Virginia State University

Accounting

The Accounting Program equips students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the complex, data-driven world of financial management and reporting within a global economy. Students develop a broad understanding of the financial operations of both profit and not-for-profit organizations, gaining fluency in accounting principles, financial regulations, and ethical standards.

Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with the following areas of focus: Agricultural Business and Economics, Agricultural Education (Teacher Education Endorsement/Licensure and Non-Licensure), Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Science, and Plant and Soil Sciences.

Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology provides students with a strong foundation in core biological concepts and laboratory techniques. Students engage in both theoretical and applied science through a curriculum that includes cellular biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, ecology, microbiology, and specialized electives, with emphasis on scientific communication, research methodology, and independent research opportunities.

Biology

Graduate study in biology is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching and research in state, federal and private institutions, including at the university level or in private laboratories. Graduate study in Biology leads to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Students typically complete the degree requirements in two years of full-time work, choosing either a thesis or a non-thesis option.

Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Virginia State University is designed to equip students with both the cutting-edge technological competencies and the essential managerial skills required to excel in today's dynamic business landscape. The MBA curriculum provides a robust foundation in business administration principles, augmented by core coursework in critical areas such as accounting, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and information technology.

Business/Managerial Economics

The Department of Mathematics and Economics offers graduate study in economics leading to the Master of Arts (M.A) degree. The program provides for the thesis and non-thesis options. Both program options provide analytical and decision-making tools appropriate for a broad range of professional careers in government, private sector, international organizations, academic and research institutions and other related fields.

Career and Technical Studies

Career and Technical Studies

Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry offers concentrations in General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Secondary Education, and a 3+4 PharmD option. The General Chemistry concentration is the most flexible and is recommended for students interested in industrial positions or graduate school in chemistry; all chemistry core courses and supporting science and math courses must be completed with a C or better.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineers design computer-based real-time data acquisition systems and analyze and design computer hardware and software systems. The program provides a strong background in mathematics, statistics, sciences and engineering, with emphasis in computer hardware, software, interfacing, and design, and grants elective flexibility for specialization in all aspects of computer engineering and related areas.

Computer Science

The Master of Science degree requires 30 graduate credit hours of course work including a thesis or 33 graduate credit hours of course work including a project. The program is intended to satisfy the need to prepare professionals with expertise using modern computing tools and cutting-edge technology as well as practical knowledge of theoretical computer science.

Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science requires 120 credit hours and includes core coursework in programming, data structures, operating systems, databases, and cybersecurity. The program offers hands-on learning in algorithm design, software development, AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, and is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health (Master of Education (M.Ed.))

The Clinical Mental Health track of the Counselor Education program prepares candidates for counseling careers in non-school, community mental health settings. Coursework combines a counseling core with clinical mental health courses, practicum, and internship experiences. All program courses require a grade of "B" or higher.

Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health (Master of Science (M.S.))

The Clinical Mental Health track of the Counselor Education program prepares candidates for counseling careers in non-school, community mental health settings. The Master of Science option places greater emphasis on research and evaluation, requiring a research thesis in addition to the counseling core and clinical mental health coursework.

Counselor Education PreK-12 (Master of Education (M.Ed.))

The School Counseling PreK-12 track prepares candidates for careers in school counseling at grade levels Pre K-12, in the elementary, middle and high school settings. The School Counseling program leads to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) Degree. The primary distinction between the degree programs is the M.Ed. is more practice and application oriented, while the M.S. places greater emphasis on research and evaluation.

Counselor Education PreK-12 (Master of Science (M.S.))

The School Counseling PreK-12 track prepares candidates for careers in school counseling at grade levels Pre K-12, in the elementary, middle and high school settings. The M.S. places greater emphasis on research and evaluation and requires candidates to complete a quantitatively based, data-driven, research thesis and take an additional research course.

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is a discipline dedicated to studying how the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections) utilizes social control measures in dealing with criminal behavior. Three concentrations are offered in the Criminal Justice program: Forensic Investigation, Juvenile Justice, and Policing.

Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program will provide opportunities for advanced graduate work and scholarship in criminal justice.

Curriculum and Instruction

The graduate program in Curriculum and Instruction offers a program of study that leads to a Master of Education degree. The program has been aligned with the Unit's Conceptual Framework proficiencies to support the development of preparing effective reflective practitioners that are competent, caring and culturally responsive.

Data Analytics

In a world where data shapes decisions, the M.S. in Data Analytics at Virginia State University empowers you to harness the power of data for real-world change. This interdisciplinary program is located in the Department of Engineering within the College of Engineering and Technology, in partnership with the Departments of Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics.

Economics and Finance

The Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance provides students with foundation courses to understand the operations and behavior of consumers, business firms, financial institutions, and governments in a domestic and global environment. Concentrations in Applied Economics and in Economics and Financial Analytics widen graduates' opportunities for gainful employment or graduate study in economics.

Education

Educational Administration and Supervision

Graduate study in Educational Administration and Supervision is designed to prepare candidates for careers in senior level educational administration. Graduate study in Educational Administration and Supervision leads to the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Administration and Supervision.

Educational Administration and Supervision

Educational Administration and Supervision

Educational Administration and Supervision is a post-baccalaureate certificate program offered at Virginia State University.

Educational Administration and Supervision PreK-12 (Master of Education (M.Ed.))

The course of study in this major leads to a Master of Education degree. All candidates who are admitted to the program are working toward an endorsement as a school administrator. The Master of Educational Administration and Supervision PK-12 is a 36-hour program, which prepares candidates for the role of principal in school-settings.

Educational Administration and Supervision PreK-12 (Master of Science (M.S.))

The course of study in this major leads to a Master of Science degree. All candidates who are admitted to the program are working toward an endorsement as a school administrator. The Master of Science degree requires completion of stated required courses and a thesis, offered to anyone who chooses to write a thesis (EDAS 599) instead of taking the comprehensive exam.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology provides students with a strong foundation in both the theory and practical application of electrical and electronics systems. Using modern electrical, electronic and microprocessor laboratories, students gain familiarity with power systems, analog and digital integrated circuits, instrumentation, electronic communications and control devices, emphasizing established design methodologies and laboratory techniques.

Elementary Education

The Bachelor of Science Education in Elementary Education equips pre-service teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to teach foundational concepts to children and youth. The program provides elementary-aged students with a strong foundation in core academic subjects, helps them understand their social and cultural environment, and fosters an active interest in their roles within society.

Elementary Education PreK-6

Graduate study in Elementary Education is designed to prepare candidates for careers in Elementary Education Pre-K-6 (Initial Licensure). The Program in Elementary Education (PK-6) is designed for candidates who have a four-year degree and desire to teach in elementary schools. The program leads to an initial endorsement in Elementary Education and a Master of Education degree.

English

The Bachelor of Arts in English at Virginia State University offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their academic experience. With 42 hours of unrestricted electives, students can pursue concentrations in African American/Africana Literature, Literatures of the World, Creative Writing, Linguistics, Professional Writing, and Secondary Education, preparing them for diverse careers in education, writing, law, and public service.

Enterprise Systems

Family and Consumer Science

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences prepares students for diverse careers focused on improving individual and family life by offering programs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science with concentrations in Dietetics (ACEND accredited); Family, Child and Community Development; and Textiles, Apparel, Merchandising and Management. The Department also provides a secondary education teacher endorsement in Family and Consumer Sciences.

Food and Nutrition Science

The Graduate Certificate Program in Food and Nutrition Science fulfills the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards for Dietetic Internships. The program blends theoretical and practical principles of Dietetics in didactic and supervised practice settings.

Health & Physical Education

The Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation offers a wide range of curricula for students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Students acquire competencies necessary to function as exemplary practitioners in the contemporary marketplace and as potential candidates for graduate school, and majors also select a concentration such as Dance, Health Science, Physical Education PreK-12, Public Health, Recreation, or Sport Management.

Health Psychology

Graduate study in Health Psychology has a strong research focus on behavioral risk factors that impact health, such as stress, at-risk sexual practices, drug use, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and noncompliance with treatment regimens. This program focuses on health service provision disparities in minority communities for diseases such as mental health, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as effective health promotion education and planning for those communities.

History

History is the study of how causes and effects in any endeavor lead to change over time, a philosophy centered on evidentiary analysis and critical thinking that is applicable across academic, business, government, and professional vocations. History majors are immersed in the study of narratives, texts, visual imagery, artefacts, and data sets so that they may build interpretations and communicate their findings effectively through written and oral communication.

Homefront Readjustment for the Armed Forces

This minor/certificate is designed for undergraduate students and professionals in interdisciplinary fields who wish to develop specific knowledge of military culture and communities, and acquire the skills to interact in community settings where the needs of veterans and their families are met. All students in this minor/certificate program are considered undergraduate, and both matriculating and non-matriculating students may enroll.

Hospitality Management

The Hospitality Management program is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of career opportunities in the hospitality industry, the largest private industry worldwide. The curriculum focuses on operations management at the property level and on the development of the managerial and leadership skills essential to all hospitality managers, preparing graduates for careers leading to general and executive management.

Individualized Studies

The Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS) degree program is a flexible program designed for students who have a strong desire to create a personalized academic plan, combining courses from various disciplines. With the guidance of advisors, students select an academic pathway and tailor their curriculum to their specific interests, and the program encourages critical thinking, career readiness, creativity, and independent learning.

Information Logistics Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Information Logistics Technology prepares graduates to work collaboratively within engineering and business teams across diverse industries and government sectors. Graduates develop skills to process information and manage logistics functions in areas such as training, production management, quality management, facilities management, industrial sales and marketing, manufacturing management, supply chain management, distribution, and material handling.

Innovative Technology Education

The Bachelor of Science in Education in Innovative Technology Education (Career and Technical Education) prepares pre-service teachers to develop strong academic, technical, and critical thinking skills necessary for solving real-world problems through the application of technological principles.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Department of Teaching and Learning offers a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, a non-licensure degree completed with a minor in Community Based Education, Elementary Education, or Special Education. The programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to support children, youth, and older adults in a variety of educational and community settings.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) degree program is designed for students who prefer to pursue an interdisciplinary program of study rather than the professional or traditional graduate program. Students combine up to three areas of specialization selected from the College of Education, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Engineering and Technology, and College of Natural and Health Sciences.

International Agriculture

An 18-credit program preparing students for international roles in USDA-FAS and related agencies. Students gain knowledge in food production, safe food systems, ecosystem preservation, and global food security solutions.

Management

The B.S. in Management provides a strong foundation in managerial leadership for both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Students explore essential management functions and concepts, with the option to specialize in Human Resource Management. The program consists of 120 semester hours and encourages participation in internships for practical experience.

Management Information Systems

The MIS degree program covers a broad spectrum of IT topics, providing students with a solid foundation in computer science concepts, programming and web development, database management, networking, and systems analysis. Graduates with an MIS degree are well-equipped for various IT roles within organizations.

Manufacturing Engineering

Manufacturing engineers plan, direct, and coordinate new products from the design stage to production and delivery to customers. The program provides a strong technical foundation in conventional manufacturing engineering with a balanced knowledge of product design; materials; manufacturing processes; manufacturing systems; manufacturing automation and robotics; quality assurance; and project management, supported by hands-on activities in advanced laboratories.

Marketing

The B.S. in Marketing prepares students for the dynamic field of marketing through an integrated curriculum that includes strategy, communication, research, and consumer behavior. Professional development is supported through student involvement in the Marketing Association and engagement with marketing professionals.

Mass Communications

The Mass Communications curriculum provides flexibility with Professional Development Courses so that students may shape a concentration that works best for their needs. All students are required to complete an internship in a professional setting, and students may opt to prepare for graduate school, produce a significant media project, and write a scholarly senior thesis.

Mathematics

The MS degree program in Mathematics has two general concentrations: Mathematics and Mathematics Education. In the Mathematics Concentration, there are two specialties: Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. In the Mathematics Education Concentration, there are two specialties: Curriculum and Instruction for Secondary Teachers and Curriculum and Instruction for K-8 Mathematics Specialists.

Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Economics offers four curricula of study or concentrations leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics: Pure/Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, and Secondary Education. The programs provide a foundation of pure and applied mathematics enabling employment opportunities or graduate study in mathematics, and prepare students for careers as actuaries or for teaching endorsement at the secondary level.

Mechanical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering is offered by the Department of Engineering in the College of Engineering and Technology. The curriculum combines classroom instruction and laboratory work in areas such as dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, materials, mechanics of deformable bodies, systems and controls, machine design, and a two-semester senior project sequence.

Mechanical Engineering Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology centers on the principles of mechanics and thermal processes, including the forces acting on machines, potential failure modes, and energy conversion as applied to engines, refrigeration and other thermal systems.

Media Management

The Department of Mass Communications offers a Master of Arts degree in Media Management which is designed to provide industry professionals with additional training necessary for them to move higher in their media corporate organization. It also accepts recent undergrads seeking extended preparation as they enter the job market.

Middle School Education

The Bachelor of Science Education in Middle School Education prepares pre-service teachers to serve in grades 6-8 classrooms, with concentration areas in Mathematics, Science, English, and History/Social Science. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and deliver instruction that supports the academic and social development of middle school learners in both school and community settings.

Music (Bachelor of Arts (B.A.))

The Bachelor of Arts in Music merges the study and practice of music with a broad range of exposure to the liberal arts. With a large component of open electives and a flexible senior project, the program allows students to create customized areas of focus inside and outside of music; concentrations in Jazz Studies and Music Production Technology are available.

Music (Bachelor of Music (B.M.))

The Bachelor of Music is a professional degree that prepares students for careers in music. The Music Education major includes core music curriculum, performance activities, music education courses, practicum experiences and student teaching leading to Virginia licensure with Instrumental PreK-12 or Vocal/Choral PreK-12 endorsements, while the Performance major prepares students for careers and advanced study in instrumental, keyboard, and vocal performance.

Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing includes a 30-credit-hour upper-level program built around ten key domains of nursing education. The program is aligned with The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Nutrition and Dietetics

A certificate program in the Department of Family and Consumer Science for students who already hold a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent) that meets requirements identified by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Once admitted to the Certificate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, students must submit an additional application for admission to the Didactic Program in Dietetics.

Nutrition and Dietetics

Organizational Leadership in Administration and Supervision

Graduate study in Organizational Leadership in Administration and Supervision is designed to prepare candidates for careers in community leadership. The Organizational Leadership degree is offered to candidates who do not seek licensure to work in schools. This MEd program is designed to enable candidates to acquire knowledge and develop competencies that will make them effective leaders at any level of an organization.

Political Science

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science. The Department emphasizes scholarship, the pursuit of knowledge through research and instruction, and the development of a critical understanding of government locally, nationally and internationally.

Project Management

The graduate certificate in project management is designed to meet the career needs of project team members, project supervisors, or associate project managers in industry, business or government establishments. The program is designed to provide the tools, techniques, and skills needed to effectively manage projects through appropriate learning activities and products. The program is housed in the Department of Applied Engineering Technology at VSU.

Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers graduate study leading to both Master's and Doctoral degrees. Students working toward the Master of Science (M.S.) degree may choose a concentration in either General Psychology or Clinical Psychology.

Psychology

The undergraduate psychology program emphasizes general psychology, giving students a basic understanding of all areas of psychology and providing a foundation of pre-professional education for a variety of vocations. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty and doctoral students on research in Health Psychology, including substance use epidemiology, cognitive health, HIV, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and hypertension.

Social Work

The Virginia State University MSW program is committed to the development of culturally competent, ethical, empathetic and skilled professionals who identify with the social work profession and are dedicated to advanced social work practice and leadership roles within social service agencies, educational, health and behavioral health agencies, organizations and institutions.

Social Work

The Department of Social Work offers the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree. Building on a generalist model of social work practice and a firm liberal arts foundation, students are specifically prepared for beginning generalist professional social work practice with individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities. Majors must be formally admitted to the BSW program before enrolling in social work courses at the 300 level and higher.

Sociology

The Sociology program offers general education on different major aspects of sociological knowledge. Students whose objectives are law, ministry, business management, higher education, politics, government, and the military will be uniquely qualified for success in graduate and professional schools upon completion of this baccalaureate program.

Special Education

The Bachelor of Science Education in Special Education prepares pre-service teachers to become effective special education professionals in PK-12 school settings. The program emphasizes knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential for teaching and supporting children and youth with exceptionalities from ages five through twenty-one, and prepares educators to deliver specialized services that promote access to and success within the general education curriculum.

Special Education K-12

Graduate study in Special Education is designed to prepare students for careers in Special Education K-12 (Initial Licensure). The graduate program in Special Education offers a program of study that leads to a Master of Education degree with a focus on Special Education (K-12) and is designed for candidates who have a four-year degree and desire to teach.

Sport Management

Graduate study in Sport Management leads to the Master of Science. The Master of Science in Sport Management Degree requires a minimum of 36 hours of academic credit and a written/oral comprehensive examination. Participants applying to the Sport Management degree program may be selected based upon their leadership potential, preparation, employment history, and knowledge of current professional practices.

Visual Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts is offered by the Department of Art and Design with concentrations in Studio Arts, Animation, and Graphic Design. Students build the knowledge and skills necessary for contemporary artistic and commercial arts careers; advancement to a specific concentration in the second year depends on a portfolio review and successful completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C.

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