The BA in Criminology, Law and Society provides a focused study of the justice system and social, human, and moral problems raised in the justice field. This course of study prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, investigations, juvenile justice, private and homeland security, and related social and human services. The BA in Criminology, Law and Society is well-suited for students who wish to study the field while branching out into related areas of study.

Policies

Students pursuing this degree must complete 42 credits within the major, with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Students may apply a maximum of 18 credits of transferable ADJ courses from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) or comparable courses at another community college to fulfill the degree requirements. Once a student matriculates at Mason, no courses may be taken at another institution without prior written approval from the program and the dean.

No more than 12 credits of CRIM 485 Study Abroad can be applied to the major. No more than 15 credits of CRIM 490 Special Topics can be applied to the major.

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.

Banner Code: LA-BA-CLS

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

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

Core Courses in the Major

CRIM 100Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core)3
CRIM 306Criminal Justice Ethics3
CRIM 315Research Methods and Analysis in Criminology3
CRIM 424Constitutional Law: Criminal Process and Rights3
CRIM 495Capstone in Criminology, Law and Society (Mason Core)3
Total Credits15

Electives in the Major

Select nine electives from the following: 127
Introduction to Criminology
Introduction to Law and Society
Introduction to Homeland Security
Public Law and the Judicial Process
Public Law and the Judicial Process
Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System
Computer Crime, Forensics, and Auditing
Crime and Crime Policy
Social Inequality, Crime, and Justice
Human Rights and Justice
Introduction to the Intelligence Community
Intelligence Analysis Techniques
Crime and Place
Hate Crime
Counterintelligence
Applied Criminal Psychology
Policing in America
Punishment and Corrections
Community Corrections
Crime Victims and Victimization
Law and Justice around the World (Mason Core)
Family Law and the Justice System
Advanced Topics in Law and Society
Criminal Courts
Community Policing
Criminal Investigations
Innovations in Policing
Guns and Crime in America
International Crimes and Accountability
Controversial Legal Issues
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
Criminal Justice Management
Criminal Law
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Law Enforcement and Homeland Security
Prevention and Deterrence of Crime
Theory and Politics of Terrorism
Criminology: College to Career
Study Abroad
Special Topics 2
Honors Seminar I
RS: Honors Seminar II
Research Practicum
Independent Study
Family Law and Public Policy
Human Trafficking and Smuggling 2
Sociology of Delinquency
The following graduate courses are available to students in the Accelerated Master's Pathway
Justice Organizations and Processes
Policing
Evidence-based Crime and Justice Policy
Implementing Crime and Justice Policy
Leadership in Justice Organizations
Legal and Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Research Methods and Data Analysis
Evaluation of Crime and Justice Policies and Practices
The Constitution, Criminal Procedure, and Security
Law and Social Control
Conduct of Justice Organizations at the Street Level
Corrections
Crime Analysis
Politics of Crime Policy
Crime and Place
Special Topics
Total Credits27
1

Students may select an optional concentration to fulfill a portion of this required elective credit.

2

A maximum of 6 credits of INTS 417 Human Trafficking and Smuggling and/or CRIM 490 Special Topics when topic is Human Trafficking can be applied to the major.

Optional Concentration in the Major

Criminology and society majors have the option of obtaining a concentration by completing 15 of their 27 elective credits within one of the following areas. Students can pursue only one concentration.

Available Concentrations

Concentration in Criminal Justice (CJUS)

Select 15 credits from the following:
Introduction to Criminology
Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System
Computer Crime, Forensics, and Auditing
Crime and Crime Policy
Social Inequality, Crime, and Justice
Crime and Place
Hate Crime
Applied Criminal Psychology
Policing in America
Punishment and Corrections
Community Corrections
Crime Victims and Victimization
Criminal Courts
Community Policing
Criminal Investigations
Innovations in Policing
Guns and Crime in America
International Crimes and Accountability
Criminal Justice Management
Law Enforcement and Homeland Security
Prevention and Deterrence of Crime
Study Abroad (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Special Topics (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director) 1
Honors Seminar I (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
RS: Honors Seminar II (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Research Practicum (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Independent Study (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Human Trafficking and Smuggling 1
Sociology of Delinquency
The following graduate courses are available to students in the Accelerated Master's Pathway
Justice Organizations and Processes
Policing
Evidence-based Crime and Justice Policy
Implementing Crime and Justice Policy
Leadership in Justice Organizations
Evaluation of Crime and Justice Policies and Practices
Conduct of Justice Organizations at the Street Level
Corrections
Crime Analysis
Politics of Crime Policy
Crime and Place
1

A maximum of 6 credits of INTS 417 Human Trafficking and Smuggling and/or CRIM 490 Special Topics when topic is Human Trafficking can be applied to the major.

Concentration in Homeland Security and Justice (HSJ)

Select 15 credits from the following:
Introduction to Homeland Security
Introduction to the Intelligence Community
Intelligence Analysis Techniques
Counterintelligence
Law and Justice around the World (Mason Core)
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Law Enforcement and Homeland Security
Theory and Politics of Terrorism
Study Abroad (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Special Topics (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director) 1
Honors Seminar I (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
RS: Honors Seminar II (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Research Practicum (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Independent Study (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Human Trafficking and Smuggling 1
1

A maximum of 6 credits of INTS 417 Human Trafficking and Smuggling and/or CRIM 490 Special Topics when topic is Human Trafficking can be applied to the major.

Concentration in Law and Society (LAWS)

Select 15 credits from the following:
Introduction to Law and Society
Public Law and the Judicial Process
Public Law and the Judicial Process
Human Rights and Justice
Hate Crime
Law and Justice around the World (Mason Core)
Family Law and the Justice System
Advanced Topics in Law and Society
Criminal Courts
Guns and Crime in America
International Crimes and Accountability
Controversial Legal Issues
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
Criminal Law
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Study Abroad (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Special Topics (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director) 1
Honors Seminar I (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
RS: Honors Seminar II (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Research Practicum (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Independent Study (when topic is appropriate with permission of undergraduate director)
Law and Social Control (available to students in the Accelerated Master's Pathway)
Family Law and Public Policy
Human Trafficking and Smuggling 1
1

A maximum of 6 credits of INTS 417 Human Trafficking and Smuggling and/or CRIM 490 Special Topics when topic is Human Trafficking can be applied to the major.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in criminology, law and society fulfill this requirement by successfully completing CRIM 495 Capstone in Criminology, Law and Society (Mason Core). Students should complete ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core) before taking the writing-intensive course in the major or take the two courses simultaneously.

Upper Level Requirement

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.

Additional Electives

Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.

College Level Requirements for the BA Degree

In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).

Philosophy or Religious Studies
Select 3 credits from the following:3
1

Note that the following courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement:

  • PHIL 323 Classical Western Political Theory 
  • PHIL 324 Modern Western Political Theory 
  • PHIL 327 Contemporary Western Political Theory 
  • PHIL 393 Humanities College to Career 
  • PHIL 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics


Additionally, PHIL 253RELI 235RELI 333, and RELI 339 cannot be used to fulfill both the philosophy/religious studies requirement and the Mason Core literature requirement.

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Select 3 credits of social and behavioral sciences from the following (additional to the Mason Core social and behavioral sciences requirement) 13
ANTH
CRIM
ECON
GOVT
HIST 2
LING
PSYC
SOCI
Or choose from the following GGS courses:
Major World Regions (Mason Core)
Human Geography (Mason Core)
Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies
Political Geography (Mason Core)
Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core)
Population Geography (Mason Core)
Economic Geography
Urban Geography
Geography of the United States
Geography of Latin America
Geography of Europe
Geography of North Africa and the Middle East
Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia
Urban Planning
Geography of Virginia
1

The two courses used to fulfill the combined college and Mason Core requirements must be from different disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. 

2

HIST 100 and HIST 125 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Foreign Language
Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language, fulfilled by: 1
Or achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test
Or completing the following ASL three course sequence:
American Sign Language (ASL) I
American Sign Language (ASL) II
American Sign Language (ASL) III
1

Students who are already proficient in a second language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

Non-Western Culture

Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global understanding)

Select 3 credits (additional to Mason Core Global Understanding requirement) 1
ANTH 114Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core)3
ANTH 300Civilizations3
ANTH 302Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core)3
ANTH 307Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core)3
ANTH 308Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core)3
ANTH 309Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core)3
ANTH 313Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core)3
ANTH 314Zombies3
ANTH 317East Asian Cultures3
ANTH 330Peoples and Cultures of Selected Regions: Non-Western3
ANTH 332Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core)3
ANTH 381Medical Anthropology3
ANTH 396Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core)3
ARAB 360Topics in Arabic Cultural Production3
ARAB 365Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core)3
ARAB 420Survey of Arabic Literature3
ARAB 440Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core)3
ARTH 203Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core)3
ARTH 204Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core)3
ARTH 206Survey of African Art (Mason Core)3
ARTH 317The Black Pharaohs: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia (Mason Core)3
ARTH 318Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt3
ARTH 319Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core)3
ARTH 320Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core)3
ARTH 382Arts of India (Mason Core)3
ARTH 383Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core)3
ARTH 384Arts of China (Mason Core)3
ARTH 385Arts of Japan (Mason Core)3
ARTH 482RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (Mason Core)3
CHIN 318Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core)3
CHIN 320Contemporary Chinese Film3
CHIN 325Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core)3
CHIN 470Special Topics in Chinese Studies3
DANC 118Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core)3
ECON 361Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core)3
ECON 362African Economic Development (Mason Core)3
FREN 454Topics in Caribbean Francophone Literature and Culture3
GGS 101Major World Regions (Mason Core)3
GGS 316Geography of Latin America3
GGS 317Geography of China (Mason Core)3
GGS 325Geography of North Africa and the Middle East3
GGS 399Select Topics in GGS3
GOVT 332Politics of the Middle East and North Africa3
GOVT 333Politics of East Asia3
GOVT 338Politics of Eurasia3
GOVT 340Central Asian Politics3
GOVT 341Chinese Foreign Policy3
GOVT 345Islam and Politics3
GOVT 433Political Economy of East Asia3
HIST 251Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core)3
HIST 252Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core)3
HIST 261Survey of African History (Mason Core)3
HIST 262Survey of African History (Mason Core)3
HIST 271Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core)3
HIST 272Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core)3
HIST 281Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core)3
HIST 282Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core)3
HIST 326Stalinism3
HIST 327The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II3
HIST 328Rise of Russia (Mason Core)3
HIST 329Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core)3
HIST 353History of Traditional China3
HIST 354Modern China (Mason Core)3
HIST 356Modern Japan (Mason Core)3
HIST 357Postwar Japan (Mason Core)3
HIST 358Post-1949 China (Mason Core)3
HIST 360History of South Africa (Mason Core)3
HIST 364Revolution in Latin America (Mason Core)3
HIST 365Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core)3
HIST 366Comparative Slavery3
HIST 377The Vietnam War (Mason Core)3
HIST 384Global History of Christianity (Mason Core)3
HIST 387Topics in Global History (Mason Core)3-6
HIST 461Arab-Israeli Conflict3
HIST 462Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core)3
HIST 465The Middle East in the 20th Century3
JAPA 310Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core)3
JAPA 340Topics in Japanese Literature (Mason Core)3
JAPA 380Japan in Motion3
KORE 300Korean Culture and Society3
KORE 320Korean Popular Culture in a Global World3
KORE 385Introduction to Korean Linguistics3
MUSI 103Musics of the World (Mason Core)3
RELI 211Introduction to Religions of the "West" (Mason Core)3
RELI 212Introduction to Religions of Asia (Mason Core)3
RELI 312Islam (Mason Core)3
RELI 313Hinduism (Mason Core)3
RELI 314Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions3
RELI 315Buddhism (Mason Core)3
RELI 317Daoism3
RELI 318Korean Philosophy and Religions3
RELI 338Qur'an and Hadith3
RELI 342Comparative Study of Mysticism3
RELI 344Muhammad: Life and Legacy3
RELI 358Islamic Thought (Mason Core)3
RELI 367Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics3
RELI 368Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights (Mason Core)3
RELI 384Global History of Christianity (Mason Core)3
RELI 490Comparative Study of Religions (Mason Core)3
RUSS 353Russian Civilization (Mason Core)3
RUSS 354Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core)3
WMST 407Transnational Sexualities3
1

A course used to fulfill the Mason Core global understanding requirement may not be simultaneously used to satisfy this college-level requirement. A course used to fulfill this requirement may be used simultaneously to fulfill any other requirements (Mason Core requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major). Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

Mason Core

Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.

Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information. 

  • VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
  • VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
Foundation Requirements
Written Communication (lower-level)3
Oral Communication3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Information Technology and Computing3
Exploration Requirements
Arts3
Global Contexts3
Global History3
Literature3
Natural Science7
Social and Behavioral Sciences3
Just Societies (optional) 1
Integration Requirements
Written Communication (upper-level)3
Writing Intensive 23
Mason Apex 33
Total Credits40
1

In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.

2

Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.

3

Minimum 3 credits required.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law and Society Sample Plan of Study 

A sample four year graduation plan and degree planning worksheet can be found at https://academicaffairs.chss.gmu.edu/undergraduate-students/advising/advising-sheets. The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.

Honors in the Major

Highly-qualified students may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. Students admitted to the honors program in the major take a two-course sequence: CRIM 491 Honors Seminar I and CRIM 492 RS: Honors Seminar II. To graduate with honors in criminology, law and society, students must complete both courses with a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the two courses.

Program Outcomes

1. Acquire core knowledge of Criminology, Law and Society:

Students will develop core knowledge about the organization and operation of various institutions administering justice, such as police, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, as well as constitutional law and criminal justice ethics that serve as the foundation for these and other justice institutions.

2. Acquire more specific knowledge of a variety of topics in criminology, law and society:

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of electives in CLS, including classes related to theories of criminology, law and society, judicial processes and the law, human rights and social justice, intelligence and homeland security, juvenile justice, criminal psychology, policing, crime prevention, contemporary justice issues and reforms, and leadership. Students may also choose to further specialize their coursework by completing an optional concentration in Criminal Justice, Law and Society, or Homeland Security and Justice.

3. Acquire a broader liberal arts knowledge in relation to the justice system:

Students will receive an additional 18 credits of liberal arts education in related fields to help contextualize their learning in the broader liberal arts and social science areas.

4. Develop written communication:

Students will learn how to effectively communicate in writing through papers and exams, which require students to analyze, synthesize, and apply what they have learned.

5. Understand and apply research methods:

Students will learn about basic research methods used in the study of criminology, law and society, to not only be able to digest research in the field, but also consider how to use research and analysis tools to answer key questions in criminology, law and society. The degree includes several courses that offer the opportunity for students to engage in research on crime and justice.

6. Develop critical thinking skills:

Students will demonstrate an ability to think critically about crime and the justice system through course offerings and have the opportunity to analyze contemporary justice problems and reforms. This will include assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches and models of justice in the U.S. and internationally and developing a critical understanding of how the justice system relates to broader ideas of justice, equality, and human rights.

7. Be able to synthesize across skills and education:

The required Capstone course in CLS is a writing-intensive course that allows students to exercise and showcase the skills they have learned throughout their degree.