Old Dominion University Reviews

"I fulfilled all of my degree requirements and had earned 99 credits which included a masters and a doctoral degree in international studies, including a book contract before graduating. All this in 4 and 1/2 years. My dissertation advisor did not support my job search after earning my doctorate. I had no support from the program. I was left out and ignored while favorable treatment went to others. I worked very hard and loved my field. I could not find a mentor. Sadly I had to solicit support outside of the program. I was just a number that graduated. After that, there was no concern for me, my hopes, my wishes, my dreams."

"I am pursuing a political science degree online. This degree is one of a few on ODU's course catalog that is advertised as being available 100% online. I am supposed to graduate in two semesters. None of the classes I need to complete my degree are made available for fully online students over the next two semesters. Therefore, I cannot graduate because of the university's own ineptitude. I work full time at a location hours away from the university. I do not have the option to attend classes in person to complete my degree. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN AN ONLINE DEGREE FROM ODU: I recommend avoiding political science all together and to be skeptical about any other degrees that the university offers online."

"In my opinion, ODU is probably the best kept secret in Hampton Roads. Their Electrical Engineering program is well respected among employers in the Hampton Roads area and I had a job lined up six months before I graduated. Their engineering program is tough, but I found that the professors were very knowledgeable and helpful when I had questions. The campus is smaller than some of the big name schools, but it is well kept and I thought that the landscaping was very nice. I had a good experience at Old Dominion University and would recommend this school to anyone considering engineering as their major."

"Great support in the Humanities program. All my instructors WANT to help their students. They've also helped me navigate the program requirements. Pro tip: Don't rely on DegreeWorks. Get clarification during advising appointments, take a lot of notes, and send them a follow-up email to confirm what you discussed. That way you have a record of what your advisor told you, just in case the Registrar disputes whether you've completed the program requirements, or if you have to get a new advisor. The great thing about the Humanities MA is that you can tailor it to your interests. I did a Visual Arts emphasis, so I took some art studio classes in addition to the research/theoretical classes. You can do a normal thesis or a "creative thesis" which includes a practical project and report. All the faculty I interacted with were interested and excited to help out with the creative thesis. They encourage projects that engage the community around the school. Even though the faculty are great, they can only help you if you tell them what you need. Never hesitate to ask questions about anything."

"Old Dominion University was a great program. Not many people were math majors, so it was great having smaller classes. The professors were extremely smart and helped often. Additionally, the other students were great. We did several group meet ups to work through problems and help each other through the program, even the graduate students helped out. The campus was expanding when I was there and I have heard great things since!"

"Overall, Old Dominion University affords its students a tremendous amount of opportunities and resources. I loved the university so much, I chose to stay for graduate school. ODU is known for its inclusive environment and is proud of its diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. There are countless organizations on campus for students to get involved it, including those for first generation, LGBTQ+, and international students. There are also various office to help students in their adjustment to college. For example, the Office of Intercultural Relations for international students, the Learning Center for those seeking academic coaching or peer mentoring, Counseling Services where student receive 10 free sessions every year, and so much more. ODU also offers online distance learning at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Additionally, ODU has been ranked as having the most affordable tuition in the state of Virginia. ODU is supportive of the military community it the surrounding area and offers reduced tuition for active duty military. I highly recommend Old Dominion University to anyone interested in going to college."

"Save your money and go to a better school. Classes you need are always full if they are even available. Advisors have bankers hours and are rarely available especially if you are a working adult. Instructors are luck of the draw, some are good, some mediocre, some are very poor. Have a backup plan because you will need it."

"My master's program at Old Dominion University was truly a phenomenal experience for me. I held a graduate assistantship in the Center for Entrepreneurship which helped offset my financial obligation. I was able to learn from professors who have worked for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the Federal Reserve, etc. It was great to learn econometrics and statistical analysis in such a way that led me to understand the background of how regression analysis was formed, rather than merely learning the interpretation aspect.My favorite courses were advanced microeconomics, urban economics, and international trade. These classes helped me understand how governments, banks, and consumers interact, locally, national, and internationally. In terms of obtaining employment, there could have been more information with this regard, but I secured a job before I graduated with my masters as a budget and policy analyst, which was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend the program to those interested in business, economics, or finance. Many classes overlap with the MBA coursework and could be coupled to obtain two-degrees."

"I had the pleasure of receiving my Bachelors of Science from Old Dominion University. As a legacy, I couldn't imagine attending any other University, and I was not disappointed. Old Dominion offered me the opportunity to learn about my field of choice, Human Services, and myself. When you leave for College there are many mixed emotions: excitement, anxiety, sadness... Old Dominion gave me a place to explore those feelings and I left, not only with a degree but a better understanding of who I am as a person. The professors and admissions consultants were so helpful in learning to navigate what can be an intimidating place. In my senior year, I was required to participate in an internship. Upon graduating I was hired out of my internship. My employers were so impressed with my knowledge in my field. I owe my career to ODU!"

"I really loved ODU's Master of Public Administration program. I transferred to this program after spending over 2 years in the business administration program. I, along with many of my classmates, had a very negative experience in the MBA program, and I was ready to graduate and move on. Sadly, due to lack of support and being given the runaround by administration, no graduation date was in sight. However, after taking an elective in the MPA program, I fell in love. The MPA courses are both informative and engaging. The faculty is knowledgeable and supportive. Furthermore, Dr. Chapman, the program director, is super accessible and always willing to help students in need. The program even helped me find scholarships to help fund my education and connected me with other professionals that are already successful in my field. Overall, I really love ODU, and I'm extremely satisfied with my degree. Despite the issues I faced with my former program, I would strongly recommend the school to anyone seeking to further their education."

"ODU is a small campus in the city of Norfolk, Virginia. I came to the school on an athletic scholarship but quickly fell in love with what the campus had to offer. I come from a family of Penn State University graduates so going to a smaller and less known school like Old Dominion was a huge change. Old Dominion has a great alumni base and such a great sense of school pride. I knew that this would be my home from the minute I completed my first summer session. All of my advisors were a great help and I never felt lost. ODU became home in a matter of days."

"I am thrilled with ODU's undergraduate major for speech-language pathology and audiology. After completing my second semester of their graduate program, I can vouch for its legitimacy and competencies. I love the wide variety of clinical opportunities the program offers."

"Absolute garbage experience. I decided to go into business marketing and the first issue I ran into is when I transferred over from a community college, and I sent my transcripts three times before the ODU office managed to get them put into the database so I could actually apply for my classes. I had to harass the offices in order to get anything moving. I have had a PLETHORA of issues at this school (not with the classes themselves, only the faculty). The faculty and staff that I have come across are absolutely terrible at helping get anything done. I'm not requesting anything crazy, just that you do your job. If you want anything to get done, you're going to have to be calling multiple different offices, being redirected multiple times, emailing people many times, before you can get a SIMPLE task complete. I will be transferring to another school after this semester, not because the classes are too difficult, but because I'm finished dealing with these absolute morons."

"Old Dominion University is located on the outskirts of Norfolk, Virginia. It is an ever growing school constantly changing to better provide for its students. This school employs some of the best of the best in their respective fields. I am a graduate of their dental hygiene program. People from all over the country apply to be apart of this program and learn from its well known instructors. It is 5 semesters (2 years + 1 summer) of rigorous work. Unlike typically college course the dental hygiene program graded on a 7-point grading scale which pushed students to do better. Classes are structured from 8-5 most days to get you familiar with most dental office hours. The first semester you learn how to use your instruments practicing on each other then the following 4 semesters you get to work on the public. While I felt prepared to enter the work force after graduation, there are some thing that I personally fell I should have been taught in school. While I learned more outside the classroom, your college experience depends solely on your attitude. Outside of the classroom ODU has a lot to offer its students. With the many clubs that are present on campus, there is never a shortage of things to do. Be it watching a show in the planetarium or going on a camping trip with the Student Recreation Center, your options are endless. If you cannot find something that interest you, ODU guides you and helps you start that program yourself."

"Old Dominion University offers diversity, many clubs and organizations, a focus in research, and different options for courses such as online, on campus, and evening offerings. Most professors are highly rated, many of which are the best in their field. The tuition is priced well in comparison to many other colleges that are comparable. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and highly recommend it. I continued into the graduate program for counseling, and I am told they are one of the best schools in the country for this field. I had to move away for my husband's work and miss it greatly. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for a few professors that I felt were not exemplary, but that will happen at nearly any school."

"I graduated early from Old Dominion University with a double Bachelor's degree. My professors were knowledgeable, passionate, and helpful in discovering my passions and interests within my chosen fields. I ensured that I chose practical degrees in fields I had passion for. However, Old Dominion did not provide university financial assistance and it was difficult for me to afford my education without the assistance of federal loans and grants. Old Dominion was a wonderful school and I received a wonderful education, but they were lacking in career services."

"ODU overall offered a great experience. The professors I had were great, and the coursework was not overly crazy. I enjoyed taking courses online and I did not have any problems when taking online courses. The only cons I encountered was paying $250 a year for a parking pass that did not guarantee a parking spot. Also, Norfolk in general is not a safe area so it is very important to be aware of your surrounds at all times."

"Old Dominion does nothing to assist Adult Distance Learners. If you have an issue, please prepare to fight them and take your concerns to the top. They act like "just give us your money for your distant learning courseS and don't ask us for any help" I have experience this from my adviser and professors. I WILL NEVER ATTEND THIS SCHOOL AGAIN AFTER GRADUATION. THEY JUST WANT YOUR MONEY AND FOR YOU TO JUST SHUT AND DO BOTHER THEM. THERE IS NO SUPPORT FOR DISTANT LEARNER EVEN THOUGH THEY ACT LIKE IT IS. IT IS A BIG FAT MONEY CASH COW SCAM FOR THEM."

"Please attend a different school if you want a real education. Most of the positive reviews are from students that obtained an "Arts" degree which won't get you too far. If you are seeking an Engineering degree you are encouraged to go elsewhere. The school attempts to force most of the core classes to be online. The teachers (not all, but most) are over burdened and unwilling to help. Most help comes in the form of telling you to read the book or google it. I do not feel like my education will prepare me for the job market. I work with software developers and they regularly look at my homework and exams...and they laugh at it. What is taught is not what is practiced. The students refer to the school as a "fake school". You'll find little pride amongst your peers. The school is in an unsafe environment. Crime and violent crime are very high in the surrounding area. At least one a week a student is robbed at gun point. Not 100 yards away from the main campus. The campus IS nice to look at, though small. The upkeep is top notch."

"Located in Norfolk, VA, the school is located in a safe and growing metroplis with much to offer. I excelled scholastically at the university largely due to the responsive faculty, in particular my advisors, who were extremely impactful throughout my academic tenure. Professors were always available outside of class and willing to help . Outside of class, the growing athletic department offers football and basketball games to attend - a fun way to meet and interact with peers! All in all, I found ODU to be a positive experience and if given the chance to go back and do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing about my experience there."