Roanoke College Campuses

Roanoke College's Main Campus in Salem, Virginia, offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with a wide array of undergraduate programs designed to foster critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and practical skills. The curriculum emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, ensuring students engage deeply with their subjects.

Core courses span the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional studies. In the humanities, students explore English literature, history, philosophy, and religion through foundational and advanced seminars that analyze texts, cultures, and ethical dilemmas. For instance, English courses cover American and British literature, creative writing, and rhetoric, while history programs delve into global events from ancient civilizations to modern conflicts.

• Philosophy: Courses in ethics, logic, and existentialism prepare students for careers in law, education, and public policy.
• Religion: Studies in world religions, theology, and comparative ethics highlight interfaith dialogue and spiritual traditions.

The social sciences department provides robust training in psychology, sociology, and political science. Psychology offerings include developmental, abnormal, and cognitive psychology, with hands-on research opportunities in labs. Sociology courses examine social structures, inequality, and cultural dynamics, often incorporating community-based projects.

• Political Science: Focuses on American government, international relations, and public administration, with simulations of policy debates.
• Criminal Justice: Interdisciplinary program blending law, sociology, and ethics for those pursuing legal or enforcement careers.

Natural sciences programs are equally strong, featuring biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics. Biology courses range from molecular genetics to ecology, with field trips to nearby natural areas. Chemistry includes organic, inorganic, and biochemistry, supporting pre-med and research paths.

• Environmental Studies: Integrates science and policy to address climate change, conservation, and sustainability.
• Physics and Mathematics: Courses in calculus, differential equations, and quantum mechanics, with computational modeling.

Professional and interdisciplinary majors include business administration, education, health and human performance, and computer science. Business courses cover accounting, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, often with real-world internships. Education programs prepare future teachers through pedagogy, curriculum design, and classroom observations.

• Health and Human Performance: Focuses on exercise science, nutrition, and sports management for athletic and wellness professions.
• Computer Science: Teaches programming, data structures, algorithms, and cybersecurity in modern facilities.

Additionally, the college offers minors and concentrations in areas like theatre, music, art, and communications, allowing customization. Interdisciplinary programs such as neuroscience and data science bridge departments. All courses emphasize experiential learning, including study abroad, research with faculty, and service-learning projects. This holistic approach ensures graduates are well-rounded, adaptable, and ready for diverse careers or graduate studies. With over 50 majors and a commitment to the liberal arts tradition, Roanoke College equips students to navigate complex global challenges while pursuing personal passions.