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VSU Expands Offerings With Four New Degree Programs
GREATER academic footprint
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Virginia State University is the first public Historically
Black College or University (HBCU) in Virginia to
offer a Master (MBA) of Business Administration.
The University began offering the new degree in
Fall 2024.
Students pursuing their MBA at VSU obtain
the skills to become business executives and
managers across diverse economic sectors. The
program offers comprehensive training in essential
business disciplines, including accounting, finance,
computer information systems, data analytics,
strategic management, and marketing.
Additionally, with a student population that is over 90
percent Black/African Americans, the program allows
VSU to address the underrepresentation of Blacks/
African Americans in the business management and
leadership profession.
Virginia State University is the first Historically Black College
or University (HBCU) in the nation to offer a CSWE-accredited
Master of Social Work (MSW) program specializing in trauma-
informed care.
The MSW program, retroactively effective as of Fall 2022,
specializes in preparing graduates to systematically and
strategically address the well-being of individuals who have
experienced trauma. It is also committed to promoting human
rights and social and economic justice through community
engagement, advocacy, and collaborative scientific inquiry
that impacts professional practice locally, nationally, and
globally.
The accreditation reflects VSU’s commitment to providing high-
quality education and transformative opportunities for its students.
The accreditation will last through 2032 and can be extended.
Virginia State University is opening new doors in
STEM with the launch of its Bachelor of Science
in Mechanical Engineering in Fall 2024.
Mechanical Engineering majors at VSU learn
to design, build, and test systems like aircraft
engines, robots, prosthetics, and turbines. The
new program prepares students for careers in
engineering services, research and development,
and manufact-uring, with training from concept
design through installation and maintenance.
According to U.S. News and World Report, Mechanical
Engineers ranked first in best engineering jobs, with
a mean salary exceeding $96,000.
Virginia State University launched its Master of
Science (MS) in Data Analytics in Fall 2024 to pre-
pare students for high-impact careers in one of to-
day’s fastest-growing fields.
Students in Data Analytics at VSU learn to analyze
large datasets using industry-standard tools and AI
techniques to identify trends and solve business
problems. Graduates leave equipped to create da-
ta-driven insights through automation, visualiza-
tion, and strategic analysis.
Recent studies also show that data science currently
ranks the lowest in diversity among all the various
technology fields, with fewer than 4% of the work-
force being African-American. As a historically Black
university, VSU is expanding access to opportunities
in data science by helping more students break into
this competitive industry and lead in shaping its future.
Master of Social Work (Trauma-Informed Care)
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Master of Business Administration
Master of Science in Data Analytics
—Dr. Tia A. Minnis
VSU Provost and VP for Academic Affairs
“
These new degree programs reflect our commitment to academic excellence and to preparing students for success across
a range of disciplines. Each program is designed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in
these growing and dynamic fields.”
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