Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Old Dominion University is Virginia’s entrepreneurial-minded doctoral research university with approximately 24,500 students, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community, and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.
The University is an educational powerhouse boasting seven colleges, with 75 undergraduate programs plus 100 online programs in virtually every field. Old Dominion University is known for an award-winning faculty and an ever-evolving campus footprint. Our determined entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving drives cutting-edge research, eminent scholarship, and strategic partnerships with government, business, the community, and the arts. The number of faculty on campus who have received an outstanding faculty award by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia over the past 10 years is among the highest in the Commonwealth.
Get to know Old Dominion University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Marching band
- Model UN
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Pep band
- Radio station
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
- Symphony orchestra
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Veteran Services
- Counseling
College Highlights
Old Dominion University’s academics and support resources are backed by superb faculty devoted to their disciplines and their students. At ODU, students benefit from the resources of a large research institution but experience the closeness and culture of a smaller metropolitan college.
“I really got to know my professors on a more personal level which I thoroughly enjoyed.” Karen, Sociology major, 2017
Undergraduate Research Program: The goal of the Undergraduate Research Program is to promote and facilitate the inclusion of undergraduates in ODU’s active research community, to expand students’ educational experience, and prepare them for graduate programs and the job market. The goal is to support mentored research activities that connect our top undergraduate students with faculty who are active in research. Students who participate in undergraduate research benefit from hands-on and inquiry-based experiences, develop exciting academic and career paths and give themselves a competitive edge for future jobs and graduate school.
College Orientation Courses: Old Dominion’s college orientation courses provide incoming students with college learning experiences that facilitate their transition from high school. Academic advisors, faculty, and peer mentors support an enriching learning environment, introducing students to a variety of majors, academic skills, and campus resources.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 303 | 10-19: 692 | 20-29: 656
30-39: 621 | 40-49: 202 | 50-99: 190 | 100+: 73
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 1%
Hispanic/Latino: 9%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 32%
White, non-Hispanic: 44%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 5%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 7%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 2%
Award-Winning Faculty – Our professors are masters of their fields, recognized by peers and business leaders around the globe. Thirty-one have received the Outstanding Faculty Award from Virginia’s State Council of Higher Education.
LeADERS, is a signature ODU undergraduate experience designed to guide students through hands-on opportunities within their degree program. Students gain practical skills and receive help with preparing a professional portfolio to demonstrate their real-world experiences.
Students can earn a Bronze, Silver, or Gold medal to wear at graduation by completing courses from 3, 4, or 5 areas of LeADERS and developing an ePortfolio. LeADER is a multi-dimensional academic experience with emphasis on Leadership, Academic Internships, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Research, and Service Learning.
LeADERS is a pathway connecting students to enriching and active learning experiences resulting in a competitive edge in their chosen careers or advanced education. Whether creating green spaces, researching behaviors, exploring new cultures, or establishing new businesses, students collaborate with faculty in their courses to grow as learners and citizens through high impact educational practices. Students may also participate in co-curricular leadership training to strengthen their professionalism and soft skills.
“Creating my ePortfolio helped me to pull together all my experiences at ODU. I’m confident and ready to start applying for jobs.” Glen, 2017
“Success coaching was a great experience and I recommend that every student should go to their coach and learn all the concepts of being a first-time college student.” Kim, 2018
Learning Communities Program – Over 30 faculty participate in our first- and second-year learning communities program. Two or more courses are linked together with integrated learning activities for students in these courses. In addition, faculty plan off-campus trips (Norfolk Zoo, New York City, Washington DC, Virginia Aquarium, etc.) to support the application of learning outside of the classroom.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cooperative education program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Experiential learning
Service-Learning: ODU has outstanding service-learning partnerships and activities, highlights include how ODU students help seniors, children, special Olympic participants, and refugees in Hampton Roads. In addition, students work on projects connected with city beautification, after-school programs, and supporting the arts. Students are able to connect with faculty who lead many of these service learning opportunities. ODU students benefit from a variety of college collaborations.
The National Science Foundation awarded ODU a Cybersecurity grant that focuses on cybersecurity workforce shortages. ODU has service-learning courses in the area of cybersecurity through the computer science and sociology departments. ODU students have worked with the WHRO public media’s Great Computer Challenge and have created cybersecurity awareness through Virginia Beach Public Schools.
ODU students taking a Queer Studies course worked with the LGBT Life Center to develop a historical walking tour as part of the Tidewater Queer History Project. The walking tour had more than a dozen sites that have played a role in the city’s LGBTQ history.
A women’s studies service-learning class is working with refugee populations through Commonwealth Catholic Charities, one of the only refugee centers in the region. In this class, students immerse themselves in important operations of the refugee center – they meet families at their homes and at the refugee center, they help adults and children in learning English, they assist with navigating applying for jobs or going to doctors’ appointments, and create research projects based on their experiences.
Living-Learning Communities at ODU provide opportunities for connecting with peers that share similar academic interests and career pursuits. Benefits to these communities include receiving specific academic support services such as in-hall peer mentoring, study groups, and connected courses; Interacting with college faculty and expanding networking opportunities; Experiencing a smoother academic transition to college; and Participating in co-curricular activities in the hall and in the surrounding community.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Old Dominion University is in the heart of vibrant Coastal Virginia, a prime place to learn, innovate, work and play. Throughout the year, Monarchs enjoy easy access to the sun, surf, and shores of Virginia Beach, and the vibrant Norfolk downtown district. From internship opportunities to great shopping and dining to beautiful beaches, there’s always something new to discover.
Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia which is approximately 25 minutes from Virginia Beach, 90 minutes from Richmond, Virginia and 3 hours south of Washington, D.C.
ATHLETICS
Old Dominion athletes in every sport were recognized for their achievements in addition to the across-the-board excellence of the Monarchs off the field. ODU creates winners in the classroom, in athletic competition, and in life! There are 18 Division I Intercollegiate Teams with varsity programs for men and women. Students receive free tickets to all home sporting events, which is a great way to support fellow Monarchs and show your ODU pride.
“Joining a living learning community give me the opportunity to create a family away from home.” (ODU Living Learning Community Student, 2017)
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 72%
Undergraduates: 25%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Special housing for international students
Theme housing
Learning communities
Gender neutral housing
Real-World Education
Old Dominion emphasizes approaches that are entrepreneurial, collaborative, inclusive and innovative. Students and faculty work with others to generate new ideas and fresh solutions. Old Dominion University professors are leaders, thinkers and doers in their fields. Through their mentorship and experience, students are more than prepared for life and work after graduation.
- ODU students benefit annually from more than 5,600 practical experiences.
- ODU’s Honors College offers undergraduates a variety of benefits, from smaller class sizes to increased opportunities for first-year undergraduate research. Learn more: www.odu.edu/honors
- In a recent survey of alumni, 92% of respondents reported they were gainfully employed or pursuing graduate studies within 6 months of graduation.
Career specialists work with students beginning with freshmen to ensure they are prepared for internships and full-time employment. Career specialists in each college post and market internship positions, facilitate student registration and work with faculty and employers to develop relationships and promote the internship program. Students may complete internships for credit or as 0-credit experiences, and academic internships are part of the new LeADERS program which recognizes students with three or more high-impact practices for credit.
LEAP
The Learn and Earn Advantage Program (LEAP) is an on-campus work program that allows eligible 1st-year undergraduate students the opportunity to earn money and gain valuable job-related skills during the fall and spring semesters through part-time jobs on campus. Students that are awarded LEAP have the option of applying for and working a LEAP job in order to earn the LEAP money indicated in their financial aid package.LEAP jobs average 10-15 hours per week. Students work all over campus in such areas as the Student Recreation Center, in the Library, in the Art Gallery as well as in Athletics.
“LEAP was a great experience for me as a freshman. I am an out-of-state student so the LEAP program allowed me to meet people both in the classes and at work. The program also gave me more to do during the week and allowed me to effectively transition into college life through having to balance both work and classes.” (Natalie, 2018)
Career Development Services
Career Development Services is structured with a centralized administration and decentralized delivery. Each college has a career services specialist assigned to work with the students and alumni in that college, beginning with the freshman year. These professionals are located in the colleges to allow easy access to students and an opportunity to deliver services and programs within the colleges. In addition to the college specialists, there is a specialist for exploratory students who works with students who are researching careers and making decisions. Career Development Services works closely with the Center for Major Exploration and Mane Connect Coaching to ensure support for students who are investigating majors and careers.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Important
Application Essay | Recommendation(s) | Extracurricular activities
Volunteer work | Work experience
Considered
Class rank | Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities
First generation | Alumni/ae relation | Level of applicant’s interest
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 500 | 75th Percentile: 610
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 490 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT English
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 24
Tuition & Cost
Tuition (in-state): $10,872
Tuition (out-of-state): $29,772
Fees: $312
Room & Board: $12,338
Room: $7,248
Board: $5,090
Aid
Old Dominion University’s admissions process is based on a holistic approach that takes into consideration the different learning styles and diverse backgrounds of its student body. ODU admissions work to strategically identify, recruit and enroll students from throughout the United States and abroad who will contribute to, and benefit from, the overall collegiate experience at ODU.
Online applications may be submitted via the Common Application or the ODU application at odu.edu/apply
In Virginia, ODU’s tuition for in-state students is ranked the most affordable of doctoral-granting research institutions (Business Insider). ODU’s commitment to keeping tuition affordable without compromising quality is steadfast. Over half the students attending ODU get financial help from one source or another, including federal and state grants, institutional and endowed scholarships, educational loans, or through college work-study programs. In addition, all applicants are reviewed and evaluated for merit-based scholarships (no separate application is necessary).
What Others are Saying
Contact Old Dominion University
Contact Admissions
odu.edu/admission
757-683-3685
admissions@odu.edu
Campus Location
5115 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-3000
Visit Old Dominion University