Experiential Learning

When students take selected technical and career education Virginia Beach City Public Schools high school and Advanced Technology Center (ATC) courses they can save time and money at Old Dominion University (ODU).

  1. Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Old Dominion University have an arrangement that allows:
    • VBCPS high school students who have completed selected technical and career education (TCE) courses and who meet certain requirements to “challenge” college level courses through ODU’s Experiential Learning Program
    • Students to show their proficiency in the course they are challenging by taking a certification exam; submitting a portfolio of their coursework; or taking an approved test.
  2. Students who qualify for the Experiential Learning Program may save time and money by:
    • Paying only a portion-20 to 50 percent-of the approved in-state tuition rate for select Old Dominion University courses in effect at the time of application for evaluation
    • Reducing the amount of time required in the classroom. For example, a student might receive college credit hours for courses taken in high school through the Experiential Learning Program so that fewer college course credits will be needed to earn a degree.

What is the Experiential Learning Program?

The Experiential Learning Program offers students the opportunity to demonstrate what they know at the college level and earn academic credit for that knowledge.

To what degree programs does this credit apply?

Degree programs such as Engineering Technology, Technology Education, Industrial Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Occupational Technical Studies would be likely to receive credit through Experiential Learning Programs.

How do students qualify for the program?

To qualify for the program, high school students need to complete the two-course VBCPS completer sequence, obtaining a grade of B or better in each course. In addition, students will seek a training evaluation of work completed in the identified TCE courses. The award of University credit will be based upon ODU’s established procedures for the evaluation of prior experience.

Students can apply for Experiential Learning credit after they have been accepted to Old Dominion University. Learn more about this program by calling the Experiential Learning Program at 757-683-6485.

What are the tuition costs?

Virginia Beach City Public Schools students shall be responsible for costs associated with the review by Old Dominion University’s Experiential Learning Program at the following rates:

Evaluation of Portfolio:

50 percent of the approved ODU in-state per-credit tuition rate in effect at the time of application for evaluation.

Evaluation through Examination: 

30 percent of the approved ODU in-state per-credit rate in effect at the time of the application for evaluation.

Evaluation through industry certification:

20 percent of the approved ODU in-state per-credit rate in effect at the time of the application for evaluation.

Which Virginia Beach City Public School (VBCPS) programs and courses of study have been agreed upon for Experiential Learning at Old Dominion University?

The following VBCPS Technical and Career Education courses and pro-grams have been selected and may be challenged: refer to chart on page 43.

When can a high school student apply through Experiential Learning?

A student can apply through Experiential Learning after he or she has been accepted to Old Dominion University.

For additional information contact the Director of Academic Continuance and Undergraduate Services at Old Dominion University at 757-683-6485 or the Assistant Director at the Advanced Technology Center at 757-648-6050.