Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University, Idea Fusion

Old Dominion University is Virginia's forward-focused residential research university for high-achieving students who want rigorous and dynamic academic programs and an exceptional student lifestyle in metropolitan Norfolk, VA.

With 24,753 students (5,387 graduate students, 19,367 undergraduates) from more than 113 countries and across the US, ODU is a rich and creative fusion of cultures, viewpoints, and life experiences.

Life here is active, energizing, and entrepreneurial. So is ODU's education. It's the kind of learning that gets students involved and engaged, both inside and outside the classroom -- internships, research, service learning, and fieldwork. ODU's hands-on style gives students opportunities to challenge themselves and gain leadership experience in a thousand different ways.

Live-action-learning is ODU's trademark -- equal parts thought and action, knowledge, and skill. ODU is the only doctoral university in the nation that guarantees every student practical career-related experience within their major -- and for credit. With 165 different areas of study available in ODU's 6 colleges, students are sure to find the career paths they're looking for.

So it's no accident that ODU graduates routinely launch successful careers directly upon graduation, or are accepted to top professional schools throughout the world. Either way, ODU's vast resources will help students every step along the way.

Location and Environment

ODU offers the best of the best: a dynamic, multicultural campus flowing with energy combined with an opportunity-rich city right outside students' doors.

The 250-acre campus is located between 2 rivers in the cultural and commercial crossroads of Norfolk, Virginia, a cosmopolitan area with a population of 1.7 million on the Chesapeake Bay, centrally positioned on the East Coast. The campus is short drive from the Atlantic Ocean and less than 3 miles from Norfolk's city center.

Norfolk is a dynamic city, home to the world's largest US Navy base and to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) North American headquarters. Virginia Beach, a resort with sparkling white-sand beaches, and Colonial Williamsburg, a restored settlement dating from 1632, are close by. The nation's capital, Washington, DC, is just a 3-hour drive north.

Norfolk International Airport, AMTRAK, and Greyhound offer convenient transportation options to major US cities. Locally, ODU students can access all public transportation for free.

The Norfolk climate is ideal for outdoor and recreational activities. Average temperatures range from 86 degrees Fahrenheit in the warm summer months to 41 degrees Fahrenheit during moderate winter months.

Off-Campus Opportunities

Norfolk is at the core of the Hampton Roads area, one of the world's largest natural harbors at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The area is steeped in 400 years of American history and the dozens of historical sites, hundreds of miles of beaches, and outstanding cultural and recreational attractions in the area make it among the top tourism destinations in the world.

All year round, Monarchs (that is, ODU students) enjoy easy access to the nearby oceanfront in Virginia Beach, the museums and sporting events in downtown Norfolk, and the historical attractions of Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.

The Hampton Roads region also boasts thriving cultural, artistic and music scenes, with a wide variety of clubs, restaurants, museums, entertainment venues, and frequent festivals within the region.

And for outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of options for hiking, sea kayaking, surfing, or biking.

Majors and Degrees Offered

Old Dominion University is one of the nation's elite centers for undergraduate education, graduate and professional education, research, and scholarship. ODU offers programs in 165 different areas of study, including 69 bachelor's degrees, 54 master's degrees, 42 doctoral degrees, and a host of certification and licensure options.

The degree programs are delivered through 6 distinguished colleges: College of Arts and Letters; College of Business and Public Administration; College of Health Sciences; College of Sciences; Darden College of Education; and the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology.

In addition, ODU is home to 6 Fusion Centers, top scientific research centers that are working on solutions to society's challenges in critical areas -- "Modeling and Simulation," "Bioelectric and Plasma Medicine," "Nanotechnology," "Maritime Health and Systems," "Alternative Energies," and "Computer Science and Informatics."

Some of ODU's rankings and honors include a Best Southern College award from "The Princeton Review," placement among America's Top Colleges from "Forbes Magazine," and an award of America's Best Colleges Tier II Carnegie Research Institution from "US News & World Report." ODU is also 17th in the world among universities with the most prolific authors in leading international business journals according to "Asian Pacific Journal of Business Administration." What's more, according to the National Science Foundation, ODU is 55th in the US for research and development at institutions without medical schools. Finally, according to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, 26 professors have won the Outstanding Faculty Award and according to "G.I. Jobs Magazine," for 4 years in a row, ODU has been named a Military Friendly School.

Academic Programs

The benefits of studying at a major doctoral research university are intense.

ODU's professors are masters in their fields who combine top academic credentials with real-world experience: authors and creators, thinkers and doers who bring sharply honed expertise, pioneering artistry, and cutting-edge discovery into their classrooms.

Students are engaged both inside the classroom and outside it. Internships, research, service learning, clinical training, co-ops, and fieldwork are standard in most areas of study. From idea to innovation to invention, students and faculty members work together to shape the way people interact with the world and give voice to the human experience.

ODU's extensive partnerships with leading businesses, industries, civic organizations, and government agencies mean students' live-action-learning options grow by 1000%. ODU has tallied more than 5,600 career-enhancing opportunities for students and alumni last year alone. Students can take their pick.

Each year, a dozen or more job fairs held at ODU attract hundreds of potential employers offering career-building opportunities through full-time jobs, internships, and co-op positions. And ODU's Career Management Center is a national award-winning service that matches thousands of students and alumni with potential employers each year.

Campus Facilities and Equipment

ODU's modern buildings and facilities are packed with 21st-century technology connecting students to the world and their professors. ODU's trading room offers state-of-the-art Bloomberg terminals that integrate real-time financial data from around the world into the classroom

ODU's one-of-a-kind Learning Commons is an incredible facility that provides high-tech environments for collaboration and teamwork, and also has quiet study spaces and a cafe for relaxation and refreshment.

And learning today doesn't always involve desks and chairs. In the CAVE virtual environment at ODU, operating room holograms and stethoscopes that simulate real vital signs create life-like surgeries that help medical students become the best caregivers in their fields.

On the housing front, ODU has 14 different options, including suites, apartments and even condos in the University Village -- a campus neighborhood combining offices, apartments, classrooms, restaurants, and shops. Campus residences are fully equipped with lounges, wireless Internet, laundry facilities, shared kitchens, and air conditioning.

The multi-level, state-of-the-art fitness center is the hub for sports, adventure and wellness. Students will have access to certified personal trainers. The many amenities include an indoor swimming pool and multi-lane running track, outdoor adventure center, rock climbing wall, state-of-the-art fitness studios, cardio, strength and weights equipment, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, multipurpose courts, and equipment rentals for items such as kayaks, canoes, surfboards, camping gear, and bikes.

Tuition, Room, Board, and Fees

ODU is a state-assisted public institution, so premier academic quality, outstanding campus facilities, and distinctive campus amenities are provided at a fraction of the cost of private institutions. ODU also offers great opportunities for financial aid.

In-state tuition for most undergraduate programs is based on a cost of approximately $273 per credit hour, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $769 per credit hour (tuition for some courses and degree programs will differ).

Housing and meal costs depend upon which residence option and meal plan students choose.

Calculate education and housing costs here.

Financial Aid

Each year, ODU distributes more than $185 million in financial aid packages through a variety of federal, state and private sources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Seventy-two percent of ODU undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance, but to be considered, students have to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The university's FAFSA priority deadline is February 15.

ODU awards more than 2,280 scholarships each year, including merit-based scholarships, endowed scholarships, need-based scholarships, and outside agency scholarships.

Student Organizations and Activities

Students thought they had lots to do before, but this is on a whole different scale. The NCAA Division I Monarch athletics are the campus passion! The Monarchs compete in 12 intercollegiate sports, which are football (men), baseball (men), basketball (men and women), field hockey (women), golf (men and women), lacrosse (women), rowing (women), soccer (men and women), sailing (men and women), swimming/diving (men and women), and wrestling.

But it doesn't stop there. Everywhere students go, from the student center to the Quad, the fitness center to the Village, students will run into people they know and things they can't wait to try. Concerts, club sports, contests, football, Frisbee, basketball, touring artists, debates, lectures, and more.

With 300+ student clubs, groups, club sports, teams and organizations to choose from, it's easy to meet new friends, enhance leadership skills, build a resume, make a difference through volunteerism, try new things, and just have fun! From the honors club to Greek life, investment club to ODU Quidditch, student government to rugby to sailing, student life at ODU is dynamic and energizing, whatever students' passion.

No wonder 72% of freshmen choose to live right in the middle of the campus buzz. It all makes for a campus zinging with energy.

Admissions Process

The best way to get a feel for ODU is to visit. Students are welcome any time! Campus tours and information sessions are held weekdays and selected Saturdays throughout the year, and scheduled open houses include presentations by academic units, financial aid, and housing reps, with tours led by student guides.

Interested students can learn more about campus visit options here.

Apply Online

ODU's web-based application simplifies students' application experience. Interested students can login to create an account and apply. After students submit their application, they can login and check the status of their application at anytime.

Those who want to know more should call (800) 348-7926 to get quick answers to questions, or visit ODU's admissions page.

• Area and ethnic studies
• Asian Studies
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• African American/Black Studies
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Women's Studies
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Biological/life sciences
• Biology/Biological Sciences
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Biochemistry
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Business/marketing
• Business Administration and Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Accounting
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Business/Managerial Economics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Finance
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Management Information Systems
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Marketing/Marketing Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Business, Management, and Marketing Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Computer and information sciences
• Computer and Information Sciences
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Education
• Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Education (Specific Subject Areas) Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Engineering
• Engineering
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Civil Engineering
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Computer Engineering
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Mechanical Engineering
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Engineering technologies
• Engineering Technologies and Engineering Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• English
• English
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Rhetoric and Composition
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Foreign languages and literature
• Foreign Languages and Literatures
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Health professions and related sciences
• Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Dental Hygiene
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Nuclear Medical Technology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Health Professions Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• History
• History
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Interdisciplinary studies
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Mathematics and statistics
• Mathematics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Parks and recreation
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Philosophy and religious studies
• Philosophy
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Physical sciences
• Chemistry
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Physics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Psychology
• Psychology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Social sciences
• Criminology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Economics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Geography
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• International Relations and Affairs
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Political Science and Government
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Sociology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Visual and performing arts
• Dramatic/Theater Arts
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Acting
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Art
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Music Performance
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied10,656
• Accepted7,637
• Acceptance Rate71%
• Enrolled19,612
• Female Applicants5,567
• Females Accepted3,965
• Female Acceptance Rate71%
• Male Applicants5,089
• Males Accepted3,672
• Male Acceptance Rate72%
• Applying
• Application Fee$50
• Required for All Transcript of high school record
  Minimum high school GPA of 2.7
  test scores
  
• Required for Some
• Average high school GPA for first-year freshman3.25
• Application Deadlines
• Type Application Closing Notification Date Rolling Admissions
• Fall freshmen February 1st --
• Out-of-state Fall freshmen February 1st --
• Early decision plan Not Reported
• Other early decision plan Not Reported
• Transfer May 1st --
• Test Scores Accepted
• Test Average School Accepted 25th Percentile* 75th Percentile*
• SAT Critical Reading 506 460 560
• SAT Math 510 460 560
• SAT Writing
• ACT Composite 21 18 23
• * 25th and 75th percentile is the score that 25/75 percent of students score at or below.

• Tuition
• In-state tuition *$8,190
• Out-of-state tuition *$23,070
• In-district tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition costs are based on a full academic year typically extending from September to June.
• Fees
• Full-time student fees$260.00
• Room and board *$9,066.00
• Room only *$5,210.00
• * Room and board charges vary according to board plan selected (i.e., 12-meal plan, 19-meal plan, etc.) and student level (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
• Other Payment Considerations
• Guaranteed tuition plan offeredNo
• Tuition pre-payment planNo
• Tuition payment plans offeredDeferred paymentsDeferred payments and Installments
• Student groups that qualify for full or partial waiver of tuitionEmployees or children of employees, Senior Citizens

• Gender
• Total Undergraduate Students19,612
• Male Student Percentage46%
• Female Student Percentage54%
• Ethnicity
• Hispanic/Latino5.98%
• Black or African American24.47%
• White or Caucasian52.83%
• American Indian or Alaska Native.4%
• Asian4.07%
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.55%
• Two or more races4.65%
• Unknown4.2%
• Other Student Statistics
• International Breakout1.29% representing 69 other countries
• Out-of-state Students7% out-of-state student

• Housing
• College-owned housing available Yes
• Housing Requirements Not Reported
• Housing options Coed housing , Female-only housing, Special housing for disabled
• Percentage of undergraduate students who live in college-owned housing 24%
• Student Activities
• Student-run campus newspaper Yes
• Drama / theater group Yes
• Student-run radio station Yes
• Student-run television station No
• Marching band Yes
• Choral groups Yes
• Student Services
• Legal services No
• Health clinic Yes
• Personal / psychological counseling Yes
• Women's center Yes
• Student Organizations
• Greek fraternities Yes
• Greek sororities Yes
• Local fraternities No
• Local sororities No
• Other organizations Not Reported
• Most popular organizations Student Activities Council, F.O.R.E.I.G.N.E.R.S, Veteran Student Association, Anime Club, Ebony Impact Gospel Choir
• Campus Security and Safety
• 24-hour emergency telephone / alarm services Yes
• 24-hour patrols by trained officers Yes
• Students patrols Yes
• Late-night transport / escort services Yes
• Electronically-operated dormitory entrances Yes
• Other Not Reported

• Men's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Badmington Yes No No
• Baseball No Division 1 Yes
• Basketball Yes Division 1 Yes
• Cheerleading No No No
• Crew No Division C No
• Cross-country running Yes No No
• Fencing No Division C No
• Field hockey No No No
• Football No Division 1 Yes
• Golf Yes Division 1 Yes
• Ice hockey No Division C No
• Lacrosse No Division C No
• Racquetball Yes No No
• Rock climbing Yes Division C No
• Rugy No Division C No
• Sailing No Division X No
• Soccer Yes Division 1 Yes
• Softball Yes No No
• Swimming No Division 1 Yes
• Tennis Yes Division 1 Yes
• Tennis Yes No No
• Ultimate Frisbee Yes Division C No
• Volleyball Yes Division C No
• Wrestling No Division 1 Yes
• Women's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Badmington Yes No No
• Baseball No No No
• Basketball Yes Division 1 Yes
• Cheerleading No Division X Yes
• Crew No Division 1 Yes
• Cross-country running Yes No No
• Fencing No Division C No
• Field hockey No Division 1 Yes
• Football No No No
• Golf Yes Division 1 Yes
• Ice hockey No Division C No
• Lacrosse No Division 1 Yes
• Racquetball Yes No No
• Rock climbing Yes Division C No
• Rugy No Division C No
• Sailing No Division X No
• Soccer Yes Division 1 Yes
• Softball Yes Division C No
• Swimming No Division 1 Yes
• Tennis Yes Division 1 Yes
• Tennis Yes No No
• Ultimate Frisbee Yes Division C No
• Volleyball Yes Division C No
• Wrestling No No No

• Faculty Breakout
• Total Faculty1,294
• Full-time Percentage59%
• Part-time Percentage41%
• Female Percentage48%
• Male Percentage52%
• Student:Faculty Ratio21:1 or 19,441 students to 936 faculty