About this Program

The interdisciplinary Masters' degree (MA) program in the Humanities allows students to pursue individualized curricula that incorporate classes from across ODU's seven Colleges and 65 standalone graduate programs. We attract students with unique research projects and/or career objectives that cannot be fully realized within a single discipline and who will benefit from a cross-disciplinary approach. Our students become experts in their field by triangulating courses across different disciplines. Students work closely with the program director to design a coherent program of study that encourages critical thinking, innovation, engaged scholarship and experiential learning.

Program Highlights

  • We are a collaborative research and social innovation incubator in the College of Arts and Letters at Old Dominion University. We help foster connections among activists, artists, scholars, engaged global citizens, and local community stakeholders who are searching for ways to reshape people's lives. We have a particular commitment to social justice, social entrepreneurship, community engagement, design thinking, cultural studies, and the digital and medical humanities

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Arts
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Social and Community Service Managers

$77,030 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Curators

$58,830 Median Salary

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

Fundraisers

$59,930 Median Salary

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

$78,720 Median Salary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Humanities at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Arts program in Humanities should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.
  • Submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher education from which they earned their undergraduate degree

  • Submit a writing sample reflecting their ability to do research and write intellectually

  • Submit two recommendation letters

  • Submit a statement of purpose that proposes an interdisciplinary program of study, discusses personal, intellectual and professional goals and explain the relationship of those goals to the intended program of study

For Admission to the Humanities Program

GPA

Applicants must possess an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or better

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Scholarship

The Susan Rowell Humanities Scholarship - Awarded to one student a year for $1,455 per year

Graduate Assistantships

Stipends and, in some cases, tuition waivers, are offered to students who apply, when available. Discuss with the Director.

Contact

Director of the Institute for the Humanities

1000E BARRY ARTS BUILDING 4600 MONARCH WAY
NORFOLK, 23529

Office Manager

3041 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS BLDG
NORFOLK, 23529