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 BS degree provides students a focused approach, requiring more courses within the field of criminology. Students who earn the BS degree either gain work experience in a criminal justice agency or complete a minor, second major, or dual degree in a related field to enhance their study of justice.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
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.
To receive this concentration, students complete 5 courses (15 credits) chosen from:
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRIM 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CRIM 306 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 |
| CRIM 315 | Research Methods and Analysis in Criminology | 3 |
| CRIM 424 | Constitutional Law: Criminal Process and Rights | 3 |
| CRIM 495 | Capstone in Criminology, Law and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Students are required to do an internship or complete a related area of specialization (minor, second major, or dual degree) from the lists below. For additional information on the areas of specialization see AP.5.3.4 Minors, AP.5.3.7 Credit for More than One Undergraduate Major and AP.5.3.3 Second Bachelor's Degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 15 credits of internship coursework | ||
| CRIM 479& CRIM 480 | Criminology: College to Career and Internship | 15 |
Students may select an optional concentration to fulfill a portion of this required elective credit.
CRIM 479 can be applied to the elective requirement if not used as part of internship.
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.
Criminology, law and society majors have the option of obtaining a concentration by completing 15 of their 30 elective credits within one of the following areas. Students can pursue only one concentration.
Students may select an optional concentration to fulfill a portion of this required elective credit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
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.
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.
Minimum 3 credits required.