Graduate Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

Graduate programs lead to the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration and Supervision; the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Psychology; the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics or Media Management; the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Business Administration; Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology, Computer Science, Counselor Education, Criminal Justice, Data Analytics, Educational Administration and Supervision, Mathematics, Psychology, or Sport Management; the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (M.I.S.), the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) in Social Work; or the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education, Educational Administration and Supervision, or Education.

Graduate degrees at Virginia State University are awarded based on the specific academic focus and culminating requirements of each program. The Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS), Master of Science (M.S.), and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees are conferred in alignment with the nature of the discipline and the type of final project or thesis required. Each program establishes its own general degree requirements, which may include a thesis, action research project, or other approved capstone experience.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are awarded upon completion of all program-specific requirements, including the prescribed credit hours, comprehensive examinations, and a successfully defended dissertation or equivalent culminating project.

Second Master's Degree

A student with a master's degree from Virginia State University who pursues a second master's degree at the University is exempted from the GRE requirements. Students with master's degrees from other schools who have not taken the GRE must take and pass the GRE if required by the program. VSU courses that apply to both master's degree programs do not have to be repeated, at the advisor's discretion, but the student must take electives to count toward the total semester-hour requirement of the program: 30, 33, 36, or other. Courses used for one degree cannot be used for another degree whether taken at VSU or elsewhere.

Completion Prior to Commencement

Graduate students must complete all degree requirements (including final approval of thesis/dissertations, projects, and internships) and have final grades submitted to the Registrar no less than one (1) week before commencement activities in order for the student to participate in commencement.

Summary Procedures for the Master's Degree

  1. Submit the application (with a fee, if applicable) to the Graduate Office.
  2. Have two official copies of transcripts from previous undergraduate and graduate studies submitted by colleges/universities sent directly to the Graduate Office. Graduates of Virginia State University only need one copy of their transcript.
  3. Have recent scores on the Graduate Record Examination sent to the Graduate Office by the Educational Testing Service, prior to registration; or obtain application from the Graduate Office and register for the GRE during the first semester of enrollment. Foreign students must submit TOEFL scores, in addition to the above, prior to admission.
  4. After receiving notice of admission from the Director of Graduate Admissions on behalf of the program and Graduate Studies, the Student Program and Data Card must be completed and submitted to the Graduate Office. Plan the program with your advisor.
  5. Candidates for a master’s degree, where applicable, will file a thesis title card approved by the advisor at least six months before the candidate expects to complete all requirements for the degree. Candidates for a degree that requires the defense of the master’s project (if accepting that option) or the oral/written comprehensive examination will apply at the beginning of the last term of study.
  6. Comply with the Schedule of Important Dates for Graduate Studies (available through the College of Graduate Studies Office) for the last semester of study. File an application for the degree for the appropriate commencement by the deadline set in the University Calendar using VSU Banner system.

Program Area Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Graduate Studies listed, specific requirements of individual programs are listed under Programs of Study, where applicable. Where no discipline­ specific requirements are indicated, the general admission requirements pertain. Program assessment requirements must be submitted with the application to ensure prompt response for admission.

Program Cards

A student's program of studies is not official until approved by the student’s advisor. The official program of courses for the master's degree must include a minimum of 50 percent of the total program in major area courses.

Residency Requirements

A minimum of 21 semester hours in a 30-hour program or 24 semester hours in a 36-hour program must be completed through the offerings at Virginia State University. Although full-time study is desirable, it is not required and many of the programs can be completed through part-time study. Some programs have special stipulations concerning part-time study, which should be carefully followed.