Bachelor of Arts in English

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for ENGLISH

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Students who meet the prescribed curriculum and the criteria below are guaranteed admission into Old Dominion University.

• This agreement does not guarantee your enrollment in any specific major.

• Earn a transferable associate degree (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts and Science, and Associate of General Studies at approved institutions only)

• Students may submit a Letter of Intent to Transfer after completion of 15 transferrable credits, 2.5 or higher GPA, and 90 days prior to graduation from a VCCS institution. The letter of intent is not required for admission to ODU.

• Graduate with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

• Earn a grade of "C" or higher in each community college course applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree program

• Enroll at ODU within one year of completing the transfer-oriented associate degree

• Please visit the TransferVirginia.org portal to find course requirements for different majors (Transfer Tools) and Transfer Guides that outline course requirements for specific majors. (Resource Center)

• See the VCCS Transfer Programs page for more details in our Guaranteed Admission Agreement.

• Please create an account through the www.TransferVirginia.org portal and click College Connect to indicate your intent to use this guarantee for admission to Old Dominion University.

• This transfer guide shows an optimal path to a bachelor's degree in English at Old Dominion University. Completing the coursework above will position you to transfer to ODU in English with junior standing and the potential to graduate in two years. If you complete the associate degree but haven't taken all of the recommended courses, you may still be able to pursue an English degree at Old Dominion University, but your time to graduation may be impacted.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://www.odu.edu/transfer

• Intent to Transfer (Optional): Submit a Letter of Intent 90 days prior to graduation from a VCCS institution to ODU. You can review more information about the process at https://www.odu.edu/transfer/guaranteed-admission

• Admission Application: Priority deadline by August 1 for Fall Admission and by October 1 for Spring Admission. The application for admission can be found here: https://www.odu.edu/apply/applications

• Financial Aid: ODU Financial Aid

• FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Connect with a pre-transfer advisor if you are considering transferring to ODU. Contact them at transfercenters@odu.edu during your final year at the VCCS.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Old Dominion University within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Students will develop the skills of critical thinking, creative problem solving, close reading, editing, and logical analysis.

• The department offers five majors: applied linguistics, creative writing, literature, technical writing and secondary-English education.

• This program trains students in multiple media and modalities for content creation

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Lower Division General Education Requirements will be waived for transferable associate degrees. Students completing an AS in General Studies degree recognized by SCHEV are eligible for the waiver as long as they are completing a transfer degree approved by SCHEV at a VCCS.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: The GAA at ODU applies to students who have earned an associate degree during high school. Students should apply as a freshman applicant and will receive the benefits associated with the transferable associated degree if admitted.

• Credit for Prior Learning: ODU accepts credits from prior learning to include AP, IB, CLEP, and Cambridge Advanced A/S.

• Catalog Year: Undergraduate students may choose to graduate under the catalog in effect of their first enrollment at ODU or any subsequent catalog provided that the students graduate within six years from the date of first enrollment.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Old Dominion University's waterfront campus is in the coastal city of Norfolk, VA, home to the world's largest U.S. Navy base. From internship opportunities with some of the world's top companies, to great shopping and dining, to beautiful beaches and historic sites, there's always something to discover.

• ODU's 337-acre campus, with 3 higher education centers off campus, is the region's only public urban research university. It has both on-campus and off-campus housing options for almost 24,000 students, and a 16:1 faculty ratio.

• ODU is highly ranked among one of the best public higher education institutions in Virginia for Military Vets.

• Transfer students make up 40% of the undergraduate population.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at ODU?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlooks at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Some courses are offered in workshop settings with an opportunity to critique the work of their peers.

• There is a chance to study with published working writers and an annual poetry and fiction competition with cash prizes.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• As of current data from Fall 2024, ODU's acceptance rate for transfer students is approximately 99%.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• This program highlights fundamental and advanced skills. This degree program prepares students for a variety of careers in journalism, communications and media.

• There are multiple outlets where students can publish work, including the Mace & Crown, WODU, and HerCampus.

• Through their course of studies, our students become discerning, adaptable, articulate and empathetic citizens with a skill set that can take into a number of careers.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Requires a minimum of 39 credit hours in English in addition to the English courses taken to satisfy the General Education requirements.

• Secondary English Education majors will include 33 credit hours in Professional Education courses in addition to the major requirements.