About Distance Learning

Old Dominion University, a public doctoral research institution with its main campus in Norfolk, Va., is a national leader in technology mediated distance learning and has been involved in technology delivered distance learning since the mid-1980s.

Old Dominion's satellite delivery program, TELETECHNET, was implemented in 1994 as a partnership with the Virginia Community College System to provide quality higher education to students at a distance, especially in areas with limited educational opportunities.

Site Locations

Old Dominion's distance learning interactive television network consists of nearly 50 locations throughout Virginia and at sites as far as Arizona, Georgia, Washington, the Bahamas, as well as on U.S. Navy ships deployed around the globe. For more information, please visit our listing of site locations.

Delivery Modes

Historically, course delivery has been interactive television via satellite broadcast from Old Dominion's main campus in Norfolk, Va. to sites around the country. In recent years, Old Dominion has expanded its use of other delivery modes including, two-way video, Internet, CD-ROM and video streaming. While the primary means of course delivery is interactive television, the Internet is often used for both instructional purposes and for access to learning resources such as the library and bookstore.

Degree Programs

Undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs are available through distance learning. Among the programs offered are Health Science, Nursing, Education, Engineering Technology, Criminal Justice, and Business. Offerings vary by site location and delivery mode.

Student Support

Old Dominion is committed to providing quality support to students at a distance. At distant sites, Old Dominion representatives assist students with all academic services. For students taking courses independent of site locations, the Office of Distance Learning provides uniquely tailored support services.

Old Dominion's commitment to quality results in satisfied students -- 92% would recommend ODU Distance Learning to a friend, according to the 2004-2005 Distance Learning Student Satisfaction Survey.

Student Demographics

Old Dominion's distance learning network provides educational opportunities for many non-traditional students: 

• 90% of respondents transfer from a community college, with 84% of those students transferring with an associate's degree
• 84% reside within 30 miles of their site location
• 64% of distance learning students work 30 or more hours a week
• 53% have dependent children at home

The most common reasons given for choosing Old Dominion's distance learning programs are location (82%) and convenient hours (63%).

Accreditation

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; telephone number 404.679.4501) to award baccalaureate, master's, education specialist, and doctoral degrees.

Affiliations

Some of Old Dominion University's Distance Learning programs are affiliated with the Southern Regional Electronic Campus.