Special Programs

Virginia State University is proud to offer its students a wide variety of Special Programs. From opportunities for hands-on experience to an exciting selection of travel-abroad programs, students at VSU are never limited to the traditional classroom experience. 

Concurrent (Dual) Enrollment Program

VSU Concurrent (Dual) Enrollment Program lets area high school students earn college credits while still in high school. The courses are taught at participating high schools by high school teachers approved by VSU. The curricula, syllabi and tests are identical to those used at VSU. If the student later attends VSU, their transcripts will reflect both the college credits and earned GPA. The concurrent enrollment courses are transferable to other universities and colleges as well.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education at VSU serves to bring the curriculum and research to the outside community, through customized courses, certificate and degree programs, professional and research conferences, and educational events.

Distance Education

The Office of Distance Education is the home for the official courses and programs offered online at VSU. At present, the courses offered are through the Trojan Advance program. Trojan Advance Courses are low-cost courses offered during the Summer and Winter terms to current students and entering Freshmen aspiring to catch up or get ahead in their studies. Each Trojan Advance class supports either General Education or Free Elective requirements of the University. 

Education Abroad

VSU students can extend the boundaries of their academic experience by participating in international study, service, intern, and field research programs practically anywhere!  In addition to faculty-led programs, students may participate in programs offered through accredited international schools or through exchange programs. To find out more about what programs are offered, visit the Office of International Education.

Honors Program

The VSU Honors Program provides superior learning opportunities that will challenge these young scholars to reach new levels of academic excellence. The Program is designed to meet the unique educational needs of VSU’s academically talented and highly motivated undergraduate students. Special opportunities are offered for students to acquire the skills and attitudes for intellectual growth, cultural enrichment and leadership development.

Participants in the Honors Program have access to all of the facilities in Quad 1A, including meeting places for study/study circles, seminars, colloquia, tutorials, guest/faculty lecturers, and social activities. The Honors building also includes classrooms, administrative offices, and private and shared rooms for more than 200 freshmen and sophomore honors students.

Holistic Learning

At VSU, learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Our students get hands-on experience in their fields of study through internships, jobs and volunteer learning.

Career Services at VSU provides experts to assist students in finding the right experiential learning opportunity. VSU Career Services offers assistance in selecting a major, career planning, portfolio and resume development, networking, job search or internships and more.

To find out more about how Career Services can help the transition from VSU student to professional, or to search openings for internships, jobs or volunteer opportunities or to create an online resume, visit the Career Services website.

Service-Learning 

Service-Learning is a pedagogy that combines learning goals and community service in ways that can enhance both student growth and the common good.

Typically, Service-Learning is incorporated into a course or series of courses by way of a project that has both learning and community action goals.  This project is designed via collaboration between faculty and community partners, such as non-governmental organizations or government agencies.  The project asks students to apply course content to community-based activities.  This gives students experiential opportunities to learn in real world contexts and develop skills of community engagement, while affording community partners opportunities to address significant needs.

Winter/Summer Sessions

VSU offers a short winter session and three sessions during the summer. Taking classes during these special sessions gives students more flexibility in completing their programs and can help you graduate on time - or even early! You'll find more information about taking winter and summer classes at VSU in this section.