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Crime, Deviance and Social Control

Available as a concentration 

The crime, deviance and social control concentration guides students toward a deeper understanding of the behaviors designated by societies as deviant or criminal as well as methods used to manage those behaviors.

We regularly bring nationally recognized speakers to campus to discuss issues relating to law. Recent speakers range from retired U.S. Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor to author Piper Kerman, whose book "Orange is the New Black" chronicles the year she spent in a women's prison for drug trafficking.

court jury

Curriculum & Courses

Sample Course Offerings

SOCI 237: Deviant Behavior  
SOCI 238: Juvenile Delinquency 
SOCI 334: Criminology 

Students sitting in a courtroom for a mock trial

Student Experiences

Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program at Roanoke County Jail

Dr. Ball inside-out classDr. 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.”

Students visit the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center

Experiential learning opportunities include trips to the regional jail and the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center and observing confidential proceedings in Juvenile Court.

Students visit the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center

Learn By Doing

We offer many firsthand learning opportunities for our students. 

  • Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program

    Students in Inside-Out Program at the Roanoke County Jail

    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.

  • Washington Semester

    Students in Washington DC in front of the Washington monument

    Our Washington Semester gives you the chance to complete federal internships with agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service, the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This program allows you to live, study and intern while earning academic credit from Roanoke College. You will take two courses taught by professors from surrounding universities as well as complete an internship.  

  • Independent Study

    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.

  • Internship Opportunities

    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.

  • Lectures

    Jen Psaki at Roanoke College

    Roanoke's Henry H. Fowler Public Policy Program has hosted speakers ranging from presidents, prime ministers, national commentators, Supreme Court justices, renowned scholars and recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. Students have the chance to hear firsthand from global leaders and learn about issues facing the world.

  • Teach-ins

    Dr. Jonathan Snow and Dr. Rob Willingham speak at a teach-in.

    The college regularly holds teach-ins with interdisciplinary faculty panels about what's happening in our community and world. 

  • Public Affairs Society

    Public Affairs Society event

    The Public Affairs Society brings together passionate, curious students to consider current events from multiple perspectives. Through discussion groups and campus events, it aims to share ideas and encourage a robust civil discourse.  

Careers & Outcomes

RC Alumnus, FBI Agent, Earns “Top Cop” Honorable Mention

Stanley Meador ‘96, a criminal justice major at Roanoke, was recognized with a national tribute award for law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C.. After playing a key role in finding a child who had been abducted from her home, he received a National Association of Police Organization “Top Cop” Honorable Mention award. The six-year old girl was found alive by Meador and other FBI agents. Meador serves as the supervisory senior resident agent with the FBI in Wilmington.

Stanley Meador, left, receives the Top Cop award from John Strong, Special Agent-In-Charge of the FBI Charlotte Division.

Faculty

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