The College - General Information

History of the College

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) was established in 1964 as Northern Virginia Technical College. Since its founding, NOVA has served the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park.

The college opened for classes in 1965 in a single building in Bailey’s Crossroads. At the time, 761 students were served by 46 faculty and staff, including the first president, Robert L. McKee. Subsequent college presidents included Dr. Richard J. Ernst (appointed in 1968), Dr. Belle S. Wheelan (appointed in 1998), Dr. Robert G. Templin Jr. (appointed in 2002), Dr. Scott R. Ralls (appointed in 2015) and Dr. Melvyn D. Schiavelli (appointed in 2019). Current president Dr. Anne M. Kress has served since 2020.

The college was renamed Northern Virginia Community College in 1966 when the Statewide General Assembly rebranded the technical college system as the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Supplementing existing career and technical programs, new academic curricula were introduced to both meet regional demand for credentials and facilitate transfer to four-year colleges.

In 1966, the college purchased 78 acres in Annandale - the first of NOVA’s six permanent campuses - and the first building at the new campus opened in 1967. That same year, the college purchased 100-acre sites for future campuses in Sterling (Loudoun), Manassas and Woodbridge. In 1969, the college purchased acreage for the Alexandria Campus. After several decades, NOVA further expanded when it purchased the Medical Education Campus site in 2000.

Loudoun, Manassas and Woodbridge first offered classes in 1972, and classes moved from Bailey’s Crossroads to Alexandria in 1973. NOVA’s Extended Learning Institute began offering home study courses in January 1975 and in 2018 rebranded as NOVA Online - now a national leader in online education. In 2003, the Medical Education Campus opened in Springfield in response to regional demand for healthcare training. The college also opened an educational center in 2006 in Reston.

The college’s enrollment and programs have grown rapidly since its founding. By 1970, enrollment exceeded 10,000 students. By 1973, NOVA had become the largest institution of higher education in Virginia with 17,260 students. During the 2022-23 academic year, the college served more than 75,800 students in credit courses and another 22,400 in noncredit courses.

The College

NOVA is a comprehensive, open-access community college offering two-year associate degrees, one-year certificates and career studies certificates as well as continuing education and community services programs. As one of the VCCS’s 23 colleges, NOVA is governed by the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges.

NOVA strives to meet the unique educational and training needs for people of differing abilities, educational background and professional experience through a variety of curricular and cocurricular programs and community services. While many programs are available at all campuses, highly specialized courses are offered at only one or two.

NOVA offers a strong advising program to help students select the curriculum that will advance their career, educational and personal goals. The college also provides orientation experiences as well as career, financial, testing, veterans and student life services to better meet the holistic needs of modern students. All services are outlined on NOVA’s website.

The college operates on the semester system, with 15-week fall and spring semesters and a 10-week summer session. Many courses are offered in even shorter sessions - including 12-week, 10-week, 8-week, 6-week, and 4-week sessions - to meet the needs of students, area employers and the regional economy.

Virginia Community College System (VCCS)

The VCCS comprises 23 two-year colleges, including NOVA. Established in 1966, the VCCS complements the missions of the secondary schools and the senior colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The mission of the VCCS “We give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. ”

Governance

The governing board for all 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System is the State Board for Community Colleges. The governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia appoints the members to this board. Each community college establishes its own local board. The Northern Virginia Community College Board provides local leadership and approves items to be recommended to the State Board for consideration. Members of the College Board are appointed by the nine political jurisdictions served by the College. The local board is composed of three members from Fairfax County and one member from each of the other jurisdictions.

Members of the community serve on curriculum advisory boards for career and technical curricula offered at the College. Board members are selected from career fields that are directly related to the career objectives of programs at NOVA. These boards provide the guidance necessary for planning new programs and ensuring that courses and programs continue to provide instruction in the skills suited for the job market in Northern Virginia.

The maintenance and operating budget for the College is provided through appropriations made by the Virginia General Assembly. The nine political jurisdictions of Northern Virginia provide local funding for the purchase of sites and site development. The General Assembly approves capital outlay funding for building construction and initial equipment.

Accreditation and Recognition

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree. Questions about the accreditation of Northern Virginia Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; by calling (404) 679-4500; or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website. Curricula of the College are approved by the College Board and by the State Board for Community Colleges. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) also approves its two-year associate degree programs. Certain curricula of the College are accredited or otherwise recognized by specialized accrediting organizations. They include:

See the individual program descriptions for additional details.

NOVA Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Mission

Northern Virginia Community College provides equitable access to affordable and exceptional higher education and workforce programs, transforming the lives of our students and advancing opportunity in our community.

Our Vision

To be a learning-centered organization that promotes student success.

Our Core Values

Care is demonstrated at NOVA through a culture of compassion where success and well-being are prioritized in our commitment to developing authentic relationships and providing resources to foster a supportive and thriving community.

Excellence is demonstrated at NOVA through our high quality and cutting-edge programs; innovative, talented and experienced faculty and staff; and strong and effective relationships with employer and university partners–all to ensure our students are ready for graduation, transfer and high-demand careers.

Inclusion is demonstrated at NOVA through our intentional commitment to welcoming, supporting and engaging diverse people and perspectives so that a sense of belonging is cultivated throughout our college community.

Integrity is demonstrated at NOVA through adherence to principles and actions that foster accountability, honesty and trustworthiness; commitment to truth and fairness is ensured by ethical, equitable and professional behavior, and prioritizing the needs of students and the community we serve.

Respect is demonstrated at NOVA through treating each other with courtesy and dignity, acknowledging and valuing differing ideas and perspectives, affirming the uniqueness of every individual and being mindful of personal boundaries.

Academic Offerings

College Transfer Education

NOVA’s transfer programs include courses typical of the first two years of a baccalaureate degree. Transferable courses closely parallel coursework offered at four-year institutions, meeting standards acceptable to baccalaureate degree programs. Since requirements vary among four-year colleges and universities, those planning to transfer must check the requirements of their intended transfer institution before planning a course of study at NOVA. For more information on college transfer, refer to NOVA’s transfer website at https://www.nvcc.edu/admissions/transfer/index.html.

Career and Technical Education

The career and technical education programs are designed to meet the increasing demand for technicians, office workers, paraprofessionals, and skilled craftspersons for employment in industry, business, professions, and government. These programs, which normally require two years or less of education beyond high school, may include preparation for agricultural, business, engineering, health, and medical, industrial, service, and other technical and career fields. The curricula are planned primarily to meet the needs for workers in the region being served by the College, but the State Board for Community Colleges may designate certain community colleges as centers to serve larger areas of the state in offering expensive and highly specialized career and technical education programs.

General Education

General education, as an integrated and cohesive whole, provides the educational foundation necessary to promote intellectual and personal development. Upon completion of the associate degree, graduates of Northern Virginia Community College will demonstrate competency in student learning outcomes (SLOs) in civic engagement, critical thinking, professional readiness, quantitative literacy, scientific literacy, and written communication. General education core competencies distinguish graduates as individuals with a breadth of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to pursue further education and their careers, continue to develop as learners, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

NOVA’s associate degree programs support a collegiate experience that meets the general education requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). 

NOVA General Education Competencies

The College has established goals for each degree program to enhance student learning experiences beyond the major area of study. The following are the College’s general education goals:

Civic Engagement - The ability to contribute to the civic life and well-being of local, national, and global communities as both a social responsibility and a life-long learning process. Degree graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and civic values necessary to become informed and contributing participants in a democratic society.

Critical Thinking - The ability to use information, ideas and arguments from relevant perspectives to make sense of complex issues and solve problems. Degree graduates will locate, evaluate, interpret, and combine information to reach well-reasoned conclusions or solutions. 

Professional Readiness - The ability to work well with others and display situationally and culturally appropriate demeanor and behavior. Degree graduates will demonstrate skills important for successful transition into the workplace and pursuit of further education. 

Quantitative Literacy - The ability to perform accurate calculations, interpret quantitative information, apply and analyze relevant numerical data, and use results to support conclusions. Degree graduates will calculate, interpret, and use numerical and quantitative information in a variety of settings.

Scientific Literacy - The ability to apply the scientific method and related concepts and principles to make informed decisions and engage with issues related to the natural, physical, and social world. Degree graduates will recognize and know how to use the scientific method, and to evaluate empirical information. 

Written Communication - The ability to develop, convey, and exchange ideas in writing, as appropriate to a given context and audience. Degree graduates will express themselves effectively in a variety of written forms.

Developmental Studies 

Developmental courses are offered to prepare students to succeed in the College transfer and career/technical programs. These English and mathematics courses are designed to develop the basic skills and understanding needed for success in other courses and curricula. High school students may not enroll in developmental courses.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

NOVA ESL programs support students whose primary language is not English in accessing American higher education, entry or advancement in the workforce, or language improvement. NOVA ESL students may be residents of Northern Virginia, students with F-1 status, or other visitors to the United States. NOVA offers courses through College ESL and the American Culture & Language Institute (ACLI). In both ESL programs, students acquire fluency, enhance their ability to express nuanced ideas, and gain greater control of linguistic complexities.

Graduation Rates

Many students attending Northern Virginia Community College do not plan to graduate with an associate degree or certificate, but enroll for the purpose of improving job skills, taking credits for transfer to another college, or for some specialized need or personal satisfaction. Determining graduation rates, given students’ varied objectives is difficult; however, prospective, or enrolled students who would like to know more about the enrollments and completion rates for a particular curriculum may obtain much of this information on the College’s Office of Institutional Research website at https://www.nvcc.edu/osi/oir/data-insights/achievement.html#panel5.

Business and Community Engagement

Workforce Offerings

NOVA Workforce partners with industry leaders to develop education and training programs for a diverse group of learners and companies. Close business partnerships enable NOVA Workforce to keep a pulse on new and emerging technologies, sectors, and business practices. As part of the program development, NOVA Workforce includes industry experts on advisory boards that guide the design and development of each program. Programs are offered in sectors such as Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Medical, Business and Management, Trades, ESL, and Education. NOVA Workforce offers recognized credentials from Amazon, EC-Council, CompTIA, Cisco, NHA, SHRM, and more.

FastForward

FastForward subsidizes the cost of certain pre-approved, high-demand programs. Students pay one-third of the cost of the program with the expectation that they will seek and obtain the related credential identified for their program. The funds are available to Virginia residents who meet Virginia domicile requirements. Students who participate in FastForward programs are financially responsible for the first third of the course cost. Additional financial assistance options, such as FANTIC and G3, may be available to cover students’ first third. Funding for these programs is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information, please visit https://www.nvcc.edu/workforce/ or contact NOVAWorkforceAnswers@nvcc.edu or 703-503-6300.

Apprenticeship and Corporate Training

Apprenticeships combine learning, industry-recognized credentials, and structured on-the-job training and mentorship to successfully fill a company’s talent needs. NOVA Workforce partners with regional employers to provide curriculum and instruction as part of the company’s apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs are approved through the Apprenticeship Division of the Virginia State Department of Labor and Industry. Formal apprenticeship programs require related technical instruction, and NOVA offers many courses for this program requirement.

NOVA Workforce serves regional employers with tailored curriculum and customized training to address their specific needs. Training can be offered online, on one of our campuses, or on-site at their business.

Employer Engagement Career Services

Business and community partnerships are data-driven and focused on delivering short and long-term results. NOVA’s Office of Strategy, Research and Workforce Innovation conducts labor market research projects, using real-time analytics and economic modeling, to illustrate Northern Virginia’s economic landscape, including market conditions and growth areas, skill shortages, and talent demands. Research also includes employer focus groups, surveys, and education data, which layer real-time information onto economic and demographic data to provide clear insight into workforce demands. Strategy, Research and Workforce Innovation merges labor market information with communications campaigns to inform students, teachers, and parents of in-demand careers and job projections to address skills gaps before they happen. Through various media, they reach out to high schools, parents, veterans, college students, career-changers, and incumbent workers.

Through Employer Engagement and Career Services, the College enables employers to connect directly with today’s students and the workforce of tomorrow. Each year, the College works with thousands of employers to support these efforts.  Career Connection, NOVA’s career services management system, is available to recruit students and a variety of professional development opportunities are hosted virtually and on each campus throughout the year. Employer can also engage with the College through the Business Engagement Center, which supports employers navigate opportunities at the College and efforts to bolster the region’s diverse and evolving economy.

Continuing Education

Through NOVA Workforce, continuing education programs are offered to afford individuals the opportunity to continue their learning experiences. Continuing education programs are generally noncredit courses offered during the day and evening hours. The College awards Continuing Education Units (CEU) upon completion of most noncredit courses.

Other Offerings

The College provides specialized services to help meet the cultural and educational needs of the residents of the Northern Virginia area. These services include nonclassroom and noncredit cultural events, workshops, meetings, lectures, conferences, seminars, short courses, and special community projects that are designed to provide cultural and educational opportunities for the residents of the region. The College works cooperatively with other local and state agencies and with businesses interested in developing such services.

NOVA Educational Foundation

Founded in 1979, the NOVA Educational Foundation is committed to supporting Northern Virginia Community College’s mission to provide all students with a high-quality, life-changing education. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation connects donors to NOVA programs, securing funding, increasing visibility, and strengthening partnerships between the College, individual donors, businesses, and local and state communities.

The Foundation is dedicated to supporting the strategic priorities of the College, specifically, NOVA’s goals of Access, Retention, Completion and Employment. Despite Commonwealth funding and student financial aid programs, private dollars are critically needed to close gaps and achieve bold goals. The Foundation’s strategic fundraising priorities are the Student Success Fund, which provides emergency grants and “last mile” scholarships to students within six to eight credits of graduation who have depleted all educational financial resources; the Future of Work Initiative; and the NOVA Empower Bright Futures Fund.  

Each year, the Foundation invests $250,000 in the Student Success Fund and holds 300+ scholarships, valued at $500,000, to ensure academically successful but financially challenged students earn their degrees and transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce with highly employable skills.

Alumni and Friends Network

Originally established in 1983 as the Alumni Federation, the Foundation relaunched a reimagined NOVA Alumni and Friends Network in June 2023 to mirror the College’s core commitment of inclusive excellence.  NOVA Alumni and Friends Network is a community of graduates, those who have taken a class or two, NOVA parents and members of the community who are passionate about our students and the transformative role of community colleges.

In 2022, the Foundation began NOVA Giving Day, an annual 24-hour event that engages students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, friends, family, and the broader community.   Giving Day strengthens a growing culture of philanthropy across NOVA and supports the Empower Bright Futures Fund, an unrestricted fund that provides flexible, “just-in-time” resources to meet the College’s most pressing needs.