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What is Computer Science at Old Dominion University?
Computer Science at Old Dominion University is an academic department within a public doctoral research institution based in Norfolk, Virginia. It offers programs that combine foundational computing theory with applied skills, typically covering areas such as algorithms, software engineering, systems, databases and artificial intelligence.
Who it suits
- Prospective undergraduates seeking a traditional campus-based degree with research-active faculty.
- Graduate students pursuing master's or doctoral study, where the university's research mission may support thesis and dissertation work.
- Working professionals in the Hampton Roads region who want local, in-person study rather than purely online options.
Practical considerations
Because Old Dominion is a doctoral research institution, students may have access to laboratory and faculty research opportunities that smaller teaching-focused colleges do not always provide. Class sizes and course availability can vary by level and term. The department's offerings are designed around computer science as a distinct discipline, so applicants should check specific degree requirements, prerequisites and any concentration options before applying.
For official program details, admissions criteria and course listings, consult Old Dominion University.
What degree programs in Computer Science are offered at Old Dominion University?
Old Dominion University's Computer Science department offers programs at multiple levels, which suits students at different stages—from those seeking a first degree to working professionals pursuing advanced study.
Programs typically available
- Bachelor's degrees: A BS in Computer Science provides a foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, systems and theory. Students may also find related majors or concentrations such as cybersecurity or software engineering.
- Master's degrees: An MS in Computer Science is designed for students who want deeper technical expertise or preparation for research and doctoral study. Coursework often covers areas like artificial intelligence, networking and databases.
- Doctoral study: A PhD in Computer Science supports original research and is suited to students aiming for academic or advanced industry research careers.
- Certificate or minor options: These may appeal to students in other fields who want computing skills without completing a full degree.
Who each level suits
- Undergraduates seeking a broad technical education and entry-level industry roles.
- Master's students upgrading skills, changing careers or specializing.
- Doctoral students planning research careers.
Because program names, concentrations and admission requirements can change, prospective students should verify current offerings directly with the department at Old Dominion University.
What are the admission requirements for the Computer Science program at ODU?
Old Dominion University's Computer Science offerings sit within a public doctoral research institution in Norfolk, Virginia. Admission requirements differ by level, so the relevant path depends on whether you are applying as an undergraduate, a transfer student, or a graduate applicant.
Undergraduate and transfer entry
- First-year applicants typically apply through the university's general admissions process, submitting high school transcripts, standardized test scores where required, and evidence of college-preparatory coursework.
- Because Computer Science is a major within the College of Sciences, applicants usually need a solid background in mathematics, including algebra, and often precalculus or calculus.
- Transfer students are generally expected to have completed foundational courses in calculus, programming, and science with competitive grades; specific minimum GPAs and course equivalencies are set by the department and admissions office.
Graduate entry
- Master's and doctoral applicants normally provide a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores if requested.
- International applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or an accepted equivalent.
Requirements, deadlines, and test policies change periodically, so confirm details directly with Old Dominion University and its Computer Science department before applying.
What research areas and specializations are available in ODU's Computer Science department?
Old Dominion University's Computer Science department spans both foundational and applied computing, with strengths that typically align with its position as a doctoral research institution in Norfolk, Virginia.
Likely research and specialization areas
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning, including data-driven modeling and intelligent systems.
- Cybersecurity and information assurance, a common focus for programs in the Hampton Roads region, which hosts major defense and federal facilities.
- Data science, databases and big data, supporting analytics-heavy careers.
- Networking, distributed systems and cloud computing.
- Software engineering and programming languages.
- Computer graphics, visualization and modeling and simulation, an area where the university has notable regional connections.
- Human-computer interaction and computing education may also appear among faculty interests.
- Bioinformatics and health informatics can overlap with ODU's broader health sciences research.
Who it suits
Prospective master's and doctoral students seeking funded research, working professionals in defense, maritime or health sectors, and undergraduates planning graduate study. Specializations vary by degree level and faculty availability, so applicants should confirm current labs and advisors directly with the department.
The main trade-off is breadth versus depth: a mid-sized public research department offers solid coverage across core areas, but a very narrow niche may be stronger at larger specialized institutions. See Computer Science | Old Dominion University for current faculty research listings.
What career opportunities and job placement support does ODU provide for Computer Science graduates?
Old Dominion University's Computer Science department sits within a public doctoral research institution in Norfolk, Virginia, which shapes both the kinds of employers graduates reach and the support available along the way. Because the university is research-active and regionally embedded, students typically encounter a mix of academic research paths and industry roles.
Likely career directions
- Software engineering, application development and systems roles
- Data-focused work such as analytics, databases and machine learning
- Cybersecurity and network roles, drawing on the Norfolk-area defense, maritime and government presence
- Graduate study or research assistant positions for students continuing in academia
Placement support
Career services at ODU generally cover résumé and cover-letter review, interview preparation, career fairs and employer networking, plus internship and co-op listings. Computer Science students may also find department-level advising, faculty referrals and student organization activity that connect them to local employers. Much of this support is suited to students who seek it out early rather than waiting until graduation.
Practical trade-offs
The Hampton Roads location offers strong regional connections in defense, shipping and health, but graduates targeting major tech hubs may need to network beyond campus. For program details, requirements and current opportunities, consult Computer Science | Old Dominion University.
Are there online Computer Science courses or programs available at Old Dominion University?
Yes. Old Dominion University's Computer Science department sits within a public doctoral research institution based in Norfolk, Virginia, and its offerings include online study options alongside on-campus work. Prospective students can typically choose between a full degree pathway and individual courses taken for credit.
Typical online options
- Graduate programs — Online master's-level study in computer science and related computing fields is commonly the strongest online presence at research universities, and ODU follows that pattern.
- Undergraduate courses — Selected lower- and upper-level CS courses may be delivered online, useful for students completing general requirements or catching up on prerequisites.
- Certificate or non-degree study — Some learners enroll in individual online courses to build skills without committing to a full degree.
Who it suits
Online delivery suits working professionals, military-affiliated students (Norfolk hosts a large naval presence), and anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. It is less suited to students who want heavy in-person lab, hardware or research mentorship, since those experiences are harder to replicate remotely.
Trade-offs to check
Delivery mode, asynchronous versus scheduled sessions, and residency requirements vary by program. Confirm whether a given degree can be completed entirely online and whether online students pay different tuition rates. The department pages at Computer Science | Old Dominion University list current program and course details; the university's main site, Old Dominion University, covers admissions and tuition.
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