Humanities (M.A.)
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.
Humanities (M.A.)
Description
What is Humanities at ODU like?
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
What makes Humanities at ODU unique?
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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
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
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.
Social and Community Service Managers
$70,530
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.
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.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Humanities at ODU?
HUM 601:
Introduction to the Humanities
This class introduces students to the study of the humanities with a focus on the enduring questions and ideas of human history. These include questions of culture, reality, society, power, truth, communication, and mediation. Students address these questions and ideas by engaging with some of the great works of social theory from the twentieth century.
HUM 602:
Theory and Methods in Humanities
This class instructs students in various theoretical and methodological approaches for conducting research within the humanistic disciplines. Students will become familiar with literary theory, critical/cultural studies, historical methods, qualitative social scientific approaches, and visual studies, as well as the conduct of research across disciplinary boundaries.
HUM 603:
Preparing Humanities Teachers and Scholars Pro-seminar
The purposes of the pro-seminar are A)to help prepare Humanities graduate students to teach discipline-specific college-level introductory courses from an interdisciplinary perspective, and B)to provide Humanities students with opportunities to engage scholars who are producing new work across a range of disciplines, in turn learning to present their own research in public.
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
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
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.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
Director of the Institute for the Humanities
Name:
Anne Muraoka
Location:
1000E BARRY ARTS BUILDING 4600 MONARCH WAY, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-4678
Office Manager
Name:
Theresa Hughes
Location:
3041 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS BLDG, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-3823
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
How would you like to complete your program?
Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.
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