Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States • Founded 1930 • World Rank #1297
Overview
Established in 1930, the Old Dominion University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Norfolk (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Virginia.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Old Dominion University (ODU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Old Dominion University (ODU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 94-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
ODU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Old Dominion University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
The numbers behind Old Dominion University: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of Old Dominion University. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
Unit 8 items
- Arts and Letters
- Batten College of Engineering and Technology
- Business and Public Administration
- Darden College of Education
- Health Sciences
- Honors College
- Sciences
- University College
Programs Offered
The programmes you can apply for at Old Dominion University are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.
Bachelor's Degree
52 programmes
At undergraduate level, Old Dominion University offers 52 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Dentistry
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
45 programmes
There are 45 programmes to choose from at Old Dominion University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Agriculture
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Library Science and Administration Library Science
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Data Science Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Public Administration Public Administration
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Dentistry
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
23 programmes
Old Dominion University offers 23 programmes at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Administration Public Administration
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
4 programmes
Old Dominion University offers 4 programmes at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Engineering, General General Engineering
Medicine Medicine
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
53 programmes
Alongside its degrees, Old Dominion University provides 53 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Ocean Engineering General Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Literature English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Health-Related Knowledge and Skills Health Sciences
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physical Sciences, Other Natural Sciences
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Visual and Performing Arts, Other Visual Arts
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Public Health Public Health
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Old Dominion University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Old Dominion University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Old Dominion University's 177 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Old Dominion University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Old Dominion University processes applications through www.odu.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (757) 683 3000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Dominion University
A short Q&A covering Old Dominion University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
How old is Old Dominion University?
The institution opened in 1930 (approximately 96 years ago).
Where can I find Old Dominion University?
The institution is located in Norfolk, United States.
Is Old Dominion University a public or private institution?
Old Dominion University is a public institution.
How many students does Old Dominion University have?
The institution has a student body of 15,000-19,999.
What is Old Dominion University's ranking?
Old Dominion University holds rank #1297 globally and #185 in United States.
What is Old Dominion University's academic structure?
Old Dominion University has 8 academic units.
Is Old Dominion University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Where can I learn more about Old Dominion University?
Old Dominion University's official website is www.odu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
the United States's leading universities appear below, useful for benchmarking Old Dominion University's academic standing. Use this list as the upper-bound reference for academic prestige within the United States.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with Old Dominion University. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional industry partnerships shape career outcomes across the cluster near Old Dominion University. Comparable employer networks often persist whether you choose Old Dominion University or a neighbour.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Education & Teaching classroom experience. Some the United States programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.
Universities Often Compared with Old Dominion University
Peer universities to Old Dominion University by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.
