Norfolk State University, USA

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings

Founded as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia State University (VSU) in 1935, the school became independent of VSU and was named Norfolk Polytechnic College in 1942 and was granted university status in 1979 by the General Assembly of Virginia. The institute is a public historically black university, it has gained accreditations from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited Norfolk State to award associate, baccalaureate, master and doctoral degrees. In the 2020 edition of US News and World Report 2020, the university ranked 91st in Regional Universities South, 58th in Top Performers on Social Mobility and 42nd in Top Public Schools. 

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The institute with urban setting encompasses 134 acres (0.5 km2) of land and 31 buildings, ROTC complex with a seating capacity of 7,500, a 30,000-seat football stadium, a television studio and radio station, an African art museum, and a multi-purpose performing arts center, Research facilities, theatre, and many other student services. NSU offers 36 undergraduate degrees,  including the only undergraduate degree in Optical Engineering in Virginia and is the only university that offers two doctorate and 15 master's degrees, including master's degree programs in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, and Criminal Justice. 

Accomplishments & Alumni 

The university works closely for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as it is a member-school of Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Their constant efforts in the field of technology have led to the Virginia High-Tech Partnership as well. Norfolk State Spartans men's basketball team won the 2012 MEAC Men's Basketball Tournament championship. This victory led to the team’s first-ever appearance in NCAA Men’s Division 1 Basketball Tournament as they were given the conference's automatic bid for the tournament. The Spartans created history when they defeated Missouri Tigers in the second round as it was only the fifth time that a 15th seed defeated the 2nd seed. The university band (Spartan Legion Band) Was Voted HBCU Sports Band Of The Year in 2020 and was also featured in the official music video for the song Heavy Metal by French house act Justice. Some of the well-known names to go to the Norfolk State University includes Alex Moore, an American Football Player; Time Reid, a famous Comedian, actor, director; Algie Howell, an American Politician; Chandra Sturrup, Bahamian track sprinter who won the Gold Medal Winner in the 2000 Olympics.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

With 35 percent male students and 65 percent female students in the undergraduate level, the university is predominantly female. With international students representing more than 16 countries, the university becomes a natural hub for different cultures, ethnicities, and ideologies. The university has various clubs and activities to accommodate international students. Some of the major employers at NSU are Nestle USA Inc, Beacon Holding, Dominion Enterprises, Titan America, Harbor Group Management, etc.