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Talking Points

Brand Description (68 words)

Old Dominion University is the residential research university in Norfolk Virginia for high-achieving students who want rigorous academics and an energized metropolitan lifestyle. With 24,000 undergraduates and graduate students from around the world, the campus is a rich, creative fusion of nationalities, cultures, interests, viewpoints, and life experiences. ODU's dynamic campus, its forward-focused attitude, and entrepreneurial mindset bring the concept of "idea fusion" to life and to learning.

1. Nationally recognized faculty with real-world expertise

  • ODU professors are masters in their fields, recognized by peers, businesses, associations, and industries around the globe.
  • Our professors combine outstanding academic credentials with real-world experience: pioneering authors and creators, cutting edge thinkers and doers, savvy business leaders.
  • You get the newest knowledge, professional know-how, and the inside story.
  • From idea to innovation to invention, students and faculty work together to shape the way we interact with the world and to give voice to the human experience.

Proof Points

  • 26 ODU professors have won the Outstanding Faculty Award for innovative classroom teaching from the Virginia Council of Higher Education
  • Dr. Stacy Ringleb, assistant professor in engineering, works on a $1 million modeling and simulation grant to help the U.S. Navy understand the effects of physical training on mission readiness.

2. Research & collaboration with business, industry and community partners

  • Extensive collaboration with business, industry, organizations, and government agencies means the options for live-action-learning grow 1,000%.
  • Because of wide-ranging partnerships, have hundreds of venues for student career-related learning, performance, and artistic expression to choose from.
  • The academic benefits of a doctoral research university are pretty intense, and it's not unusual to see outside experts, CEOs, and leading problem solvers as classroom visitors.
  • External partnerships provide students with networking opportunities to lock in connections that are invaluable after graduation.

Proof Points

  • We place students in over 5,600 career-enhancing opportunities each year.
  • Recent visiting lecturers include top execs from the Federal Reserve, Toyota, Homeland Security, U.S. Navy, Sentara Healthcare and NATO.

3. A community with a rich mix of nationalities, cultures & life experiences

  • ODU is part of the cultural and commercial crossroads of Norfolk, so learning and living is a rich fusion of nationalities, languages, ages, viewpoints, and life experiences.
  • When ideas and cultures converge, you make unexpected connections.
  • ODU is the best of the best: a campus flowing with energy and vitality combined with an opportunity-rich city right outside the door.
  • The ODU experience prepares you to excel in the world, anywhere in the world.
  • Monarch Madness is a serious passion - more so now that big-time football is back.

Proof Points

  • ODU is home to 26 Greek organizations and 17 honor societies.
  • With 300 different student clubs and organizations, there's something for everyone.
  • The Village is ODU's own campus neighborhood that combines offices, apartments, classrooms, restaurants, shops, and cafés.

4. Innovative, engaging, and relevant learning opportunities

  • Our trademark is live-action-learning - equal parts thought and action, knowledge and skill.
  • Education here gets you involved and engaged both in the classroom and outside it.
  • Live-action-learning comes in many forms: Internships, co-ops, student research, service learning, clinical training and fieldwork.
  • Our hands-on learning style gives you opportunities to challenge yourself and gain leadership experience in a thousand different ways.

Proof Points

  • The Learning Commons is an innovative learning center with high-tech equipment, online aids, and people who know their business.
  • ODU is the only doctoral university in the nation that guarantees every student practical career-related experience within their major - and for credit.
  • With 154 different areas of study available at seven different colleges, you're sure to find the career path you're looking for.

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Experience Guaranteed

Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.

Academic Days

Picture yourself in the classroom, speak with professors in your major, and meet current students.

Upcoming Events

From sports games to concerts and lectures, join the ODU community at a variety of campus events.