Organization Profile
Old Dominion University
Organization Overview
Old Dominion University, located in the City of Norfolk in the metropolitan Hampton Roads region of coastal Virginia, is a state-assisted, Carnegie doctoral/research-extensive institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement. Its over 24,000 students, including almost 5,000 graduate students, form a diverse and multicultural community in 6 academic colleges. Through a collaborative and innovative approach to education and research, the University focuses on student learning and addresses critical needs in the professions. ODU’s programs are offered on the main campus, at higher education centers in the region, and at numerous distance learning sites.
Organization History
Old Dominion University began its tradition of excellence when it was founded in 1930 by the College of William and Mary, the second oldest university in the United States. Established as an extension of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia, Old Dominion began educating teachers and engineers. The two-year school rapidly evolved into a four-year institution, and was granted independence in 1962 as Old Dominion College.
Considerable growth in enrollment, the expansion of research facilities and preparation for the addition of graduate programs led the Board of Visitors to approve the name change to Old Dominion University. Now Old Dominion is a powerhouse for higher education with eight colleges: Arts and Letters, Business and Public Administration, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences and Sciences. Old Dominion has offered master’s degrees since 1964 and Ph.D.s since 1971. Students currently choose from 70 baccalaureate programs, 54 master’s programs, two education specialist programs and 42 doctoral programs. The University has achieved designation as a Research University (high research activity) from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Proud of its past, Old Dominion constantly looks to the future and prides itself on its continually expanding research and teaching programs. An everevolving university, Old Dominion is an agent of change for its students, for the region and the nation it serves. Old Dominion is Virginia’s forward-focused, public doctoral research university for students from around the world who want a rigorous academic experience in a profoundly multicultural community. Our nationally recognized faculty use real-world expertise and innovative teaching methods to challenge students to achieve their highest goals. Our determined entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving drives cutting-edge research, eminent scholarship and strategic partnerships with government, business, industry, organizations and the arts.