Through the minor in Criminology, Law and Society, students develop knowledge of the principles, institutions, and practices of the systems for administering justice. The minor provides a solid foundation for students seeking to supplement their major area of study, to develop knowledge and skills needed for justice-related occupations, or to lay the foundation for law school or graduate study in the justice field. Students obtain an overview of the justice system and develop advanced knowledge of selected features of the justice system.

Students should plan their course of study with a criminology, law and society advisor assigned by the program. 

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. No more than 6 credits of CRIM 485 Study Abroad, 3 credits of CRIM 498 Research Practicum, and 3 credits of CRIM 499 Independent Study can be applied to the minor. The minor must be approved by the advisor before graduation.

For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Banner Code: CLS

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 15

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Core Course

CRIM 100Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core)3

Electives

Select 12 credits from the following: 112
Family Law and Public Policy
Human Trafficking and Smuggling 2
Total Credits12
1

At least nine credits must be upper-level. CRIM 479 and CRIM 480 may not be used to fulfill this requirement. 

2

A maximum of 6 credits of INTS 417 and/or CRIM 490 when topic is Human Trafficking can be applied to the minor. Graduate courses at the 500-level, with the exception of CRIM 517, can be applied to the minor by students in the Accelerated Master's pathway for the MS in Criminal Justice.