Old Dominion University Snapshot Card
25+
Online master’s programs
$480–$575
Per credit hour
—
Public university ranking
R1
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type:
Public
Regional accreditation:
SACSCOC
Admissions model:
Rolling
GRE/GMAT required:
Not required
Out-of-state premium:
out-of-state may differ
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- ABET
- CCNE
- CSWE
- NASPAA
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here
Best For:
- Military-connected students (active-duty, veterans, military spouses) seeking Yellow Ribbon-eligible, flexible online programs with dedicated support
- Working engineers and IT professionals wanting applied ABET-accredited engineering or NSA-designated cybersecurity degrees
- Virginia residents seeking in-state tuition at an R1 institution
- Educators looking for CAEP-accredited master’s programs with rolling admissions and no GRE requirement
- Mid-career professionals targeting AACSB-accredited MBA or NASPAA-accredited MPA programs at public-university prices
Not a Best Fit For:
- Students prioritizing elite brand recognition for careers in management consulting, investment banking, or top-tier research positions
- Students seeking a large online selection of humanities, social science, or fine arts master’s programs
- Learners who prefer competency-based, fully self-paced models (ODU uses structured semester-based delivery)
- Students seeking highly selective, cohort-based research-track master’s programs
Snapshot
Old Dominion University is a public R1 research university based in Norfolk, Virginia, and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). ODU has operated as one of the earliest adopters of distance education among Virginia’s public universities, and its online graduate infrastructure now serves more than 25 distinct master’s degree programs spanning engineering, cybersecurity, business, education, public administration, nursing, and several liberal arts fields.
Two institutional characteristics shape ODU’s online identity more than any others. First, its location in the Hampton Roads region — home to the largest naval base in the world, multiple defense contractors, and a concentration of federal agencies — creates deep institutional ties to military and defense communities. ODU consistently ranks among the most military-friendly universities in the country, with tuition structures, advising services, and program formats specifically designed for active-duty, veteran, and military-spouse students. Second, ODU’s engineering and cybersecurity programs carry meaningful applied-science credibility: several hold ABET accreditation, and the university is designated as an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
For prospective online master’s students, ODU sits in an interesting competitive position. It is more affordable than many peer R1 universities for out-of-state online learners, offers a broader engineering portfolio online than most public universities of similar size, and maintains programmatic accreditations (AACSB, ABET, CCNE, CAEP, NASPAA) across its highest-demand programs. The tradeoff is that ODU’s national brand recognition lags behind flagships like the University of Florida or Purdue, and its humanities and social science offerings online are narrower than its STEM and professional portfolios.
Quick Decision Guide
Quick Fit Summary: Old Dominion University is best suited for working professionals — especially those connected to the military or defense sector — who want an affordable, regionally accredited R1 credential in engineering, cybersecurity, education, or business without relocating.
Cost Signal: Online tuition runs approximately $480–$575 per credit hour depending on the program, with total program costs ranging from roughly $14,400 (30-credit MA) to about $24,150 (42-credit MBA). Military tuition assistance and Yellow Ribbon benefits are available.
Learning Model Signal: Courses are delivered primarily asynchronously online, with some programs offering synchronous components. Most programs require no campus visits. Nursing programs require clinical practicum hours, and the PK-12 educational leadership track may include a practicum.
Admissions Signal: Education programs use rolling admissions; most other programs operate on deadline-based cycles with Fall and Spring starts. The GRE is not required for most programs, and the GMAT is waivable for the MBA.
Flexibility Signal: Most programs allow part-time enrollment, with completion timelines spanning 18 to 36 months. Multiple start dates per year (Fall, Spring, and Summer for some programs) give students flexibility in when they begin.
Main Tradeoff: ODU delivers genuinely strong applied-science and professional programs at a competitive public-university price, but students who need national brand prestige or a deep roster of liberal arts graduate options will find those things better served elsewhere.
What Old Dominion University Is Known For
ODU’s online master’s reputation is built on a few distinct pillars that separate it from generic large-public-university online offerings.
Engineering breadth and depth online.
Few public universities put this many ABET-accredited engineering disciplines online. ODU offers online master’s degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical and computer, and systems engineering, plus modeling and simulation engineering and engineering management. The civil engineering program includes a coastal engineering concentration that directly reflects ODU’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast — a specialization difficult to find elsewhere. The modeling and simulation engineering program is one of a small number nationally and draws heavily from defense and DoD-adjacent industries.
Cybersecurity and defense-sector alignment.
ODU holds the NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation, and its cybersecurity master’s program sits within an institutional ecosystem deeply embedded in the Hampton Roads defense corridor. Students in cybersecurity, IT, and computer science at ODU are studying at a university where those disciplines are shaped by proximity to military intelligence, naval operations, and federal contracting — not just by academic theory.
Military-friendly infrastructure.
ODU’s military-friendly reputation is structural, not performative. The university operates dedicated military advising, priority registration for military-connected students, Yellow Ribbon participation, and tuition policies designed to align with military tuition assistance caps. The flexible scheduling and asynchronous delivery model of most online programs accommodates deployment cycles and duty-station transfers.
Education programs with CAEP accreditation and rolling admissions.
ODU’s education master’s portfolio includes curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, special education (with a distinctive autism spectrum disorders concentration), STEM education, and library science — all under CAEP accreditation and available through rolling admissions without a GRE requirement. That combination of accreditation quality, specialization, and low admissions friction is comparatively strong.
Programmatic accreditations across professional programs.
Beyond ABET and CAEP, ODU holds AACSB accreditation for its Strome College of Business, CCNE accreditation for its nursing programs, and NASPAA accreditation for its Master of Public Administration. This breadth of programmatic accreditation across multiple schools within one university is a meaningful differentiator for students evaluating credential quality.
Competitive out-of-state online pricing.
ODU’s per-credit rates for online master’s programs — $480 for many programs and $575 for engineering, business, and nursing — position it well below many peer R1 universities that charge out-of-state premiums or flat program fees exceeding $30,000.
Online Master’s Programs at Old Dominion University by Subject
The table below provides a structured inventory of ODU’s known online master’s programs, including tuition, credit requirements, accreditations, and format details. Subject-area interpretations follow the table.
| Program | Degree | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total | Accreditation | GRE | In-Person | Start Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | MBA | 42 | $575 | $24,150 | AACSB | No | No | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Computer Science | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | ABET | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Cybersecurity | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Information Technology | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Engineering Management | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Civil Engineering | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | ABET | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Electrical & Computer Engineering | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | ABET | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Mechanical Engineering | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | ABET | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Systems Engineering | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Modeling & Simulation Engineering | MS | 30 | $575 | $17,250 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Curriculum & Instruction | MEd | 33 | $480 | $15,840 | CAEP | No | No | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Educational Leadership | MS | 36 | $480 | $17,280 | CAEP | No | No | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Special Education | MS | 33 | $480 | $15,840 | CAEP | No | No | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| STEM Education & Professional Studies | MS | 33 | $480 | $15,840 | CAEP | No | No | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Library Science | MS | 36 | $480 | $17,280 | — | No | No | Fall, Spring |
| Occupational & Technical Studies | MS | 33 | $480 | $15,840 | — | No | No | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Criminal Justice | MS | 36 | $480 | $17,280 | — | No | No | Fall, Spring |
| Public Administration | MPA | 39 | $480 | $18,720 | NASPAA | No | No | Fall, Spring |
| Applied Linguistics | MA | 33 | $480 | $15,840 | — | No | No | Fall, Spring |
| English | MA | 30 | $480 | $14,400 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| International Studies | MA | 33 | $480 | $15,840 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Nursing — Nurse Educator | MSN | 36 | $575 | $20,700 | CCNE | No | Yes | Fall, Spring |
| Nursing — Nursing Administration | MSN | 36 | $575 | $20,700 | CCNE | No | Yes | Fall, Spring |
| Community Health | MS | 36 | $480 | $17,280 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Sport Management | MS | 36 | $480 | $17,280 | — | No | No | Fall, Spring |
| Communication | MA | 33 | $480 | $15,840 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
| Lifespan & Digital Communication | MA | 33 | $480 | $15,840 | — | — | No | Fall, Spring |
Education is ODU’s largest online master’s cluster, with six programs spanning curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, special education, STEM education and professional studies, library science, and occupational and technical studies. All teacher-preparation programs hold CAEP accreditation, and every education program uses rolling admissions with no GRE requirement — a combination that significantly lowers the barrier to entry for working teachers.
The special education MS stands out for its autism spectrum disorders concentration, which is a relatively uncommon online specialization among CAEP-accredited programs. The educational leadership MS offers both a PK-12 track (which may require a practicum) and a higher education track, giving administrators and aspiring principals different pathways within the same degree. The STEM education program bridges teaching and technical studies, making it a natural fit for career-and-technical educators looking to formalize credentials.
At $480 per credit and 33–36 credits, total program costs range from approximately $15,840 to $17,280 — among the more affordable CAEP-accredited online education master’s options at an R1 institution. Students exploring the broader landscape of online education master’s programs can review our best online master’s in education rankings for additional comparison.
ODU’s online MBA, delivered through the AACSB-accredited Strome College of Business, is a 42-credit program with nine concentration options — an unusually wide range for an online MBA at this price point. Concentrations include business analytics, financial analysis and valuation, information technology, international business, maritime and port management, public procurement and contract management, real estate, strategic management, and supply chain management.
Several of these concentrations reflect ODU’s regional identity. Maritime and port management is directly tied to Norfolk’s role as a major East Coast port hub, and public procurement and contract management draws from the university’s proximity to federal contracting operations. These are not generic MBA add-ons; they represent genuine institutional expertise.
At $575 per credit, the total MBA cost of approximately $24,150 is competitive among AACSB-accredited online MBAs — well below the price of comparable programs at institutions like George Washington University or Boston University. The GMAT is not required for applicants who meet waiver criteria. For context on how ODU’s MBA stacks up in the broader online MBA landscape, see our best online MBA programs ranking.
Students interested in exploring the wider field of business master’s programs can use our subject hub to compare options across universities.
Engineering is where ODU’s online portfolio is most distinctive. The university offers six online master’s degrees in engineering disciplines — civil, mechanical, electrical and computer, systems, modeling and simulation, and engineering management — a breadth that exceeds what most public universities make available fully online. Four of these programs (civil, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, and the underlying computer science program) hold ABET accreditation.
The modeling and simulation engineering MS is particularly notable. It is one of only a handful of such programs available online nationally, and it draws directly from Hampton Roads’ concentration of defense simulation and modeling operations. The civil engineering MS includes a coastal engineering concentration that leverages ODU’s physical location and research infrastructure — a genuine rarity in online engineering education.
All engineering programs are priced at $575 per credit (30 credits, approximately $17,250 total), which is substantially below many peer online engineering master’s programs. The engineering management degree is specifically designed for working engineers transitioning into leadership roles, functioning as a bridge between technical depth and management breadth.
For broader comparisons across online engineering master’s options, see our best online master’s in engineering ranking.
ODU offers three related programs in this cluster: the MS in Cybersecurity, the MS in Information Technology, and the MS in Computer Science (which includes cybersecurity and data science concentrations). The cybersecurity program is backed by ODU’s designation as an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense — one of a limited number of universities that carry this credential, which signals that the curriculum meets federal standards for cybersecurity education.
The practical relevance of this designation is amplified by geography. Many ODU cybersecurity students are working professionals at defense contractors, intelligence agencies, or military installations in the Hampton Roads corridor, and the program is designed to accommodate that population. The computer science MS, with its ABET accreditation and machine learning concentration, adds a more technical and research-oriented pathway for students with different career objectives.
All three programs are 30 credits at $575 per credit (approximately $17,250 total). Students evaluating cybersecurity options across universities can consult our best online master’s in cybersecurity ranking for additional perspective.
ODU’s criminal justice MS is a 36-credit, fully online program at $480 per credit (approximately $17,280). The program does not require the GRE, and it draws from the same public-service ecosystem that feeds ODU’s MPA and military-connected student population. It is a solid option for law enforcement professionals, corrections officers, and criminal justice practitioners seeking graduate credentials without relocating.
The Master of Public Administration is perhaps the stronger story here. ODU’s MPA holds NASPAA accreditation — the gold-standard credential for public administration programs — and offers concentrations in public management and urban management and policy. At 39 credits and $480 per credit (approximately $18,720), it is one of the more affordable NASPAA-accredited online MPA options available. Students considering this path can compare options in our best online master’s in public administration ranking.
For additional comparison of criminal justice programs, see our best online master’s in criminal justice ranking
ODU offers two CCNE-accredited online MSN tracks — Nurse Educator and Nursing Administration — plus an MS in Community Health. The nursing programs are priced at $575 per credit (36 credits, approximately $20,700 total), and both require clinical practicum hours, meaning they are not fully online. Students must arrange clinical placements, which typically can be completed near the student’s home location.
The Nurse Educator track prepares RNs for academic and clinical teaching roles, while the Nursing Administration track targets nurses moving into healthcare management. Neither is a nurse practitioner (NP) pathway — students seeking NP credentials will need to look elsewhere. The community health MS, at $480 per credit, is fully online and targets professionals in public health promotion, health policy, and community-based health intervention.
For a broader view of online nursing master’s options, see our best online master’s in nursing ranking.
Beyond its core clusters, ODU offers several additional online master’s degrees that round out its portfolio without necessarily representing headline strengths.
The MA in Communication and the MA in Lifespan and Digital Communication provide two different entry points into communication studies — the latter focusing specifically on how communication patterns change across the lifespan and in digital environments, which is a relatively unusual specialization. Both are 33 credits at $480 per credit.
The MS in Sport Management (36 credits, $480/credit) targets professionals in athletics administration, recreational sports, and the broader sports industry. The MA in Applied Linguistics, with a TESOL concentration, serves teachers and language professionals working with multilingual populations. The MA in English offers concentrations in literature, linguistics, and professional writing, while the MA in International Studies provides a generalist international affairs credential.
These programs generally operate on deadline-based admissions with Fall and Spring start dates. They are competent offerings, but they are not where ODU carries the strongest competitive advantages relative to peer institutions.
Looking across ODU’s full online master’s portfolio, the pattern is clear: this is a university that invests most heavily in applied-science, professional, and technical programs — engineering, cybersecurity, business, education, public administration, and nursing — and supports those investments with meaningful programmatic accreditations. The humanities and social science offerings exist and are accessible, but they are secondary to ODU’s core identity. Students who want a deep bench of liberal arts options online will find larger catalogs at institutions like Arizona State University or University of Florida. Students who want an affordable, accredited, applied-science credential — especially one connected to the defense and military ecosystem — will find ODU’s portfolio unusually well-matched to that need.
How Old Dominion University Compares
To evaluate ODU in context, the table below compares it against four peer public universities with substantial online master’s portfolios. Each of these institutions overlaps with ODU in some areas while diverging in others.
| Factor | Old Dominion University | George Mason University | University of Central Florida | University of Alabama | North Carolina State University |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. Per-Credit Tuition | $480–$575 | $650–$850 | $370–$540 | $400–$575 | $550–$850 |
| Online Master’s Program Count | 25+ | 30+ | 30+ | 50+ | 25+ |
| Engineering/STEM Strength | Strong — 6 engineering disciplines online, ABET | Moderate — IT and CS focus, limited engineering online | Moderate — engineering management, CS | Limited engineering online | Strong — broader engineering research portfolio |
| Military-Friendly | Very strong — top rankings, Yellow Ribbon, dedicated services | Moderate — VA proximity helps, less institutional infrastructure | Moderate | Strong — large military student body | Moderate |
| Key Accreditations | AACSB, ABET, CCNE, CAEP, NASPAA | AACSB, ABET (CS), CAEP | AACSB, CAEP, CSWE | AACSB, CAEP, CSWE | AACSB, ABET |
| Format & Flexibility | Primarily async, semester-based, part-time available | Mix of async/sync, semester-based | Primarily async, semester-based | Mix of async/sync, accelerated options | Primarily async, semester-based |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- The comparison reveals a few things that matter for prospective students. ODU’s online engineering breadth — six distinct engineering disciplines — is unmatched among these four peers. George Mason University has a strong IT and policy portfolio but puts fewer engineering programs online. North Carolina State University offers a more research-oriented engineering portfolio but at a significantly higher per-credit cost for out-of-state students.
- On cost, ODU is more expensive per credit than University of Central Florida for many programs but less expensive than George Mason and NC State. University of Alabama matches ODU’s pricing range and exceeds it in total program count, but UA’s engineering offerings online are more limited.
- ODU’s military-friendly infrastructure is the strongest in this comparison group — it is not just a checkbox but a central institutional feature. Students in the Hampton Roads defense ecosystem or those who need a university that understands military life will find that ODU’s support structure is materially different from what most of these peers provide.
- Where ODU falls behind is in total catalog breadth and brand recognition. UA offers roughly twice as many online master’s programs, and institutions like NC State and UCF have stronger national visibility in certain professional networks. For students who prioritize portfolio breadth over engineering/cybersecurity depth, or who need the broadest possible selection, those alternatives may serve better.
Best For
ODU’s online master’s programs are a genuinely strong fit for several specific student profiles — not because ODU is universally the best option, but because its particular combination of strengths aligns unusually well with certain needs.
- Military-connected students who need real flexibility and real support. Active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses will find that ODU’s institutional infrastructure is purpose-built for military life. Yellow Ribbon participation, military tuition assistance alignment, priority registration, deployment accommodations, and dedicated military advising are not add-ons — they are embedded in how the university operates. The Hampton Roads location means many ODU faculty and staff have direct experience working with military populations.
- Working engineers who want an ABET-accredited master’s without leaving their job. If you are a practicing civil, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineer and need a master’s degree to advance, ODU’s online engineering portfolio is one of the deepest available at a public university. The ABET accreditation on core programs and the applied, career-focused curriculum design mean you are getting a credential that the engineering profession recognizes — not just an academic exercise.
- Cybersecurity and IT professionals in the defense sector. ODU’s NSA/DHS designation and its embedding in the Hampton Roads defense corridor make its cybersecurity and IT programs particularly relevant for professionals who need credentials that map to federal cybersecurity workforce standards.
- Educators in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic seeking affordable, accredited programs. ODU’s CAEP-accredited education programs — with rolling admissions, no GRE, and tuition under $16,000 for most degrees — represent strong value for teachers and administrators who need a master’s degree for licensure advancement or salary steps.
- Budget-conscious students who want R1 accreditation breadth. ODU offers AACSB, ABET, CCNE, CAEP, and NASPAA accreditations across its programs at per-credit rates that undercut many R1 peers. For students for whom accreditation quality and cost are the primary decision factors, ODU checks both boxes.
Not a Best Fit For
Being honest about limitations is as important as identifying strengths. ODU is not the right choice for every online master’s student.
Students who need elite brand prestige. If your career trajectory depends on a university name that opens doors at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, or top-tier research labs, ODU — despite its R1 status — does not carry the same brand weight as institutions like Johns Hopkins University , the University of Michigan , or the University of Southern California . ODU’s strengths are practical and regional, not prestige-driven.
Students who want a deep selection of humanities or social science master’s programs. ODU offers a handful of MA programs in English, communication, applied linguistics, and international studies, but this is not where the university invests most heavily. Students who want the broadest possible selection of humanities, social work, psychology, or fine arts master’s options will find larger catalogs at schools like Arizona State University or University of Alabama .
Learners who need a fully self-paced or competency-based model. ODU’s online programs follow a structured, semester-based format. If you need the ability to accelerate through material you already know and finish a degree in months rather than semesters, Western Governors University or similar competency-based institutions are better fits.
Students seeking nurse practitioner (NP) pathways. ODU’s online MSN programs focus on Nurse Educator and Nursing Administration tracks — not NP preparation. Students who need an NP credential will need to look at other universities.
Students who want a highly selective, research-intensive master’s experience. ODU’s online programs are designed for working professionals and prioritize accessibility and applied learning. Students seeking highly competitive admissions, intensive research mentorship, or thesis-track programs with faculty-matched advising may find that more research-focused institutions — like Purdue University or North Carolina State University — provide a better fit.
Featured Programs
Among ODU’s 25+ online master’s offerings, a few programs stand out for carrying genuine competitive advantages — not just popularity, but distinctive value relative to what is available elsewhere.
MS in Modeling and Simulation Engineering. This is one of ODU’s most distinctive programs nationally. Very few universities offer a master’s in modeling and simulation engineering online, and ODU’s program is directly connected to the defense simulation industry concentrated in Hampton Roads. For professionals in defense modeling, training simulation, or systems analysis, this program is difficult to replicate at another institution at this price.
MBA with Maritime and Port Management Concentration. While many online MBAs exist, ODU’s AACSB-accredited MBA with a maritime and port management concentration is genuinely unusual. Norfolk is the East Coast’s premier port city, and this concentration draws on real institutional and regional expertise. At approximately $24,150 total, it is also among the more affordable AACSB-accredited online MBAs.
MS in Civil Engineering — Coastal Engineering Concentration. ODU’s coastal engineering specialization within the civil engineering MS leverages the university’s Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast research infrastructure. For engineers working on coastal resilience, sea-level rise, or coastal infrastructure, this concentration provides access to faculty and research that most online engineering programs cannot match.
Master of Public Administration (NASPAA-accredited). NASPAA accreditation is the standard-bearer for MPA programs, and ODU’s online MPA achieves it at a total cost of roughly $18,720. Compared to NASPAA-accredited online MPAs at institutions like Syracuse University or American University, ODU offers a meaningfully lower price point while maintaining the same accreditation standard.
Admissions Snapshot
Admissions requirements at ODU vary by program, but several patterns hold across most online master’s degrees.
GPA expectations. Most programs expect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission. Some programs — particularly in education — accept students with GPAs below 3.0 on a conditional or provisional basis. Engineering programs may set higher GPA thresholds or require specific undergraduate prerequisite courses.
GRE/GMAT policies. The GRE is not required for most ODU online master’s programs. The MBA program does not require the GMAT and offers waivers for applicants who meet specific criteria (typically based on GPA, work experience, or prior graduate coursework). Some engineering and computer science programs may recommend or require the GRE depending on the applicant’s background, but this varies. The education programs universally do not require the GRE.
Application deadlines. Education programs generally use rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed continuously and students can begin in Fall, Spring, or Summer. Most other programs operate on deadline-based admissions with Fall and Spring start dates. Students should check specific program deadlines, as some competitive programs close applications earlier.
Program-specific requirements. Nursing programs require an active RN license and relevant clinical experience. Engineering programs may require a bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline or completion of bridge courses. The MPA and criminal justice programs may require professional experience or a statement of purpose.
International applicants. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and may need a credential evaluation for non-U.S. transcripts.
Overall, ODU’s admissions posture for online master’s programs is moderately selective to accessible — the university is not looking for the most competitive applicant profiles but does require evidence of academic readiness and, in professional programs, relevant experience.
Tuition and Cost Overview
ODU uses a per-credit tuition model for online master’s students, with rates that vary by college and program but do not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students for most online programs. This is a meaningful advantage for out-of-state and military students.
Per-credit rates:
- Engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, IT, business (MBA), and nursing programs: approximately $575 per credit hour
- Education, criminal justice, public administration, communication, liberal arts, sport management, and community health programs: approximately $480 per credit hour
Total program cost ranges:
- 30-credit programs (most engineering, CS, cybersecurity, IT): approximately $17,250
- 33-credit programs (most education, communication, applied linguistics): approximately $15,840
- 36-credit programs (educational leadership, criminal justice, nursing, sport management, community health): approximately $17,280–$20,700
- 39-credit MPA: approximately $18,720
- 42-credit MBA: approximately $24,150
Fees and additional costs. Online students pay a per-credit distance learning fee in addition to tuition. Exact fees vary by semester and should be confirmed directly with ODU. Nursing students should budget for clinical placement costs and any required background checks or immunization documentation.
Military tuition assistance. ODU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accepts military tuition assistance. Many online program rates are structured to remain within or close to the DoD tuition assistance cap, though this varies by program and should be verified.
Cost comparison context. ODU’s online master’s tuition is competitive within the landscape of public R1 universities. It is less expensive than George Mason University and North Carolina State University for most comparable programs, roughly equivalent to University of Alabama , and slightly more expensive than University of Central Florida for some program types. Students focused primarily on affordability across the broadest selection of programs can explore our most affordable online master’s programs ranking.
Visit Old Dominion University’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
The following OMC rankings provide additional context for evaluating ODU’s programs against the broader online master’s landscape.
- ODU’s AACSB-accredited MBA competes in the best online MBA programs field, where its combination of accreditation, concentration breadth, and sub-$25,000 total cost is relevant to value-conscious applicants.
- The ABET-accredited engineering portfolio positions ODU as a contender in our best online master’s in engineering ranking, particularly for students seeking applied engineering disciplines online.
- ODU’s NSA/DHS-designated cybersecurity program is relevant to our best online master’s in cybersecurity ranking, especially for students in the defense sector.
- The CAEP-accredited education programs — with rolling admissions and no GRE — are contextually relevant to our best online master’s in education ranking.
- The NASPAA-accredited MPA is a strong contender in our best online master’s in public administration ranking, and the criminal justice MS is relevant to our best online master’s in criminal justice ranking.
- The CCNE-accredited MSN tracks make ODU relevant in our best online master’s in nursing ranking for educators and administrators pursuing nursing leadership credentials.
- Finally, ODU’s overall affordability across its online portfolio positions it for consideration in our most affordable online master’s programs ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is the regional accreditor for institutions in the southern United States. Regional accreditation is the highest institutional accreditation standard and is widely required for credit transfer, employer tuition reimbursement, and federal financial aid eligibility. In addition to institutional accreditation, many ODU programs hold programmatic accreditations from bodies like AACSB (business), ABET (engineering and computer science), CCNE (nursing), CAEP (education), and NASPAA (public administration).
Online master’s tuition at ODU ranges from approximately $480 to $575 per credit hour, depending on the program. Education, criminal justice, public administration, communication, and liberal arts programs are generally at the $480 rate, while engineering, business (MBA), computer science, cybersecurity, IT, and nursing are at the $575 rate. Total program costs range from roughly $14,400 for a 30-credit MA in English to about $24,150 for the 42-credit MBA. Online students generally pay the same per-credit rate regardless of their state of residence, and additional distance learning fees apply per credit.
Most ODU online master’s programs do not require the GRE. Education programs universally waive the GRE, and the MBA program does not require the GMAT (with waiver options available for qualified applicants). Some engineering and computer science programs may recommend or require standardized test scores depending on the applicant’s academic background, but this varies by program. It is best to check the specific admissions page for your program of interest, as policies can change.
ODU offers one of the broadest selections of online engineering master’s degrees among public universities — six distinct disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical and computer, systems, modeling and simulation, and engineering management). Four of these programs are ABET-accredited. The modeling and simulation engineering MS is one of very few such programs available online nationally and is closely tied to the defense simulation industry in Hampton Roads. The civil engineering MS includes a coastal engineering concentration that leverages ODU’s location and research strengths. All engineering programs are 30 credits at $575 per credit, making them competitively priced relative to peer R1 universities.
ODU is one of the most genuinely military-friendly universities in the country for online master’s students. The university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, accepts military tuition assistance, offers priority registration for military-connected students, provides dedicated military advising, and accommodates deployment-related schedule disruptions. Many online program tuition rates are structured to align with DoD tuition assistance caps. Located adjacent to the world’s largest naval base, ODU has deep institutional experience serving active-duty, veteran, and military-spouse students — this is a core part of the university’s identity, not a marketing claim.
Most ODU online master’s courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning students can access lectures, assignments, and discussions on their own schedule within weekly or module-based deadlines. Some programs may include occasional synchronous sessions (live virtual meetings), but this varies by course and instructor. The semester-based academic calendar provides structured pacing — this is not a self-paced or competency-based model. Most programs allow part-time enrollment, and completion timelines typically range from 18 to 36 months. Nursing programs require clinical practicum hours that must be completed in person.
Both are Virginia public universities with strong online master’s portfolios, but they serve somewhat different student populations. George Mason University has a larger overall program count and benefits from its location in the D.C. metro area, drawing heavily from policy, technology, and government professionals. ODU’s portfolio skews more toward applied engineering and cybersecurity, with stronger military-friendly infrastructure and lower per-credit costs for most programs. If your priority is engineering breadth, military support, or defense-sector cybersecurity, ODU generally has the edge. If you are looking for IT management, policy-oriented programs, or proximity to D.C.-area professional networks, George Mason is often the stronger choice.
ODU holds an unusually broad set of programmatic accreditations across its online master’s programs. The MBA is AACSB-accredited (Strome College of Business). The civil, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science programs are ABET-accredited (Batten College of Engineering and Technology). The MSN programs are CCNE-accredited (School of Nursing). All education preparation programs are CAEP-accredited (Darden College of Education and Professional Studies). The MPA is NASPAA-accredited (School of Public Service). This breadth of programmatic accreditation across five different accrediting bodies within a single university is relatively uncommon among online master’s providers.