The Marine Biology Concentration Program for undergraduate students within the Department of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University is more than just a collection of courses. It is an integrated program that not only enhances academic preparation in marine biology, but also provides opportunities for the development of technical skills, research experience, internships, social and outreach activities, and study abroad and study away (off-campus, within the US) programs in marine biology.

This program leads to eligibility for teacher licensure in Virginia and is available only to individuals holding a baccalaureate degree or completing requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

The minor in biology offers students additional support to their chosen majors, prepares students for post-baccalaureate professional or graduate programs, offers greater job opportunities to graduates, and/or provides recognition of study in this academic area.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides an extraordinary level of education at the undergraduate level. The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society and is designed with a broad-based curriculum that combines instruction in basic and applied chemistry with the theoretical and practical aspects of this dynamic science.

This program leads to eligibility for teacher licensure in Virginia and is available only to individuals holding a baccalaureate degree or completing requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.

The fundamental role that chemistry plays in the pre-health fields and the environment can be further explored in the chemistry minor. Additionally, the minor complements other majors where additional chemistry knowledge is a benefit.

Computer science professionals are in high demand. The ODU BSCS program can prepare you to thrive in software development, computer science, and other related professions or graduate programs. Gain exposure to the basis of computer science in mathematics, logic, and engineering, as well as the experimental and design aspects of the computer science discipline. Explore more specialized topics such as network and database administration, information security analysis, and more. BSCS program graduates are equipped to apply their knowledge to related computing domains and ready to meet new technical challenges in the field.

Building upon a foundation of programming skills and knowledge, the minor in Web Programming prepares students to take aspects of their major field of study to the Internet. Students will learn how to do much more than develop and publish a simple static webpage of plain text. Students will explore the techniques of dynamically rendering pages that communicate information, collecting and displaying data, and processing results on a server. Emerging technologies are utilized and instruction is provided by our Web Science scholars.

The minor in computer science provides you with a fundamental understanding of the computer and the basics of the development of computer applications. Not all computer science programs are equal when it comes to curriculum. ODU's program is scientifically and mathematically intensive in order to produce qualified and talented graduates.

The doctoral program in computational and applied mathematics offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics is designed to produce applied mathematicians and statisticians who can meet the growing demand for analytical and computational skills in traditional scientific and multi-disciplinary fields. Students in the program can choose to pursue an option in either applied mathematics, statistics, or biostatistics.

The geology concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students with a wide range of professional goals in the sciences, engineering, business, and the arts. Students seeking employment in pure and applied fields of geology, including environmental geology, geological oceanography, hydrogeology, marine geology, geobiology, geophysics, and geochemistry, should also choose their courses to support certification as a professional geologist (below). Students considering graduate work in these fields should similarly build their backgrounds accordingly. Students with a strong interest in geological applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools should consider the geology concentration with a minor in geography; the certificate program in spatial analysis of coastal environments also emphasizes this area of study.

The physical oceanography concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students considering employment or graduate work in the field of physical oceanography. Physical oceanography is the study of physical conditions and physical processes in the ocean, especially the transport and physical properties of ocean waters (particularly heat and salt).

The biological oceanography concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students considering employment or graduate work in the field of biological oceanography. Biological oceanography is the study of biological processes in the oceans, i.e., marine organisms and how they are affected by the physics, chemistry, biology and geology of the oceans. Students in the biological oceanography concentration are strongly encouraged to minor in biology by taking the appropriate 300- and 400-level classes in the biology department.

The chemical oceanography concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students considering employment or graduate work in the field of chemical oceanography. Chemical oceanography is the study of the behavior of the chemical elements in the oceans and marine sediments and how they are affected by physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes. Students in the chemical oceanography concentration are strongly encouraged to minor in chemistry by taking the appropriate 300- and 400-level classes in the chemistry department.

The minor in Ocean & Earth Sciences is designed for students who wish to supplement their major course of study with coursework in this field. Juniors and seniors with declared majors in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics or physics are eligible to enter the minor program. Students wishing to pursue the minor may elect to emphasize any aspect of geology, or biological, chemical, or physical oceanography.

The certificate in spatial analysis of coastal environments (SpACE) provides an interdisciplinary program for students wishing to pursue careers in coastal management or research, remote sensing, or geographic information systems (GIS) applications. Rendered upon completion of the requirements, the certificate is an academic affidavit comprised of courses in geography and ocean, earth and atmospheric sciences and is administered by the two departments.

A degree in physics, with education concentration, is designed for students who are preparing to be high school physics teachers. This curriculum provides a solid foundation in both contemporary physics and in education pedagogy.

A degree in physics, with professional concentration, is designed for students who wish to create a specialized program of study which combines a strong foundation in physics with strong preparation in another field. Such other fields include chemistry, pre-health, computer science, to name a few.

A dual degree in Physics and Electrical Engineering, is a five year program in which students will receive a B.S. and B.S.E.E. upon graduation. This program provides the highest level of preparation for both graduate school and positions in industry.

A minor in physics introduces students to the basics of classical and modern physics using calculus. With physics being a generalist field of study, the emphasis of the program is on providing students with analytical concepts and experimental techniques, which will enable them to find solutions to problems found in nature. A minor in physics is a great way to supplement any science major.

The minor in Psychology is designed to provide a knowledge base of current methods, content areas, and theories. It seeks to facilitate the development of intellectual skills and characteristics that enhance the student's lifelong personal and career success. The program begins with a general psychology course and includes additional coursework representing each of four areas (Area 1-Area 4). Students are encouraged to pursue breadth across the areas of psychology, particularly when planning for advanced study in psychology. The department does, however, identify sets of courses particularly relevant for students interested in health psychology, clinical, industrial/organizational, or human factors (engineering) psychology.

The primary goal of the doctoral program in ecological sciences is to provide advanced training in ecological, evolutionary and integrative biology. The program has notable strengths in a broad range of biological subdisciplines, including ecosystem studies, experimental ecology, population biology, conservation biology, systematics, evolutionary biology, biomechanics, and comparative and functional morphology. Program faculty conduct studies in a variety of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments on several continents, and their research focuses on a broad spectrum of taxa, including, but not limited to, vascular plants, polychaetes, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.

Explore the dynamic field of biomedical sciences in this cutting-edge interdisciplinary doctoral program. Core coursework integrated with seminars and laboratory rotations expose students to the breadth of biomedical inquiry prior to pursuing advanced research concentrations. In this interdisciplinary program, students will be required to master a broad knowledge of basic biomedical sciences. Integration of coursework is reinforced by laboratory experiences and seminars that highlight the interdisciplinary relationship and approach to biomedical research. The student progresses from a set of core courses to advanced courses in their chosen concentration and an in-depth doctoral research project. Under guidance of the graduate faculty, the student will integrate knowledge from the broad spectrum of biomedical disciplines into his or her focus in an area of specialization.

The Ph.D. program in Chemistry prepares students in the application of chemical principles to address many of society's technical, environmental, and biomedical problems. Students will be able to provide leadership in industrial, governmental, and educational institutions in directing research and/or development to solve these problems.

Computer science traces its foundation to mathematics, logic, and engineering. Studies in computer science encompass theory, experimental techniques, and engineering methodology. The computer information science curriculum (offered jointly with the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Information Technology & Decision Sciences) exposes students to aspects of each of these disciplines and fosters an appreciation and understanding of them. Students are exposed to the broad theoretical basis of computer science through lecture and laboratory experience.

The purpose of the M.S. degree program in Data Science and Analytics is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use state-of-the-art programming tools and software packages to develop statistical models. Students will learn to use data for identifying trends and patterns, solving problems, communicating results, and recommending optimal solutions. Students will acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities about the discipline-specific scientific and theoretical concepts critical to data science and analytics.

This program is designed for students with a strong background in computer science. ODU's Computer Science Department supports in-depth study at the graduate level in areas such as: bioinformatics, data science, digital libraries, high performance computing, machine intelligence, networking, cyber security, software engineering, and computational foundations.

Our PhD program prepares graduates for research positions in academia or industry. Research is led by our graduate faculty, who have interests in bioinformatics, machine intelligence and data analytics, networks, cybersecurity, web science and digital libraries, data science, parallel algorithms and computing, scientific computing, and stochastic modeling.

This online certificate program is designed to train professionals working in computer science and related fields the additional skills needed to manage and secure cyber data. You can complete this certificate in as little as one year by taking two courses in spring semester and two courses in fall semester. These courses can also apply toward ODU's Master of Science in Computer Science.

The Certificate in Digital Forensics will educate students in the foundations of digital forensics and its application in the criminal justice system and in corporate investigations. According to the National Institute of Science and Technology, digital forensics is the application of science to the process of identification, collection, examination, and analysis of data stored in computers, while preserving the integrity of the information and maintaining a strict chain of custody. Students will learn how to handle and manage digital evidence (e.g., data stored on a person’s hard drive or cell phone) from discovery to preservation using technologies such as forensic software or a hex editor. Graduates will thus receive a foundation that will enable them to identify, collect, examine, and analyze digital evidence and present their findings as effective witnesses in civil and criminal court cases.

The doctoral program in computational and applied mathematics offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics is designed to produce applied mathematicians and statisticians who can meet the growing demand for analytical and computational skills in traditional scientific and multi-disciplinary fields. Students in the program can choose to pursue an option in either applied mathematics, statistics, or biostatistics.

The Ph.D degree follows the traditional path of original research in the field of oceanography. The emphasis areas are biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography, and the earth and geological sciences. Interdisciplinary studies are emphasized and an integral part of the student experience. The curricula are designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in their area of interest.

Our Ph.D. program provides students with opportunities to perform research in some of the most current and dynamic areas of physics. In the first two years, students develop a solid and broad base of physics knowledge through the core curriculum, departmental colloquia, and research training. Armed with the core knowledge, doctoral students join a research group working in an area of particular interest. This research is performed in very close collaboration with one or more faculty whose interests span a wide range of physics fields.

The Health Psychology (HP) concentration in the Psychology Ph.D. program at ODU provides education, research opportunities, and other relevant experiences around applications of psychology in health, health behavior, and environments that affect health. Health Psychology research and doctoral training addresses a range of focus areas, including alcohol and substance misuse, family and adolescent health, cultural adaptation and identity, injury prevention, stress and health, quantitative issues and their application in health, and many others.

The Industrial and Organizational (IO) Psychology concentration in the Psychology Ph.D. program at ODU follows the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing psychological theory and behavioral science. Faculty members involved in the IO Psychology Ph.D. program have expertise in organizational leadership, culture, turnover, job attitudes, individual differences (e.g., Big Five personality), human resource development, work-family issues, occupational health and safety, and the inclusion of women and minorities in the workplace. They are well versed in research design and statistics, and their research has been funded by Health Resources and Services Administration, NASA, NSF, NIOSH, and Department of Defense, among others. We encourage students to make innovative and professional contributions to the field. Our performance expectations and standards are high; however, faculty members are committed to your success. The learning environment is open, nurturing, and cooperative, and students are encouraged to be active partners in the learning process.

The Human Factors Psychology concentration prepares students as scientists/practitioners with expertise in areas of technology application such as military simulation, surface and air transportation, medical simulation and error analysis, cybersecurity, and team processes. The Ph.D. program in human factors at ODU follows the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing psychological theory and behavioral science. ODU faculty members understand the fundamental and ancillary areas of human factors, and they are well versed in statistics and research methodology. At ODU, you will gain an appreciation of the broader organizational context for practicing human factors, and you will receive valuable practical experience. We encourage students to make innovative and professional contributions to the field. Our performance expectations and standards are high; however, faculty members are committed to your success. The learning environment is open, nurturing, and cooperative, and students are encouraged to be active partners in the learning process.

The Department of Psychology participates in the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology.  This unified program is offered jointly by Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University and is accredited by the American Psychological Association.  The combined efforts of these institutions give considerable breadth and depth to this unique program.  Students take classes at all three institutions and are engaged in research activities and clinical work throughout their training.  The Program follows a scientist-practitioner training model.  The Virginia Consortium emphasizes the following areas in its training model:  (1) ethics; (2) multiculturalism; (3) research; (4) assessment; (5) intervention; (6) consultation, supervision, and leadership.