Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. Founded in 1930 as a two-year division of the College of William & Mary, it became an independent four-year institution in 1962 and was granted university status in 1969. The university takes its name from one of Virginia's state nicknames, 'Old Dominion,' and is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity. It offers a broad array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through colleges such as Arts & Letters, Business, Education, Engineering & Technology, Health Sciences, and Sciences. The main campus sits on approximately 251 urban acres in Norfolk, near the Chesapeake Bay and the Virginia Beach oceanfront. ODU enrolls a diverse student body of around 24,000, including students from more than 100 countries. The university is particularly well known for programs in engineering, oceanography, modeling and simulation, health sciences, business, and education. It maintains extensive research partnerships with nearby institutions such as NASA Langley Research Center, the U.S. Navy, and the Virginia Port Authority, and operates additional facilities such as the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center. Campus life includes a variety of residence halls, dining facilities, libraries, recreation centers, and athletic venues. The Monarchs compete in NCAA Division I Conference USA, and the university supports a vibrant student community with numerous clubs, organizations, and cultural events. ODU also emphasizes online and distance learning, serving many non-traditional and military-affiliated students in the Hampton Roads region and beyond.