December 2, 2025
Hampden-Sydney College has announced a new partnership with Old Dominion University (ODU), creating a streamlined pathway for students pursuing careers in the medical and health sciences fields.
Through this new agreement, qualified Hampden-Sydney juniors will have the opportunity to secure guaranteed early admission to the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions, reducing the uncertainty of graduate school applications and allowing them peace of mind as they complete their final year of studies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hampden-Sydney students can apply for early admission during their junior year. If accepted, they are required to complete their full four-year undergraduate degree at Hampden-Sydney and fulfill certain additional criteria before enrolling in the graduate program.
“This is an especially exciting partnership that offers a range of opportunities for Hampden-Sydney students interested in pursuing careers in the health sciences,” says Trinkle Professor of Biology Kristian Hargadon ’01, who chairs the College’s Health Sciences Advisory Committee and worked closely with Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences administrators to establish the agreement.
The partnership covers nine distinct graduate paths, offering a wide variety of career trajectories ranging from direct patient care to research and administration. Master-level pathways include physician assistant, biomedical sciences-medical, biomedical sciences-research, pathologist’s assistant, surgical assistant, molecular diagnostics and precision medicine, public health, and healthcare administration. The agreement also includes a doctorate-level biomedical sciences pathway.
Designed to be a highly competitive opportunity, each of the nine graduate programs may extend offers of admission to a maximum of five suitably qualified Hampden-Sydney students per year.
Acceptance is contingent upon meeting standards specific to each graduate program. These criteria ensure that Hampden-Sydney candidates are fully prepared for the rigorous academic demands of the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions.
This agreement represents a commitment to student success and academic excellence, bridging the gap between liberal arts education and specialized health science training.
Students interested in pursuing one of these exciting career tracks are advised to contact Professor Hargadon for more detailed information on eligibility and the application process.