Contact Information
General Contact
- School Code: 372800
- Phone: (703) 323-3000
- School Homepage
Admissions Office
Financial Aid Office
ACCEPTANCE RATE
89.33%FINANCIAL AID RATE
93%STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
17:1DEGREE OFFERED ONLINE
124FINANCIAL AID AWARD AVG.
$7,488Average Grants + Scholarship Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students
Percent of Full-Time Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid
Percent of Students Paying In-State Tuition vs Out-of-State Tuition
College Video Tour
School Map
Rhetoric and Composition Degree
The composition field of study is focused on the professional field of writing, instruction, and research with an emphasis of writing at the college level. On the other hand, rhetoric, is the art if discourse whereby speakers attempt to persuade an audience in one form or fashion. Get more details below including other Virginia colleges that offer rhetoric and composition 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 Rhetoric and Composition Program
Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Old Dominion University offers a bachelor's degree program in rhetoric and composition.
Students by Gender (2019)
Graduates | |
---|---|
Male | 69 |
Female | 128 |
Students by Race (2019)
Graduates | |
---|---|
Asian | 3 |
Black | 70 |
Hispanic | 10 |
White | 91 |
Multiple Races | 20 |
Non Resident Alien | 1 |
Unknown | 2 |
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
Upon completion of the Rhetoric and Composition program at Old Dominion University, most students have pursued careers in the following fields:English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Description
Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
Description
All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.
Editors
Description
Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
Copy Writers
Description
Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.
Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Admission Requirements & Details
The admission details below may provide a better idea of the students Old Dominion University accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- Life Experience Credits
- AP Course Credits
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Old Dominion University may provide services like:- Online course work available
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Career path counseling
- Student employment
- Assisting students to find work
Intercollegiate Athletics
Old Dominion University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division I-FBS classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Conference Usa)
- Basketball (Conference Usa)
- Field Hockey
- Football (Conference Usa)
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Wrestling
- Sailing