Human Services
Available as a major or minor
Human Services Studies is an interdisciplinary program that includes courses in a wide range of fields: sociology, psychology, public health, disabilities studies, public policy, business, anthropology, and criminal justice.
Through coursework, internships, and engagement with community partners, students learn strategic practices in child advocacy, victim support, case management, data collection and analysis, program assessment, and human services administration.
A bachelor's degree in human services prepares students to enter fields such as behavioral health, disability support, social services, assisted living, hospice, the criminal and juvenile justice systems, child and family services, addiction and recovery, or crisis management. Students who seek to continue their education are also prepared to enter future graduate programs in human services and related fields such as social work and counseling.
Courses and Curriculum
Sample Course Offerings:
Crisis Intervention and Case Management
Behavioral and Mental Health
Developmental Psychology
Learn by Doing
We offer many firsthand learning opportunities for our students.
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Inside-Out is a unique educational program that brings traditional college students (“outsiders”) together for semester-long learning with incarcerated individuals (“insiders”). The program exposes traditional college students to the realities of incarceration, while at the same time exposing inmates to academic content and pro-social interactions with college students.
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Completing an Independent Study project is an excellent way to explore a topic in depth, discover a passion that can become a career, and develop skills that can set you apart when you apply for jobs or graduate study.
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An internship will help students gain insight into the structure, responsibilities and routines of the setting, the work of the staff, and the background and needs of the clients.
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This joint program with Habitat for Humanity gives incoming students the opportunity to help create a tangible change in their new community, and introduces them to the active citizenship that we strive for here at Roanoke.
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Roanoke's Center for Civic Engagement offers a variety of leadership and service opportunities for students. These programs include local service opportunities throughout the year with nearly 20 local agencies.
Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program at Roanoke County Jail
Dr. Daisy Ball, assistant professor of criminal justice, launched an Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program class at Roanoke College. Inside-Out is a unique international educational program that brings traditional college students (“outsiders”) together for semester-long learning with incarcerated individuals (“insiders”). Roanoke College’s program is one of only a handful of Inside-Out programs in Virginia.
The Roanoke College/Roanoke County Jail course meets once a week, and all students who complete the course receive one course credit. Inside-Out’s mission is to foster social change through transformative education. The program exposes traditional college students to the realities of incarceration, while exposing inmates to academic content and pro-social interactions with college students.
“Involvement in the Inside-Out program is a highly educational and memorable experience for all involved,” Ball said. “ This program epitomizes Roanoke College’s commitment to both experiential learning and community involvement.”
Careers & Outcomes
Faculty
News
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Roanoke College's D.C. program is a unique opportunity to dive into life in a new city and get resume-building experience while still taking your required courses.
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Sean Kennedy, Katherine Vaughan, Talia Cartafalsa and James Suleyman earned the honor of valedictorians of the Class of 2024. Ethan Stevenson is the salutatorian.
