MASTER'S DEGREE AND RE-LICENSURER PROGRAMS (for those already holding a degree

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

CNU offers four master’s programs for the educational advancement and professional enhancement of traditional applicants, those with a bachelor’s degree earned prior to beginning of graduate study.

Master of Arts in Teaching Master of Financial Analysis Master of Science in Applied Physics and Computer Science Master of Science in Environmental Science

Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is designed for students who wish to become licensed teachers. This program offers students the latest advancements in content area teaching through hands-on activities, discussion and field experiences to prepare them with competencies necessary to enter the teaching profession. All students study instructional practices which are based on evidence provided by educational research. In addition, an emphasis is placed on the study of diversity in the United States and implications of that diversity for educational practice. MAT students select from one of the following endorsement areas: Biology, Chemistry, Elementary, English, English as a Second Language (ESL), History & Social Science, Mathematics, Physics, Spanish or Visual Arts. Christopher Newport University does not offer the MAT with Music endorsement (Choral and Instrumental) areas for traditional applicants; students must earn their undergraduate degree from CNU and pursue the MAT with Music endorsement through our five-year MAT program. Faculty are utilized from 12 academic departments and supplemented by practicing educational professionals to provide students with a strong background in their selected teaching area.

Master of Financial Analysis

The Master of Financial Analysis degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in accounting firms, investment and wealth management firms, financial institutions, and corporations, that require a deep understanding of data analytics and new technologies. Equipped with advanced knowledge of data analytics software such as Python and Tableau, and new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, and their application to analyze and communicate complex financial information, graduates of the program will be able to command higher salaries and quicker advancement than their counterparts in Master of Accountancy, Master of Finance, and Master of Business Administration programs.

The program will also prepare students to sit for various certifications. These certifications include the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The certification and the degree will enable the graduates of the program to advise companies on financial decisions and advise individuals on investment, insurance, retirement, and estate and tax planning within current regulatory and ethical frameworks.

Master of Science in Applied Physics and Computer Science

The degree is designed to produce graduates ready to make contributions to their professions and/or to continue toward a Ph.D. degree in applied physics, computer engineering or computer science. Students may select from three concentrations: Applied Physics, Computer Systems Engineering and Instrumentation, or Computer Science. The computer science concentration has research opportunities in artificial intelligence, software engineering, networking and communications, and robotics. The research opportunities in applied physics include nuclear physics at Jefferson Lab, gravitational wave physics at LIGO, modeling and simulation. There is commonality with both of these concentrations with the third concentration in computer systems engineering and instrumentation, with research opportunities including robotics, sensors and instrumentation systems design.

Master of Science in Environmental Science

The degree is designed to provide the knowledge and technical skills in environmental science that prepares students to work in the rapidly growing field of environmental monitoring and conservation, or to continue toward a Ph.D. degree. Students also develop the skills required for employment with environmental assessment/monitoring businesses and state government agencies. The program faculty are actively engaged in research projects and have access to a variety of excellent field research sites. Research currently is being conducted at local (e.g., Hoffler Creek Nature Preserve), regional (e.g.,Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge) and national (e.g.,Death Valley National Park) sites as well as international locations. All courses are taught in the 160,000 square foot Forbes Hall, which contains 70 teaching labs and student research spaces as well as state of the art classrooms.

The Graduate Studies office is located in Trible Library 243 and welcomes inquiries from those interested in the master’s programs. From the Graduate Studies website cnu.edu/admission/graduate, students may view the Graduate Catalog, apply for admission, or contact the Graduate Program Director of their choice. Contact Graduate Studies at gradstudy@ cnu.edu or by calling 757-594-8585 for additional information.