Old Dominion University is launching something new this fall. The Norfolk, Va.-based university plans to offer an undergraduate major in maritime and supply chain management. The major will be the first of its kind in Virginia, and the second in the country, according to school officials. The maritime focus makes great sense, given the school's proximity to the Port of Hampton Roads.

Students who enroll in the new program, which is offered through the school's business administration department, will be able to take classes in international shipping, supply chain and logistics, shipping management, and port management, among others. The undergraduate program will complement the school's 12-year-old graduate level certificate program in port and maritime management offered through its International Maritime, Ports and Logistics Management Institute.