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Criminology & Criminal Justice

Turn a passion for criminal justice into a career that makes a difference.

U.S. Marshals intern

Why Study Criminology & Criminal Justice at Randolph?

The criminology/criminal justice major is a social behavioral science that explores all aspects of crime and its impact on society, including crime patterns and criminal behavior, how societies work to prevent and control crime, as well as how they punish offenders.

Students will explore topics such as law enforcement, racial profiling, poverty, the human condition, cybercrime, the prison system, and the death penalty.

Randolph’s criminology/criminal justice major prepares students for careers in a broad range of fields, including local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, probate, forensic science, public service, forensic accounting, and private investigation, to name a few.

The major is also exceptional preparation for graduate study in the social sciences and law.

Through a challenging and interdisciplinary curriculum, students will develop sought-after skills in critical thinking, writing, and evidence-based decision-making while also examining their own assumptions about crime and its impact on society.

Internships and other real-world experiences will add to a student’s overall educational foundation.

Degrees offered

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice

Minor in Criminology/Criminal Justice

Related Programs

Data Science

History

Political Science

Psychology

Sociology

The Randolph Experience

Faculty Mentorship

Professor Liz Perry advising a student

From your first day on campus, you will work closely with your faculty advisor to identify and shape your academic interests and vision into your own personal Randolph Plan.

Together, you will create an experience that allows you to develop your skills, challenge yourself, explore your interests and achieve your goals.

This includes both curricular and co-curricular experiences.

A Community of Scholars

Small Classes

Randolph classes are full of engagement and interaction. Students get the full attention of their professors and develop camaraderie with their classmates.

The Honor Code

Randolph students live by our Honor Code and act with the highest integrity in both academic and social life.

Intercultural Competence

All Randolph students learn global citizenship with the capability to accurately understand and adapt to cultural differences and find commonality.

Unique Opportunities

An emphasis on “learning by doing” is one reason Randolph students graduate with skills that prepare them for life and work.

Internships

Randolph students put classroom learning into practice by participating in internships.

With help from the Career Development Center, majors can experience government at work during internships in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, judicial offices and courts, and social service and advocacy organizations. 

Recent internships include the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Lynchburg Public Defender’s Office, Moms Demand Action, and more.

Stephanie Messi ’22 and Jacqueline Clardy-Josephs ’23

Research

Participation in real world research and creative work is one of the hallmarks of a Randolph College education.

The Center for Student Research helps students at Randolph College engage in meaningful research that enhances their education and their preparation for careers, graduate studies, and other opportunities after college.

They will even help you secure funding.

Randolph’s Innovative Student Experience (RISE) awards up to $2,000 to support research, creative works, and other scholarly activities to students, who may apply at any time to use a grant for projects beginning in their second year.

Summer Research Program

Spend the summer working closely with a professor and focused on a specific aspect of comparative thought.

Randolph’s intensive eight-week Summer Research Program enables students to work with professors on a research of their own design; live in a residence hall on campus, participate in on-campus summer events, attend special seminars with guest speakers; and share the progress and results of their research.

Learn more about the Summer Research Program.

forensic data recovery

Symposium of Artists and Scholars

Modeled after a traditional academic conference, the SAS brings together students of all disciplines to share the results and highlights of the best work being produced at the College –  oral presentations, readings of creative works, performances, exhibitions of student artwork, and poster presentations.

Learn more about the Symposium of Artists and Scholars.

Internships

Randolph students put classroom learning into practice by participating in internships.

With help from the Career Development Center, majors can experience government at work during internships in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, judicial offices and courts, and social service and advocacy organizations. 

Recent internships include the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Lynchburg Public Defender’s Office, Moms Demand Action, and more.

Stephanie Messi ’22 and Jacqueline Clardy-Josephs ’23

Small Classes

Randolph classes are full of engagement and interaction. Students get the full attention of their professors and develop camaraderie with their classmates.

The Honor Code

Randolph students live by our Honor Code and act with the highest integrity in both academic and social life.

Intercultural Competence

All Randolph students learn global citizenship with the capability to accurately understand and adapt to cultural differences and find commonality.

Study Abroad

Opportunities for study elsewhere, such as in the Washington Semester Programs at the American University in Washington, D.C., as well as study-abroad programs, are available.

Research

Randolph College students conduct advanced research projects in their majors with help from the. Center for Student Research. They present their findings at the annual Symposium of Artists and Scholars.

Faculty Mentorship

You will work closely with your faculty advisor to plan a Randolph experience that meets your needs and will help you achieve your goals.

This includes both curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Special Interdisciplinary Curriculum

From your first year through your senior year, you will have opportunities to take courses as part of our honors curriculum.

During your first session of classes, you will take an honors section of Randolph’s first-year seminar, Life More Abundant, with other members of your cohort of honors scholars.

After the first-year seminar, you will take additional courses from across the curriculum that will deepen your learning experience and make meaningful interdisciplinary connections.

Enhanced Faculty Mentorship

You will work closely with faculty advisors and the honors program director to plan a Randolph experience that meets your needs and will help you achieve your goals.

This includes both curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Unique Opportunities

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Alumni Collegii Ranulphi participes erunt actuosae suae educationis. Cum investigationibus et facultatibus ductus eruditionem coniungentes, discipuli ad suum personale et intellectuale incrementum conferent.

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Randolphus Collegium discipulos praeparat ad mundum criticum et creativo confligendum, honeste vivendum et operandum, vitam abundanter experiendam.

Outcomes

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Wanda WildCat ’12, biology major
Mascot and Icon, Randolph College, Lyncbburg, Virginia

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Opportunities

Top Ranked Professors

Randolph College’s faculty are consistently recognized as among the best in the nation. The Princeton Review ranked the College in #12 for most accessible professors in the 2023 edition of its flagship college guide, The Best 388 Colleges.  

Randolph has been ranked in the top 20 for most accessible professors for six consecutive years.

Faculty

Danielle Currier

Associate Professor of Sociology

Read More... Danielle Currier

Abigail C. Moore

Assistant Professor of Criminology/Criminal Justice and Sociology

Read More... Abigail C. Moore

Vincent Vecera

Associate Professor of Political Science

Read More... Vincent Vecera

Teresa Angell
Cello Instructor

Leigh Berkeley
Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor

J. Mark Campbell
Trumpet Instructor

Kevin Chiarizzio
Trombone and Low Brass Instructor

Jacob Dishman
Staff Accompanist

Christopher Fosnaugh
Percussion and Drumset Instructor

Kyle Greaney
Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor

Hermina Hendricks
Senior Lecturer in Music

Alycia Hugo
Flute Instructor

Hope Maddox
Costume Shop Supervisor

Nora Moore
Voice Instructor

Kathryn Munson
Adjunct Instructor of Dance

Bill Parrish
Oboe Instructor

Kay Rooney
Violin and Viola Instructor

Rafael Scarfullery
Guitar Instructor

Curtis Smith
Piano and Organ Instructor; College Organist

Current Season

Wildcat Weekend Arts Showcase
September 17, 2022

Fall Music Showcase
October 6, 2022

The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus
by Christopher Marlowe
October 26-30, 2022

Candlelight Concert
December 8, 2022

Performing Arts Cabaret
February 23-25, 2023

Winter Music Showcase
March 4, 2023

A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L’Engle
Adapted by Morgan Gould
May 5-7, 2023

Spring Concert
May 6, 2023

Only at Randolph

Randolph students can take advantage of unique programs which give them a more enriching education than can be found anywhere else.

Money for Your Research

The Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) program provides every student a $2,000 grant to fund research, creative work, experiential learning or other scholarly pursuits.

Learn More
The Liberal Arts Advantage

Randolph graduates learn to think critically, solve problems and work well with others. They are prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.

Learn More
The Randolph Plan

Randolph students work with faculty mentors to explore a broad range of disciplines as they chart their academic path.

Learn More
TAKE2

Two courses per half-mester means you get to focus in and dig deep into your coursework while still having time for the rest of the college experience. Two classes. Seven weeks. Repeat.

Learn More

Department News

Q&A with new faculty: Abigail Moore

Moore joined the Randolph faculty as an assistant professor of criminology/criminal justice and sociology.

Read More

Randolph students intern with Lynchburg’s Office of the Public Defender

Jacqueline Clardy-Josephs ’23 and Stephanie Messi ’22 took advantage of the new opportunity for local students, designed to show them the inner-workings of a public defender’s office.

Read More

Summer research project studying how different generations describe, interpret sexual violence

This story is part of an ongoing series featuring the work of faculty and students participating in Randolph’s Summer Research Program. […]

Read More

A virtual experience: Randolph alumnae and alumni offer students internships during pandemic

This fall, a group of alumnae, alumni, and even parents who responded to a request by Randolph’s Career Development Center (CDC) for opportunities to connect students whose internships had been canceled with new ones

Read More

Protecting the protectors of the law: Agnes Reyes Merced ’21 interns with U.S. Marshals Service 

This summer, Agnes Reyes Merced ’21 is helping one of the nation’s most esteemed law enforcement agencies manage its employee […]

Read More

Q&A with new faculty: Abigail Moore

Moore joined the Randolph faculty as an assistant professor of criminology/criminal justice and sociology.

Read More

Randolph students intern with Lynchburg’s Office of the Public Defender

Jacqueline Clardy-Josephs ’23 and Stephanie Messi ’22 took advantage of the new opportunity for local students, designed to show them the inner-workings of a public defender’s office.

Read More

Summer research project studying how different generations describe, interpret sexual violence

This story is part of an ongoing series featuring the work of faculty and students participating in Randolph’s Summer Research Program. […]

Read More

A virtual experience: Randolph alumnae and alumni offer students internships during pandemic

This fall, a group of alumnae, alumni, and even parents who responded to a request by Randolph’s Career Development Center (CDC) for opportunities to connect students whose internships had been canceled with new ones

Read More

Protecting the protectors of the law: Agnes Reyes Merced ’21 interns with U.S. Marshals Service 

This summer, Agnes Reyes Merced ’21 is helping one of the nation’s most esteemed law enforcement agencies manage its employee […]

Read More
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Department Chair

Danielle Currier

Associate Professor of Sociology

Credentials:BA, Grinnell College
MS, Virginia Commonwealth University
PhD, University of Connecticut
Associated Departments:Sociology, Gender Studies, Criminal Justice
Office:Leggett 616
Phone:4349478561
Email:dcurrier@randolphcollege.edu

News Headlines

I joined the Randolph faculty in 2011. I am Chair of the Sociology department, Director of the Summer Research Program, and I coordinate the Gender Studies and Human Services minors. Before coming to Randolph, I was at the College of William & Mary for three years and Radford University for four years. I earned my PhD in Sociology and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Connecticut in 2004. My dissertation was entitled “Gendered Athletes” and in it I examined the different way women and men athletes experience the hyper-masculine world of college sports. Over the years I have won various teaching awards, including the Distinguished Teaching Award at Randolph in 2015.

In my teaching and research I focus on issues of intersectionality and inequality, with an emphasis on gender and sexuality. I teach a wide variety of undergraduate courses including Sociology of Gender, Qualitative Methods, Social Theory, Sociology of the Family, and Sport Sociology. I am also faculty in the Master’s of Coaching and Sport Leadership program, teaching the History of Sport and Research Methods and Inquiry.

My areas of research include hookups among college students, sexual violence, gender and sport, and participation in social movements such as the Women’s March in 2017. I have done several multi-method research projects and have had many students work with me to learn researching techniques and develop strong analytic and writing skills.

My interdisciplinary publications include a book chapter entitled “Feminist Pedagogy” (2021), a co-authored book chapter with a political science colleague about women’s issues in national elections (“The Social Construction of Women’s Interests in the 2014 and 2010 Midterms”), a peer-reviewed article about hookups (“Strategic Ambiguity”, 2013), and a variety of book reviews addressing the topics of hookups, family dynamics and violence, and violence against women. I regularly go to sociology and gender studies conferences and take students whenever possible.

In my spare time, I love to travel, kayak, hike, read, and watch crazy series on Netflix. In 2018, I completed a bucket list item and drove around the entire United States, visiting every national park I could and visiting every state except Alaska (which is next on my list).

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Department Chair

Abigail C. Moore

Assistant Professor of Criminology/Criminal Justice and Sociology

Credentials:BA, Yale University
MA, University of Virginia
PhD, University of Virginia
Associated Departments:Sociology, Criminal Justice
Office:Leggett 616
Email:amoore@randolphcollege.edu

As a cultural theorist I am especially concerned with what power is, how it functions, how we can describe it, and what can be done to rectify power dynamics of domination in the world. My joint fields of sociology and criminology have been the perfect home for my current work about the language used to describe violence and race within various legal systems.

I’m thrilled about the opportunity to start a brand-new program at Randolph. Starting from scratch offers the opportunity to think very carefully about how to craft a curriculum that balances skills for the current job market, the needs of our greater society, as well as student interests.

My teaching style is very interactive and rooted in discussion. Students should learn as much from each other as from me, and learning to listen well and clearly communicate concepts and ideas are essential to any field, but especially to those as oriented to the real-world as criminology and sociology.

I try to keep my syllabi fresh every year, with lots of contemporary reading assignments from news sources and various forms of media. In my classes we spend a lot of time figuring out how to read a piece: who published it and what might that tell us about what their goals and motivations were in writing the article? What kind of methods were used, and how do they shape the author’s conclusions? What kinds of sources and data were included, and how old are they? Were there other available categories of source and data that were left out? These questions are as important to watching a TikTok as they are to reading a research paper.

Students in my courses take a constructivist approach, which means asking why and how certain phenomena get classified as crime, deviance, or social problems. Who gets to define those categories, how, and with what consequences?

We’ll especially be looking at changes throughout history—100 years ago it was illegal for women to wear trousers in most public settings; now of course most of us consider it very normal. Twenty years ago, marijuana use was illegal; now a majority of Americans favor its decriminalization. What do changes like these tell us about the cultural production of our ideas about deviance and criminality?

Outside of work, I love to stay active outside. I regularly run, walk, and bike the Blackwater Creek Trail, as well as the trail on Percival’s Island downtown. I go camping at least one weekend per month, all throughout the year, and I love to kayak, rock climb, hike, and birdwatch. Winter is my favorite season for outdoor activities—no humidity, and no bugs!

In addition to outdoor activities, I focus on creative reuse: figuring out how to refresh and reuse old things instead of buying new ones. I sew and make clothing and love a good home project.

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Vincent Vecera

Associate Professor of Political Science

Credentials:BA, Reed College
MA, University of Minnesota
PhD, University of Minnesota
Associated Departments:Political Science, Global Studies, Criminal Justice
Office:Psychology 204
Phone:4349478545
Email:vvecera@randolphcollege.edu

News Headlines

I teach and write about political thought and public policy in the United States.

My current research is focused on the dynamics of rights in American democracy, particularly how the politics of rights shapes how public policy is made, understood, and evaluated. Put another way, my work is primarily concerned with how Americans think and talk about constitutional rights and what rights “do” in the policy process.

I am currently chair of the department of political science and teach a variety of introductory and advanced courses in political theory, American politics, and public policy in the department of political science as well as handling pre-law advising and the American politics and political theory minors.

In my courses, I like to run simulations, inspire creative projects, and send students on adventures beyond campus, but what I love most is sitting in a seminar room or the student union and talking with students about an interesting text or idea.

I live a block and a half from Randolph with my partner, Molly Boggs, who is director of academic writing at Sweet Briar. We have two kids, Abe and Daria, and a striped cat, Sweet Dee. We enjoy comedy, music, gaming, gardening.

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