any bridge options that might accelerate their path to the classroom.

Breaking Down NSU Graduate Education Tuition and Financial Aid

Norfolk State University delivers one of the most affordable graduate education pathways in Virginia, combining competitive per-credit rates with targeted financial support for aspiring teachers. The 2026, 2027 tuition for master's in education programs is $595 per credit hour. For a typical 30-credit program, total tuition comes to $17,850, while full-time students (9 credits per semester) should plan for annual tuition and mandatory fees of $14,270 for in-state residents and $28,202 for out-of-state students. Additional costs such as room and board ($12,326) and books ($1,000) vary based on enrollment intensity and housing choices.¹

Tuition Breakdown and Total Cost Estimation

• Per-Credit Rate: $595¹, applied uniformly across all graduate education courses.
• Typical Program Length: Most master's degrees require 30 to 36 credits, placing total tuition between $17,850 and $21,420.
• Annual Full-Time Estimate: In-state students taking 9 credits per semester face $14,270 in tuition and fees; out-of-state students pay $28,202.¹
• Online Flexibility: Online and hybrid learners pay the same per-credit rate, avoiding some campus fees, though exact fee waivers depend on the delivery mode.

Financial Aid and Assistantship Opportunities

NSU connects education graduate students with multiple funding sources to lower out-of-pocket costs: - Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year. Complete the FAFSA using school code 003765 by the March 15 priority deadline.² - TEACH Grants: Future teachers committing to high-need fields and low-income schools can receive grants that convert to loans if service obligations are not met. - Graduate Assistantships: The School of Education offers teaching and research assistantships that provide a stipend and full or partial tuition remission. The Graduate Achievement Assistantship is available to qualified candidates.³ - University Fellowships: Merit-based fellowships cover tuition for select graduate students with strong academic records.³ - Teacher Loan Forgiveness and State Programs: Virginia educators who teach in designated shortage areas or Title I schools may qualify for federal loan forgiveness or state-specific repayment assistance. - NSU Scholarships: A limited number of program-specific scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or commitment to urban education.

How NSU Stacks Up Against Peer Institutions

Compared to other public universities in the Hampton Roads region, NSU's per-credit tuition remains highly competitive. For in-state students, the total cost of a 30-credit master's at NSU is often below that of nearby schools, while out-of-state rates mirror those at comparable public institutions. The availability of graduate assistantships and TEACH grants further strengthens NSU's value proposition for educators who plan to work in underserved communities after graduation.

Admission Requirements and How to Apply

Choosing an education graduate program often means navigating a patchwork of testing requirements. At Norfolk State University, what you need to submit depends on which M.Ed. or MAT path you pursue. Most programs set a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75¹, though the Graduate School floor is 2.5². The real differentiator is standardized testing: some specialties require the GRE, MAT, or PRAXIS exams, while others have no test mandate at all.

Program-Specific Testing Policies

• MAT candidates may need to submit scores from the GRE, MAT, or PRAXIS, depending on their endorsement area. Some also require a valid teaching license for advanced standing.
• Music Education applicants often follow a similar testing matrix but may have additional audition or portfolio requirements, check directly with the department.
• Other M.Ed. specializations (such as Curriculum & Instruction) may waive the exam entirely if your undergraduate GPA meets a higher threshold, but confirm with the graduate coordinator.

If English isn’t your first language, a TOEFL score of at least 500 (paper-based) is required.³

How to Assemble Your Application

Norfolk State uses an online portal for all graduate submissions. The application fee is $35⁴. You’ll need to prepare:

• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your ability to succeed in graduate school.¹
• A personal statement (up to 300 words) outlining your goals in education. The statement should connect your background to NSU’s urban-focused mission.⁴
• A professional résumé highlighting teaching-related experience.¹
• Official transcripts from every college you’ve attended. If your bachelor’s degree is not in a teaching discipline or liberal arts, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework.¹

Some programs also schedule an interview, either in person or virtually, before a final decision. Be ready to discuss your classroom experience or academic interests.

Key Dates and Deadlines

NSU admits graduate students for both fall and spring semesters. Priority deadlines are:

• Fall entry: May 1
• Spring entry: November 1¹

Applications received after these dates are considered on a space-available basis. For the most accurate, program-specific timeline, contact the School of Education graduate admissions office directly, as openings in high-demand specialties can fill early.

Frequently Asked Questions About NSU Education Graduate Programs

Looking for quick answers about graduate education at Norfolk State University? The FAQs below cover common questions on programs, costs, accreditation, and admissions. For deeper dives, explore the corresponding sections on this page.

1. Does Norfolk State have graduate programs?

   Yes, Norfolk State University offers a range of graduate programs, including several Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees.¹ NSU provides master's, educational specialist, and doctoral programs through its School of Education, preparing educators for advanced roles in teaching, counseling, and administration.

2. What Master's in Education programs does Norfolk State University offer?

   NSU provides MAT degrees in Elementary, Special, and Secondary Education, as well as an MA in Urban Education with concentrations in School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, and Principal Preparation (online).² These programs combine rigorous coursework with clinical practice to prepare educators for licensure and leadership.

3. How much does a Master's in Education at Norfolk State cost?

   Graduate tuition at NSU is charged per credit and varies by residency status. For current per-credit rates and estimated total program costs, please refer to the tuition and financial aid section on this page. Additional fees may apply, and financial aid and graduate assistantships are available for qualified students.

4. What are the admission requirements for Norfolk State University education programs?

   Applicants must hold a bachelor's from a regionally accredited institution and submit official transcripts from all colleges attended.³ Some programs require a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a teaching license.³ International students must provide credential evaluations.³ Check your program's page for specific requirements.

5. Can I earn an education degree online at Norfolk State University?

   Yes. The MA in Urban Education with a Principal Preparation concentration is offered fully online.² Other graduate education programs may be available in hybrid formats, combining online coursework with on-campus components. Visit individual program pages to confirm delivery formats and any in-person requirements.

6. Is Norfolk State University accredited?

   Norfolk State University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC.¹ The School of Education's programs hold national CAEP accreditation (since 2022) and are approved by the Virginia Department of Education.² This ensures that NSU's education degrees meet rigorous quality standards for professional licensure and advanced study.

7. What is the average salary for NSU education graduates?

   Program-level earnings for NSU education graduates are not yet published. In the Hampton Roads metro area, the average teacher salary is around $XX,XXX annually, based on recent data. For the latest salary figures and job outlook, consult the salary section above.

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