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Comparative Criminology

Tentative Summer 2027 Dates: TBD

Program Locations

Oslo, Norway and Copenhagen, Denmark

Program Highlights

  • Boat tour of the Norwegian fjords
  • Tour of Ullersmo Prison
  • Tour of Norway's Police University College
  • Celebrate Norway's Constitution Day in Oslo
  • Walking tour of Nyhavn and Christiania in Copenhagen

Faculty Leaders

Steven Keener
Steven Keener

Assistant Professor
Director of the Center for Crime, Equity and Justice Research and Policy

(757) 594-7708

Luter Hall 166

Laine Briddell
Laine Briddell

Senior Lecturer

(757) 594-7690

Luter Hall 158

Course Information

CRIM 386 

Required Prerequisite: CRIM 208

Course Description

On this study abroad trip, students will have the opportunity to visit police and correctional officer training facilities, interact with criminal justice professionals, and tour a prison where they will be able to talk with correctional officers and incarcerated individuals about their experiences. Students will then utilize in-person experiences to study the operation of criminal justice systems in Norway and Denmark, compare and contrast this with the United States, and analyze short-term and long-term outcomes associated with individuals that come into contact with each of these systems.

To contextualize their understanding of crime and justice, students will examine the larger structural and cultural elements of the Scandinavian countries. It is important to understand how Scandinavian countries are structured, their economics, and how they operate politically.

In addition, students will explore Scandinavian culture, observing social interactions and identifying cultural values. To this end, we will spend time with locals, utilize public transportation, and sample local cuisine. We will explore local neighborhoods, ranging from museum and shopping districts, to hip, artsy neighborhoods, to the Freetown Christiania commune. Students will participate in Constitution Day festivities in Norway and have the opportunity to connect with nature with a class hike, boat tour, island visit, and the chance to swim in Oslofjord and Copenhagen Harbor.

Sample Syllabus

Additional Information

  • Accommodations
  • Ground transportation
  • International health insurance
  • Group activities
    • Airfare
      • Students are responsible for purchasing their international airfare to and from the program destination(s). Students should not purchase their flight until receiving specific instructions from the faculty leaders after December 1.
  • Tuition (3 credits)
    • In-state: $1,440
    • Out-of-State: $3,171
  • Travel insurance
  • Most meals
  • Personal expenses

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Student with a valid passport:

Students who have a current passport will need to upload an image of their passport by December 1, 2026, to their enrollment forms.

Student without a Valid Passport

Apply for or renew your passport immediately. After November 1, students must pay to expedite the application process. Do not delay beginning this process.

Passport Application and Renewal

The routine processing time is currently up to 6 weeks and expedited services is up to 3 weeks. These processing times are subject to change and can lengthen significantly. We highly recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible. Most countries require at least 6 months remaining time on your passport expiration from your intended date of departure. Example: If your passport expires on December 1, 2027, you would need to renew your passport to travel in the summer of 2027.

Each country has established entry requirements and travel restrictions set for foreign visitors and their citizens. Any country can change their regulations at any time. We encourage all students and their families to review details about the country or countries you plan to travel to and to continue monitoring the information leading up to your departure.

Travel & Entry Requirements from the U.S. State Department

Application & Enrollment Forms Deadline

October 31*

*Program may fill prior to deadline due to a rolling admission process.

Apply Today!

Program fee: $2,900

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