Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. Established in 1930, it began as a branch of the College of William and Mary and later became an independent institution. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across fields such as engineering, business, education, health sciences, and the arts and sciences. Old Dominion University is known for its research activity, maritime and coastal studies, and strong connections to military and defense communities in the Hampton Roads region. Its diverse student body includes traditional undergraduates, working professionals, military-affiliated students, and online learners.

Old Dominion University was founded in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary, created to expand access to higher education in southeastern Virginia. Initially a two-year branch serving commuting students, Old Dominion University focused on teacher preparation and engineering. The institution grew steadily and became a four-year college in the 1950s. In 1962, it gained independence as Old Dominion College, marking a major milestone in its institutional development. Continued enrollment growth and the expansion of graduate programs led to its designation as Old Dominion University in 1969. Master’s programs began in the 1960s, and doctoral programs were introduced in the early 1970s. Located in Norfolk, Old Dominion University has since developed into a comprehensive public research university, expanding its academic offerings, research capacity, and community engagement throughout the Hampton Roads region and beyond.