About this Program
Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education with a concentration in interdisciplinary studies for professionals. Interdisciplinary Studies concentration in the Ph.D. in Education is designed for experienced professionals whose research interests and career aspirations cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. The program provides a rigorous, individualized course of study that integrates theories, methods, and faculty expertise from two or more academic disciplines across Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's colleges.
Through interdisciplinary inquiry and original research, students develop the scholarly, analytical, and leadership capacity to investigate complex problems, advance theory and evidence, and translate research into meaningful improvements in policy and professional practice. Graduates are prepared to serve as scholar-leaders who produce impactful research, drive innovation, and lead change.
Program Highlights
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Designed Around Your Research Questions: Build an individualized program of study that integrates multiple disciplines to investigate the questions most important to your scholarship and professional field.
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Research Beyond Traditional Boundaries: Develop expertise across disciplines to address research questions and professional challenges that cannot be adequately examined through a single field.
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Individualized Interdisciplinary Scholarship: Create a customized doctoral pathway that brings together diverse theories and methods to investigate your unique area of inquiry.
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Tailored to Your Research Agenda: Design an interdisciplinary program aligned with your research interests, professional goals, and the evolving needs of your field.
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Research Driven by Your Interests: Rather than fitting your work into a single discipline, build an interdisciplinary program that supports your research agenda and scholarly contributions.
Featured Courses
Requirements
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Applicants must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and submit the following:
- Online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé (significant professional experience preferred)
- 91¶ÌÊÓƵment of Intent (maximum 1,000 words)
- Three letters of recommendation from university faculty and/or professional supervisors
- English language proficiency documentation (if applicable), in accordance with ODU Graduate School requirements
Careers
- Executive and organizational leadership across industry, healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations.
- Government and policy leadership influencing public policy, workforce development, and community initiatives.
- Research and innovation leadership in research centers, corporations, foundations, and public agencies.
- Workforce, nonprofit, and consulting leadership driving organizational performance, talent development, and strategic change.
- Faculty, research, and academic leadership at colleges, universities, and research institutions.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ODU tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement as part of their employee education benefits. Students are encouraged to explore funding opportunities through their employer, as organizations across the public, private, nonprofit, healthcare, military, and education sectors often invest in doctoral education to support leadership development, workforce innovation, and organizational growth.
Tuition Discount for Virginia Educators
Graduate for less with a 25% tuition discount for eligible Virginia educators.
As part of our commitment to supporting the growth of Virginia’s educators, we are proud to offer a 25% tuition discount to eligible students.
To be eligible for the 25% partnership discount you must be registered for a graduate-level course (500-level or higher) within the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at ODU and be currently employed by a Virginia Public School Division.
Apply Each Semester: Submit a every term to receive the 25% tuition discount.
What’s Covered: The discount applies to tuition only - fees aren’t included.
Email dceps@odu.edu to see if your division qualifies.
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