Public Health Degree

The public health program at Old Dominion University prepares students for careers as a public health program manager, educator, nutritionist, epidemiologist, biostatistician, environmental health scientist, and more. The program focuses on planning, managing, and evaluating public health care services, as well as functioning as public health officer. Program courses include: epidemiology, biostatistics, public health principles, preventative medicine, health policy and regulations, health care service, public health law enforcement, health economics and budgeting, and professional standards and ethics. Get more details below including other Virginia colleges that offer public health degrees.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Old Dominion University

4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, VA

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. Designated as a "high-research-activity" university, the ODU researchers generate more than $80 million in annual funding through 400 or more research projects. Research areas of particular note include programs in bioelectrics, modeling and simulation, alternative energies, nanotechnologies, and maritime health and systems.

Considered a "Best Southeastern College" by the Princeton Review, ODU offers more than 65 bachelor's degrees, 56 master's degrees, 41 doctoral degrees and two educational specialist degrees. Distance learning is available through ODU, which offers more than 50 degree programs online, via satellite or video-streaming and CD.

Faculty at ODU have be widely recognized for their achievements, and have won more than 20 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Awards, among others.

History

Old Dominion University was founded in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. It became an independent institution of higher education in 1962. In 1969, ODU gained university status.

Academics

The academic calendar for Old Dominion University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. At ODU, these are referred to as "First Semester," "Second Semester," and "Summer Semester." The Summer Semester is divided into five sessions.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts and Letters
• College of Business and Public Administration
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Technology
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Sciences
• Honors College

Student Life

There are roughly 300 student clubs and organizations available for involvement at Old Dominion University. These include groups that focus on academic, professional, political, religious, social, leadership and many other interests. Students can also participate in programs for volunteer service and various hobbies. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership also organizes access to the campus radio station (WODU) and the student-run newspaper "The Mace and Crown."

On campus and off campus housing are available, and more than 4,000 students live on campus during the academic year. There are many dining options available on and off campus as well.

The ROTC is quite active on campus, and there are many active fraternities and sororities at ODU.

Traditions

The ODU school colors are blue (dark, royal blue) and silver, with white as an accent color. The school mascot is "Old Blue" the lion. The school symbol is a lion with a royal crown on its head, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the "Monarchs." Early in its history, the athletic teams for ODU were nicknamed the "Braves," but this changed once the school became independent. One school tradition is to have students touch up the blue paw prints that are painted on the grounds of the campus, representing all the places where "Old Blue" has traveled.

School spirit is strong at ODU, and on every "Spirit Friday" students and faculty are asked to wear the school colors of blue and silver or ODU apparel. The school Spirit Crew will patrol the campus and reward those who observe the tradition with a prize.

Athletics

The ODU "Monarchs" athletic teams compete in 18 intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division I level, and the NCAA FCS level. Varsity sports at ODU include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Sailing
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis

Satellite Campuses

The Norfolk Campus is ODU's primary location. Extended campus centers for ODU are:

• Peninsula Higher Education Center
• Virginia Beach Higher Education Center
• Tri-Cities Center
• Distance Learning Partners

Community Life

ODU has many business and research programs that contribute to the local economy and community. Many ODU programs and camps are designed for community youth, and include sports and engineering camps, science fairs, robotics challenges, a child development center, music groups, a governor's school for the arts, and more.

The City of Norfolk has much to offer in terms of culture, recreation, arts and entertainment. The downtown area of the city is very easy to walk around, and is considered a desirable place to live. There are many distinct and historical neighborhoods, each with their own character. The Freemason Historic District near the Elizabeth River is characterized by tree lined, cobblestone streets. The Granby District is a popular shopping area where many of the early buildings near the Opera House have been converted into residential lofts and trendy homes. There are many more neighborhoods and areas to explore.

Students Enrolled in the Public Health Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Old Dominion University offers a master's degree program in public health.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Medical and Health Services Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, medical and health services managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 16.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 4
  • Average Hourly Rate: $59.08
  • Average Annual Salary: $122880

Health Educators

Description

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Collect and analyze data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May serve as a resource to assist individuals, other healthcare workers, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

Community Health Workers

Description

Assist individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Conduct outreach for medical personnel or health organizations to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health. May provide information on available resources, provide social support and informal counseling, advocate for individuals and community health needs, and provide services such as first aid and blood pressure screening. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).