Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Distance Learning Program
Old Dominion is recognized as an international leader in telecommunications with the creation of TELETECHNET, a distance learning network in partnership with community colleges, military installations, and corporations. Within TELETECHNET, Old Dominion University offers degrees through courses televised to off-campus sites across the country and has an enrollment of more than 5,000 students. Students earn baccalaureate degrees from Old Dominion by completing the first two years of course work at their local community college or other accredited institutions. Old Dominion provides the remaining course work at the site primarily through telecourses using audio and video technologies. In addition to eighteen baccalaureate degrees, TELE-TECHNET also offers seven master's degrees.
Old Dominion University courses are delivered primarily by Ku-band digital satellite with one-way video and two-way audio for interaction between faculty members and students. Classes originate in Norfolk and are transmitted to receiving sites in five states, the District of Columbia, and the Bahamas. Several classes and degree programs are also offered in a Web-based or CD-ROM format, providing students greater flexibility in completion of course work. In addition, a number of classes are streamed over the Internet, where students have access to them at home or at work.
The Old Dominion library supports the TELETECHNET students by providing library resources, services, and reference assistance that are required for successful completion of course work, research papers and projects, and independent reading and research. Services are available primarily through the library's Web site (http://www.lib.odu.edu), with telephone, e-mail, and fax requests also provided.
TELETECHNET students have the advantage of checking out videotapes or viewing streamed video archives over the Internet if they miss a class session due to family responsibilities or job conflicts. Computer labs, which are connected to the main campus and have Internet access, are available at each site for the students' use.
More than 50 percent of Old Dominion University's full-time faculty members have taught on television, and this percentage continues to grow as TELETECHNET expands its degree offerings. Specialized training for this unique teaching environment is provided to ensure high-quality instruction for students.
Programs of Study
Old Dominion's TELETECHNET program offers baccalaureate degrees in business administration, communication, computer science, criminal justice, engineering technology, health sciences, human services, interdisciplinary studies (elementary school education, leading to a master's degree, and professional writing), medical technology, nursing (RN to B.S.N.), and occupational and technical studies.
The following master's degrees are offered: Master of Engineering Management, Master of Science in community health, Master of Science in Education (elementary school education, which is tied to the bachelor's program, and special education, which meets certification and endorsement requirements in learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional/behavioral disorders), Master of Science in Nursing (family nurse practitioner studies), and Master of Science in occupational and technical studies. Online graduate programs include the Master of Science in Education (elementary and/or secondary education) and the Master of Science in Nursing.
Applying for Distance Education
The deadline for admission for the fall semester for transfer students and graduate students is May 1. The deadline for nursing students is February 1. The deadline for applying for the spring semester is October 1. Summer deadline is March 15. Decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applicants are notified of their admission status within four weeks after receipt of all application materials.
Prospective students must submit an application accompanied by a $40 fee for degree-seeking admission and request that official transcripts from all previous colleges be sent to the Office of Distance Learning for evaluation of credits earned (transfer admission generally requires a minimum 2.2 grade point average).
Students can transfer credits earned at other accredited postsecondary institutions to Old Dominion University and can receive credit through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) for certain courses. Returning adult students may also have the option of applying for academic credit through the Experiential Learning Program. This program evaluates college-level learning gained outside the college classroom. Examples are military and workplace training, independent study, professional certification, portfolios, and examination.
Costs
Old Dominion's TELETECHNET program offers affordable tuition for students. Undergraduate TELETECHNET tuition for the is $425 per credit for students enrolled outside Virginia (in-state- $197). Graduate tuition was $681 per credit for students enrolled outside Virginia (in-state- $286).
Financial Aid
Old Dominion University is a direct lending institution and awards financial aid from federally funded and state-funded programs as well as from privately funded sources. The University requires all students applying for need-based assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those applying for merit-based awards must complete the Old Dominion University Scholarship Application.
For Additional Information
Old Dominion University
424 Gornto TELETECHNET Center
Norfolk, Virginia 23529
800-YOU-2ODU (800-968-2638)
E-mail: ttnet@odu.edu