Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Catalog Year 2025-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for COMPUTER SCIENCE

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Earn a transfer associate degree based on the Computer Science curriculum.

• Earn a minimum of 2.0 GPA for the associate degree.

• A maximum of 60 credits will transfer and apply toward the B.S. in Computer Science degree requirements.

• Submit your transfer application for admission by March 1, including an unofficial transcript.

• Request an official transcript to be sent upon completing the associate degree.

• Transfer within four years of first enrolling at the community college and within one year of completing an appropriate associate degree.

• No letter of intent is required to apply for guaranteed admission.

• This transfer guide shows an optimal path to a bachelor degree in Computer Science at Norfolk State University.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: Transfer Admissions & Services https://www.nsu.edu/transfer

• Register Intent to Transfer: By the end of your first semester at the Community College through College Connect at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Admission Application: By May 1 at https://www.nsu.edu/Admissions-Aid/Apply-Online

• Financial Aid: https://www.nsu.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: By October 1 at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• All students must complete the NSU General Education requirements to qualify for the B.S. Degree. Computer Science majors must complete at least 120 credits to complete the B.S. degree.

• Computer Science majors must meet prerequisites or their equivalents prior to enrolling in more advanced Computer Science courses.

• All math and English courses must be completed before the student last semester starts.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites, and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and NSU within your first year. College Connect is available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

• Computer Science is currently one of the largest majors in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET).

• Students can choose among three major tracks: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering. More details at https://www.nsu.edu/cs.

• Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research with faculty at Norfolk State University.

• NSU CS programs are blended with a mix of theoretical and practical concepts.

• Most courses include a laboratory component that stresses hands-on aspects of the subject.

• All CS majors are expected to take a substantial number of courses in mathematics.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion of a transfer-level associate degree could satisfy lower-division general education requirements.

• Dual Enrollment - Completion of the Associate Degree in HS: The agreement of guaranteed admission into the college applies to students earning an associate degree concurrent with high school who have completed a transfer-approved degree with a minimum of 45 credits completed through a Virginia Community College, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

• Credit for Prior Learning: All course credits that were awarded by the two-year institution for equivalent prior learning experiences (IB, AP, CLEP, Military, etc.) will transfer.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year is determined by the first semester of attendance at the community college post-high school graduation.

Is This College Right For Me?

• NSU has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Top 20 HBCUs in the nation.

• It is close to downtown Norfolk and within driving distance of Virginia Beach.

• On-campus housing is available. Weekend/evening/summer courses are available, and online degree options are available for several programs.

• NSU is a military-friendly institution.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school could satisfy lower-division general education requirements and increase the chance of completing your bachelor degree.

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at NSU.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• In general, Computer Science degree programs prepare students for careers as Computer Software Engineers, developers, Data analysts, Forensic computer analysts, Game designers, Game developers, Machine learning engineers, Penetration testers, Software engineers, Systems analysts, UX designers, Web designer, Web developer, and several other allied professions. The NSU CS degree program also provides an adequate foundation for students who wish to pursue graduate study in Computer Science. Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Program Successes & Highlights

• Students in this program have numerous opportunities to participate in competitions, internships, grant-supported research initiatives, and industry traineeships.

• More than 85% of undergraduate computer science students have a job before they graduate.

• In today America, the median starting salary for the year 2021 was $74,427 and higher in several states with a possible median bonus of up to $10,000.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Each year about 34.47% of transfer students apply to enter Norfolk State University as a transfer student in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, CSET. Approximately 17.45% of transfer students are offered admission. There are 8.44% of transfer students enrolled and the average GPA of transfer students enrolled is 2.81.

• Learn more about applying to Norfolk State University at https://www.nsu.edu/transfer-admissions-and-services.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Do More With Your Degree!

• The Computer Science Department has three graduate degrees: M.S. in Computer Science, an accelerated online M.S. in Computer Science, and an online M.S. in Cybersecurity. This affords our graduating students the opportunity to immediately apply to those programs as well.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• All students must complete a total of at least 120 credit hours.

• Overall GPA on all Norfolk State University courses must be at least 2.0.

• Overall GPA on courses designated in major and taken at Norfolk State University must be at least 2.0.