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Admissions Process

Masters Level Students
Admission decisions are based on several criteria including GPA (undergraduate and any other graduate work), and GRE scores (analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative) or MAT scores.

  • The minimum acceptable scores vary each year depending on the number of students we can admit to the program. In general, it is expected that students will have a score of 500 on the verbal and quantitative tests and 4.5 on the analytical writing test of the GRE.
    To apply for admission, go to the Graduate Admissions Page.

Doctoral Students
Admission decisions are based on several criteria including GPA (graduate and undergraduate), a writing sample, GRE scores (analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative), letters of recommendation, and an individual interview with program faculty.

  • The minimum acceptable scores vary each year depending on the number of students we can admit to the program. In general, it is expected that students will have a score of 500 on the verbal and quantitative tests and 4.5 on the analytical writing test of the GRE.
  • All applicants must write an entrance essay 
  • All applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation
To apply for admission, go to the Graduate Admissions Page.

International Student Admission

  • If you have already obtained a degree in the United States, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is not required for admission.
  • A TOEFL score of 550 is required for undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  • Admitted students who have scored between 550 (213 computer-based score) on the TOEFL are eligible for the Graduate Bridge Program. Refer to International Admissions Requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Degree/Program Information:

1. Do students need to be enrolled in the program to take one or a couple of classes of interest?
Response:No. Many of the courses are designed to be stand alone with minimal or no prerequisites. Check the course descriptions for prerequisites. All courses (with the possible exception of 530) can be counted toward your degree.

2. Can school systems work with ODU to design a program that best meets their needs?
Response: Yes. ODU can deliver as many courses as desired, including customized courses that lie within the expertise of the ID&T faculty.

3. Is the program only for teachers?
Response: No. In fact, the program has been carefully designed to meet the needs of the military and of corporate/business instructional folks. Great efforts have been made to deliver content germane to many areas.

Course Information:

1. How many courses can I take before formally enrolling in the program?
Response: Four, or 12 hours. See the admissions requirements.

2. Can I take ECI 600 before being accepted into the degree program?
Response: Yes, you can since it is suggested that you take ECI 600 very early in your program.

3.When should I discuss my ECI 635/ 636research question/project with my chosen thesis faculty member?
Response: While the choice is yours, it is suggested that begin to work on your thesis/ project with a faculty member at or near the beginning of 635.

4. Will classes be offered during evening hours?
Response: All classes are either 4:20 or 7:00. Nearly all are VTEL--which means you can take them at the Higher Education Centers in Virginia if you wish, or online. The only one that is on campus is the lab-based digital media for educators.