overview of the college of education graduate programs
 

The College of Education at Virginia State University serves as the academic and administrative hub for all graduate programs preparing educators, counselors, and leaders in the field of education. Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the College equips graduate students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to foster positive educational outcomes across diverse learning environments. Graduate programs emphasize evidence-based practices, cultural responsiveness, and leadership development, preparing candidates for impactful roles in classrooms, counseling centers, schools, and communities.

Graduate students have opportunities to engage in professional development and scholarly enrichment through active participation in student organizations, including:

• Chi Sigma Iota
• Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education (KDP)

Mission of the college for graduate programs
 

Creating a positive learning environment for all students and using evidence-based performance standards to develop reflective practitioners are central to the College of Education’s mission. The College of Education promotes and maintains academic programs with research-based pedagogy, technology-based learning, and reflective practices that integrate service to the community, ever mindful of the students’ diverse cultural backgrounds.

Accreditation Information of the college
 

The programs in the College are approved by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

objectives of the college for graduate programs
 

The overall goal of the College of Education at Virginia State University, given its underlying vision, mission, and philosophy, is to facilitate the development of reflective practitioners who create positive learning environments for all students. This goal undergirds the development of successful candidates who are competent, caring, and effective. Through reflective inquiry, candidates use professional knowledge to enhance learning for all students.

• Competent: Understanding the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the content area(s). Understanding ways to enhance the learning process and learning environment through effective use of technology. Creating learning experiences and environments that make the subject matter meaningful for learners.
• Caring: Showing respect to all learners and empowering them to set achievable goals while maintaining high standards. Demonstrating a commitment to professionalism, continuous reflection, and application of research-based best practices.
• Effective: Using research-based best practices and performance assessments to guide the learning process and positively impact the learning environment to ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills to face the global challenges of the 21st century.
• Reflective: Reflecting upon and evaluating research and the success of past decisions in an effort to make better decisions in the future.

Special Policies
The College of Education reserves the right to make changes to any requirements for its endorsement programs according to the policies and regulations of the Virginia Department of Education.

Graduate Program Listings
 

Educational Administration and Supervision 
(Doctor of Education)

Chairperson: Dr. Tracy Walker (Interim)
Location: Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Building, 2nd Floor
Contact Information: (804) 524-2444 | twalker@vsu.edu

Counselor Education with Concentrations in [PreK-12] and Community Counseling [Non-School Setting]
(Master of Education or Master of Science)

Chairperson: Dr. Alishea Rowley (Interim)
Location: Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Building, 2nd Floor
Contact Information: (804) 524-5554 | asrowley@vsu.edu

Education with Concentrations in Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education [PreK-6]¹, or Special Education [K-12]¹
(Master of Education)

Chairperson: Dr. C. Adrainne Thomas
Location: Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Building, Room 2215
Contact Information: (804) 524-6917 | cathomas@vsu.edu

Educational Administration and Supervision with Concentrations in [PreK-12] and Organizational Leadership [Non-Endorsed]
(Master of Education | Master of Science)

Chairperson: Dr. Tracy Walker (Interim)
Location: Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Building, 2nd Floor
Contact Information: (804) 524-2444 | twalker@vsu.edu

Interdisciplinary Studies
(Master of Interdisciplinary Studies)

Chairperson: Dr. G. Michele Jolivette
Location: Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Building, 2nd Floor
Contact Information: (804) 524-6355 | gjolivette@vsu.edu

Sport Management
(Master of Science)

Chairperson: Tracy Lynne Jackson, Esq.
Location: Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Building, 2301
Contact Information: (804) 524-5777 | tljackson@vsu.edu

Educational Administration and Supervision 
(Graduate Certificate)

Chairperson: Dr. Tracy Walker (Interim)
Location: Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Building, 2nd Floor
Contact Information: (804) 524-2444 | twalker@vsu.edu

_{¹ Initial teacher preparation programs only.}