Application Requirements (By Program)

All applicants must provide official or unofficial transcripts from the institution where they completed their bachelor's degree and any institution(s) attended afterwards.

Unless otherwise stated, GRE refers to the General GRE exam.

Only program directors can waive an application requirement. Please reach out directly to the program's director if you think you are eligible for a waiver.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Accounting, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 1 Reference | Resume | GMAT |

*GMAT may be waived if applicant meets criteria found here

 

Aerospace Engineering, MS, ME

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE | Resume

 

Aerospace Engineering, PhD, DEng

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE | Resume

 

Applied Linguistics, MA

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE (optional) | Resume | Writing Sample

Please Note: Admission for this program is done on a rolling basis. However, to be considered for financial assistance for this program, please complete the financial assistance application by March 15th for Fall semester and October 1st for Spring semester.

 

Applied Kinesiology, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE | Resume | 2 Writing Samples

 

Athletic Training, MSAT

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume

Applicant must have the Board of Certification (BOC) credential as an athletic trainer OR have graduated from a CAATE accredited professional athletic training program and are eligible to take the BOC exam.

 

B

Biology, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Written acknowledgement from a faculty member that they agree to have you in their lab and serve as your advisor

Biomedical Engineering, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References

Biomedical Engineering, PhD

Transcripts | Essay| 3 References | Resume

Biomedical Sciences, PhD

3.0 GPA | Essay/Writing Sample | 3 References | Resume | Transcripts

Business Administration, MBA

Transcripts | Essay | 1 Reference| GRE or GMAT (or waiver) | Resume

Business Administration, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GMAT (or GRE effective Fall 2017) | Resume

C

Chemistry, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume | Writing Sample| GRE strongly recommended for international applicants

Chemistry, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume | Writing Sample |GRE strongly recommended for international applicants

Civil Engineering, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume | GRE (waived if BS is ABET accredited)

Civil & Environmental Engineering, PhD, DEng

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume | GRE (waived if BS is ABET accredited)

Clinical Psychology, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume | GRE optional for Fall 2022 cycle - strong scores may help acceptance

Community College Leadership, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume | Writing Sample

Essay: 1 page single spaced essay addressing the following quetions: What are your professional goals? Why do you wish to obtain a PhD?

References: Provide three (3) letters of recommendation. At least one letter must come from a professor or an individual who describes the applicant's academic performance and writing ability. Letters from senior-level leaders that endorse the applicant's leadership potential are encouraged

Each reference will complete an online Recommendation for Gradaute Admissions form as part of the online application process. Once the applicant enters the name and contact information of recommenders, the recommenders will be emailed a link to create an account to provide a recommendation. Once they log in they will (1) provide contact information; (2) upload a letter of recommendation; and (3) rate the candidate on academic performance, intellectual ability, expressive ability, motivation for study in proposed field and originality

Writing Sample: Provide an original 2-page single-spaced academic writing sample. Pick one current issue facing higher education of interest to you. What is the issue? Why is it important to the field of higher education research and practice?

Computational & Applied Mathematics, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References

Computational & Applied Mathematics, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References

Computer Science, MS
Transcripts | 2 References | *GRE waived through Fall 2022

Computer Science, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE

Counseling, MSEd (School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health)

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume

*The essay prompt can be found here

Counseling, MSEd (School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health)

Transcripts | Essay | GRE waived for 2023 application cycle | Resume

Counseling, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume

Creative Writing, MFA

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References (3 for international students) | Writing Sample (30 pages)

Criminology & Criminal Justice, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE | Writing Sample (20 pages)

Curriculum & Instruction, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References

Cybersecurity, MS

Transcripts | Essay | Resume | 1 Reference

D

Data Science & Analytics, MS

Transcripts | Essay | Resume | 2 References

Dental Hygiene, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | NDHBE

E

Early Childhood Education, MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Praxis (if not a licensed teacher) | *GRE and MAT waived until further notice

Early Childhood Education, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

Ecological Sciences, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References

Economics, MA

Transcripts | 1 Reference | Resume

Educational Leadership, MSEd

Transcripts | 3 Essays | 2 References

Essays:

  1. Provide a 1-page description of your anticipated career path and how this program can help you achieve your professional goals.
  2. Develop a 2-page essay on an instructional improvement or school improvement issue and discuss the implications for school leaders.
  3. Discuss how your involvement in the cohort program can contribute to furthering the vision and mission of your school or organization (1 page).

Two (2) References: at least one letter must come from a professor or an individual who describes the applicant's academic performance and writing ability. Letters from senior-level leaders that endorse the applicant's leadership potential are encouraged.

Educational Leadership, EdS

Transcripts | 3 Essays | 2 References | Resume

Essays:

  1. Provide a 1-page description of your anticipated career path and how this program can help you achieve your professional goals.
  2. Develop a 2-page essay on an instructional improvement or school improvement issue and discuss the implications for school leaders.
  3. Discuss how your involvement in the cohort program can contribute to furthering the vision and mission of your school or organization (1 page).

Two (2) References: at least one letter must come from a professor or an individual who describes the applicant's academic performance and writing ability. Letters from senior-level leaders that endorse the applicant's leadership potential are encouraged.

Educational Leadership, PhD

Transcripts | Essays | Writing Sample| 3 References | Resume

Essay: Address professional experiences and personal goals. Include specific ways you hope to improve public education as an educational leader and how this degree will help you address your professional goals.

Writing Sample: Write a one page, single-spaced statement about a contemporary and critical issue facing educational leaders. Address the following topics:

  • What is the contemporary issue and why is it critical?
  • Why is this issue relevant to school and/or division leaders?
  • What role should school and/or division leaders play in addressing this issue and how?

Educational Psychology & Program Evaluation, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume | Writing Sample| GRE optional

Electrical & Computer Engineering, MS, ME

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE (waived for applicants who have an ABET-accredited engineering bachelor's degree)| Resume

Electrical & Computer Engineering, PhD, DEng

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE | Resume

Elementary Education PreK-6 (Initial Licensure), MSEd

Transcripts | Praxis Core or Equivalent Test

Elementary Education (For Licensed Teachers), MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Copy of teaching license

Engineering Management by Portable Media, MEM (for NPS-O/Prototype or BRES graduates)

Official Transcripts | Proof of graduation from the Officer Navy Nuclear Power School as well as proof of Prototype School or Bettis Program (JST/SMART Transcript/Officer Data Card/Additional Qualifications Designator/FITREP/Employee evaluation/ DOE certification) | Graduate Application - Navy Format

*Applicants do not need to submit the general ODU Graduate Application

Engineering Management, MEM

Transcripts | Essay | Resume

Engineering Management, PhD, DEng

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE

English, MA

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References (3 for international students) | Writing Sample (5-10 pages)

English, PhD

Transcripts | Essay (1500 words) | 3 References | Resume | Writing Sample (15-20 pages)

Environmental Engineering, ME, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE (waived if BS is ABET accredited)

Exercise Science, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

H

Health & Sport Pedagogy - Human Movement Sciences, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE | Resume | 2 Writing Samples

Health Services Research, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume | Pre-requisite Competency Areas Form

Higher Education, MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume | Writing Sample

Essay: 1 page single spaced essay addressing the following questions: What are your professional interests and goals? Why are you interested in higher education? Why do you wish to obtain a MSEd?

References: Provide two (2) letters of recommendation: one academic, one professional. The academic reference must come from a professor or an individual who describes the applicant's academic performance and writing ability. The professional reference may be any individual who describes the applicant's leadership potential and work ethic.

Each reference will complete an online Recommendation for Graduate Admissions form as part of the online application process. Once the applicant enters the names and contact information of recommenders, the recommenders will be emailed a link to create an account to provide a recommendation. Once they log in they will (1) provide contact information; (2) upload a letter of recommendation; and (3) rate the candidate on academic performance, intellectual ability, expressive ability, motivated for study in proposed field, and originality

Writing Sample: Provide a writing sample from your undergraduate coursework.

Higher Education, EdS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume | Writing Sample

Essay: 1 page single spaced essay addressing the following questions: What are your professional interests and goals? Why are you interested in higher education? Why do you wish to obtain an EdS?

References: Provide two (2) letters of recommendation: one academic, one professional. The academic reference must come from a professor or an individual who describess the applicant's academic performance and writing ability. The professional referencee may be an individual who describes the applicant's leadership potential and work ethic.

Each reference will complete an online Recommendation for Graduate Admissions form as part of the online application process. Once the applicant enters the name and contact information of recommenders, the recommenders will be emailed a link to create an account to provide a recommendation. Once they log in they will (1) provide contact information; (2) upload a letter of recommendation; and (3) rate the candidate on academic performance, intellectual ability, expressive ability, motivation for study in proposed field and originality.

Writing Sample: Provide an original 2-page single-spaced academic writing sample. Pick one current issue facing higher education of interest to you. What is the issue? Why is it important to the field of higher education research and practice?

Higher Education, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume | Writing Sample

Essay: 1 page single spaced essay addressing the following questions: What are your professional interests and goals? Why are you interested in higher education? Why do you wish to obtain a PhD?

References: Provide three (3) letters of recommendation. At least one letter must come from a professor or an individual who describes the applicant's academic performance and writing ability. Letters from senior-level leaders that endorse the applicant's leadership potential are encouraged

Each reference will complete an online Recommendation for Graduate Admissions form as part of the online application process. Once the applicant enters the name and contact information of recommenders, the recommenders will be emailed a link to create an account to provide a recommendation. Once they log in they will (1) provide contact information; (2) upload a letter of recommendation; and (3) rate the candidate on academic performance, intellectual ability, expressive ability, motivation for study in proposed field and originality.

Writing Sample: Provide an original 2-page single-spaced academic writing sample. Pick one current issue facing higher education of interest to you. What is the issue? Why is it important to the field of higher education research and practice?

History, MA

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References

Humanities, MA

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Writing Sample

I

Instructional Design & Technology, MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

Instructional Design & Technology, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

International Studies, MA

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE | Writing Sample

International Studies, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Writing Sample

K

Kinesiology & Rehabilitation, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE | Resume or CV

L

Library & Information Studies, MLIS

Transcripts | Essay | Resume

*The essay should be 500 words describing how this degree will help you on your path as a lifelong learner

Library Science - School Librarianship, MLIS

Transcripts | VA Collegiate Professional License | Essay | Resume

Lifespan & Digital Communications, MA

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References

M

Maritime Trade & Supply Chain Management, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Resume | *GRE/GMAT waived for 2022 terms

Mechanical Engineering, MS, ME

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE | Resume

Mechanical Engineering, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE | Resume

Modeling & Simulation, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE (MS only) | Resume

Modeling & Simulation, PhD, DEng

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE | Resume

Music Education, MME

Transcripts | GRE or MAT | Resume | 2 References | Music Repertoire List

References: Please provide two (2) letters of reference

Music Repertoire List: Only required for applicants in the Instrumental, Vocal and Applied Studies or Conducting concentrations

N

Non-Degree

Transcripts

Nursing - Adult Gerontology / Clinical Nurse Specialist-Educator, MSN

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume

*One year of recent clinical nursing experience, preferably post-baccalaureate experience.

Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References |  Resume

*One year of recent clinical nursing experience, preferably post-baccalaureate experience.

Nursing - Neonatal Nursing Specialist, MSN

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References |  Resume

*One year of NICU experinece

Nursing - Nurse Anesthesia, DNP

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume

*One year of recent clinical nursing experience, preferably post-baccalaureate experience.

Nursing - Pediatric Nursing Specialist, MSN

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume

*One year of recent clinical nursing experience, preferably post-baccalaureate experience.

Nursing Practice - Advanced Practice, DNP

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume

Nursing Practice - Nurse Executive, DNP

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume

O

Occupational & Technical Studies, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | Resume | 3 References

Ocean & Earth Sciences, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References

Oceanography, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References

P

Park, Recreation & Tourism Management, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE, MAT, or GMAT or waiver

Physical Education - Coaching, MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

Physical Education - Curriculum & Instruction, MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

Physical Education - Adapted Physical, MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

Physical Therapy, DPT

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

*Submit all items to PTCAS and submit ODU application fee

Physics, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 1 Reference | GRE

Physics, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

Psychology, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE optional for Fall 22 cycle

Psychology - Health Psychology, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE optional for Fall 2022 cycle

Psychology - Human Factors, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE optional for Fall 2022 cycle

Psychology - Industrial/Organizational, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE optional for Fall 2022 cycle

Public Administration, MPA

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References

Public Administration & Policy, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | GRE or GMAT

Public Health, MPH

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References

R

Reading Specialist, MSEd
Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Copy of teaching license

S

Secondary Education (For Licensed Teachers), MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 2 References | Copy of teaching license

Special Education - Initial Licensure, MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | Praxis

Special Education - Research (for current teachers), MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | Copy of teaching license

Special Education, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE

Speech Language Pathology, MSEd

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE waived for Fall 23 cycle

*Submit all items to CSDCAS and submit ODU Application Fee.

Sport & Recreation Management, PhD

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | GRE | Resume | 2 Writing Samples

Sport Management, MS

Transcripts | Essay | 3 References | Resume | GRE/GMAT recommended

Systems Engineering, ME

Transcripts | Essay | Resume