Dean
Dr. Isis N. Walton

Location
Colson Hall, D1

Contact Information
804-524-5478 | iwalton@vsu.edu

Associate Dean
Dr. Jerry Crawford

Location
Hunter McDaniel, 40ND

Contact Information
804-524-5369 | jcrawford@vsu.edu  

Assistant Dean
Dr. Stephen Rockenbach

Location
Colson Hall, Room #101

Contact Information
804-524-5910 | srockenbach@vsu.edu

Mission Statement of the college for graduate studies
 

The mission of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Programs is to cultivate ethical, innovative, and globally conscious leaders equipped with advanced academic and professional skills in Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Media Management. Our commitment is to deliver rigorous graduate education that fosters intellectual inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, applied research, and a profound sense of civic and social responsibility.

Through dynamic instruction, strategic use of technology, and responsive curricular design, faculty and administrators empower graduate students to engage in critical analysis, professional practice, and transformative leadership within their respective fields. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, the College’s graduate philosophy champions the liberation of thought and the advancement of scholarship to meet the demands of an evolving global society.

Objectives of the College for graduate studies
 

The College's graduate programs hold to the following objectives:

• Accountability

Graduate education in the 21st century must respond to a range of stakeholders—students, employers, accrediting bodies, and society at large. The College ensures institutional and programmatic accountability by aligning all graduate programs with performance-based metrics, accreditation standards, and industry-relevant outcomes.

• Assessment

All graduate programs emphasize demonstrable competencies. Graduates must exhibit mastery of the knowledge, research methodologies, and applied skills specific to their discipline. Our outcomes-based framework ensures that students are equipped to lead, serve, and innovate in professional settings.

• Authentic Engagement

Authentic engagement in graduate studies means fostering deep, meaningful connections between theory and practice. Students are expected to apply disciplinary knowledge to real-world challenges, engage in reflective scholarship, and pursue inquiry that aligns with both personal and professional aspirations. Faculty mentorship, collaborative projects, and experiential learning are central to this model.

• Lifelong Learning

Our graduate programs are designed to instill habits of lifelong learning. In a rapidly changing technological and social landscape, professionals must remain agile and informed. We encourage graduates to continuously pursue academic, ethical, and professional excellence beyond degree completion.

• Individual and Professional Development

Graduate education is a catalyst for both self-actualization and career advancement. Faculty are actively engaged in research and continuing education to model intellectual growth, while students are supported through internships, research assistantships, networking opportunities, and professional development programming.

• Research

Graduate students are integrated into a tiered research ecosystem that:

• Advances knowledge and practice in the fields of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Media Management;
• Provides students with opportunities to contribute to scholarship and evidence-based practice; and
• Elevates the College’s academic reputation and societal impact.

• Access

As a proud Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the College remains dedicated to access, equity, and excellence in graduate education. We are committed to supporting students who demonstrate potential for advanced scholarship and professional growth, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

• Collaboration

Graduate programs thrive on interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic partnerships. The College maintains robust connections with governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, media institutions, and community partners to ensure that curriculum, research, and student experiences are relevant and impactful.

Graduate Program Listings
 

Criminal Justice
(Master of Science)

Chairperson: Stephen Rockenbach (Interim)
Location: Colson Hall, Room 202
Contact Information: (804) 524-5910 | srockenbach@vsu.edu

Media Management
(Master of Arts)

Chairperson: Dr. Jerry Crawford
Location: Hunter-McDaniel Building, Room 40Nd
Contact Information: (804) 524-5369 | jcrawford@vsu.edu

Social Work 
(Master of Social Work)

Chairperson: Dr. Jimmie Fedrick
Location: Johnella Jackson Hall, Room 201
Contact Information: (804) 524-6276 | jfedrick@vsu.edu