The bachelor of science in criminology, law and society provides a sound foundation in the liberal arts and a focused study of the justice system and social, human, and moral problems raised in the justice field. The 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 program also provides a strong background for law school and graduate study in criminal justice or law and society.
Students may use up to 18 credits of approved ADJ courses taken at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) or comparable courses at another community college to fulfill the requirements detailed below. Once a student matriculates at Mason, no courses may be taken at another institution without prior written approval from the program and the dean.
Degree Requirements (Catalog Year 2012-2013)
In addition to meeting the following requirements for this degree, students must meet the university requirements for all bachelor's degrees.
Students pursuing the BS in criminology, law and society must complete 60 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
- Five core courses (15 credits): CRIM 100, 306, 315, 424, 495
- 15 credits in skills for the justice professional chosen from:
- any foreign language course that develops or requires foreign language skills and is taught in the language
- any CS course
- any IT course
- any FRSC course
- CRIM 479, 480; CONF 300, 345; GGS 311; GOVT 346, 347, 364, 366, 452; PHIL 173, 311; PSYC 405; SOCI 308, 310, 315, 405, 410; SOCW 351, 370, 400, 410, 415; STAT 350, 362, 455, 463, 474
- Ten elective courses (30 credits) chosen from:CRIM 210, 220, 230; CRIM 301 or GOVT 301; CRIM 302; CRIM 304 or IT 357; 305, 307, 308, 310, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 422; CRIM 423 or GOVT 423; CRIM 425, 460, 462, 471, 475, 490, 491, 492, 498, 499
Total: 60 Credits
Concentrations
Criminology, law and society majors have the option of obtaining a concentration by completing 15 of their 30 elective credits within one of the concentrations listed on the right. Credits earned in CRIM 490 may be applied to a concentration as appropriate for the content of the course, to be determined by the undergraduate director.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. Students should complete ENGH 302 before taking the writing-intensive course in the major or take the two courses simultaneously.
Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.