Dr. Robert Norvell

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Robert T. Norvell is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Penn State University. With over a decade of courtroom experience, he has worked as a prosecutor, public defender, and criminal defense attorney in Florida. His teaching focuses on criminal law, criminal courts, and forensic evidence, emphasizing comparative perspectives and real-world application. Norvell has previously taught at the University of Central Arkansas and Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he developed practice-focused courses in public speaking and argumentation. He is known for his experiential learning approach and was awarded UCA's Experiential Opportunity Award for his teaching methodology. His legal background includes trial experience in felony and misdemeanor jury cases, and he has led the felony division of the Public Defender’s Office in Florida's Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Norvell has actively participated in community service, including chairing the Nuisance Abatement Board in West Palm Beach and receiving recognition as Quantum House Volunteer of the Year. An avid mountaineer and musician, he has also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Elizabeth Kovachevich in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Research Interests

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.