Old Dominion University - Overview

"No counseling fee charged because applications are submitted through an Edwise International partner organization"

Old Dominion University is Virginia's forward-focused, public doctoral research university for high-performing students from around the world who want a rigorous academic experience in a fast-paced and profoundly multi-cultural community. It was founded in 1930 and got university status 1969. With an enrollment of more than 24,000 students, the university offers 70 bachelor's, 60 master's and 36 doctoral degree programs and 2 educational specialists degrees. In addition to its 185-acre main campus in Norfolk, Old Dominion operates higher education centers in Hampton, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth and a thriving distance learning network. Old Dominion University promotes the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of truth locally, nationally, and internationally. It develops in students a respect for the dignity and worth of the individual, a capacity for critical reasoning and a genuine desire for learning. It fosters the extension of the boundaries of knowledge through research and scholarship and is committed to the preservation and dissemination of a rich cultural heritage. Old Dominion University is old enough to value tradition yet young enough to facilitate change. In a spirit of creative experimentation, innovation, research, and technology, the University is ready to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Total number of students-23,086, 17,330 Undergraduate; 5,756 Graduate and International students: 1,400 from 106 countries. Student-to-Faculty ratio is 17 to 1.

Location & Facilities

Old Dominion University is located in Hampton Roads, one of the world's major seaports. Since the early seventeenth century, Hampton Roads has been the state's gateway to the rest of the world and the world's gateway to Virginia in commerce and industry, in recreation and culture, and in national security. Now a complex of seven major cities, it is a microcosm of the opportunities and challenges of contemporary urban America. It is also a major center for research and development and a home for extensive scientific and technological activities in marine science, aerospace, ship design and construction, advanced electronics, and nuclear physics. The university takes its unique character from Hampton Roads as it provides leadership to the state and nation in teaching, research, and service. Thus the university has a special mission for the Commonwealth in commerce, and in international affairs and cultures. It has a significant commitment in science, engineering and technology, particularly in fields of major importance to the region. As a metropolitan institution, the university places particular emphasis upon urban issues, including education and health care, and upon fine and performing arts. In addition to its 185-acre main campus in Norfolk, Old Dominion operates higher education centers in Hampton, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth and a thriving distance learning network. Housing & Residence Life is located in the on the north side of the ODU Campus. The Virginia House is where upperclassmen and freshmen Honors College students reside together. Virginia House is closed during breaks and holidays. Residents are required to vacate with the exception of fall break. There are only 54 spaces available for Honors freshman, so early application is vital. The Virginia House is located in the center of campus near Webb University Center. Also within the quadrangle is the state of the art recreational facility. Compared to our other residence halls, the Virginia House is unique because each suite contains a common living room, one bathroom per 2 or 3 students and a predominance of single rooms within the building. One suite style contains 2 single bedrooms with 2 double bedrooms and another style contains 2 double bedrooms, with no more than 6 residents per suite. Additionally, some of the double style suites may be set up as triples. While the first floors vary by building, all the upper floors have a laundry/vending room, two study lounges, a TV lounge and kitchen. Our office oversees student organizations, leadership opportunities, community service, Greek life, programming and special events, Event Management and the Campus Information Center. These areas provide multiple opportunities for you to find what interests you and make the most of your college experience. There are over 200 student organizations at ODU, many with a distinct focus for international students.