Homeland Security and Justice Concentration

Catalog Year: 2022-2023

Banner Code: LA-BS-CLS-HSJ

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 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.

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.

To receive this concentration, students complete 5 courses (15 credits) chosen from:

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 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

Internship or Minor in the Major

Select either 15 credits of internship or a minor: 15-20
Internship  
CRIM 479& CRIM 480
Preparation for Internship
and Internship
 
Minor in a Related Field  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Credits 15-20

Electives in the Major

Select ten electives from the following: 1 30
Introduction to Criminology  
Introduction to Law and Society  
Introduction to Homeland Security  
Public Law and the Judicial Process  
or GOVT 301
Public Law and the Judicial Process
Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System  
Sociology of Delinquency
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  
Controversial Legal Issues  
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties  
or GOVT 423
Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
Criminal Justice Management  
Criminal Law  
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society  
or GOVT 460
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Law Enforcement and Homeland Security  
Prevention and Deterrence of Crime  
Theory and Politics of Terrorism  
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  
Total Credits 30

Optional Concentration in the Major

Criminology, law and society majors have the option of obtaining a concentration with 15 of their 30 elective credits. Students can pursue only one concentration.

Concentration in Homeland Security and Justice (HSJ)

Select 15 credits from the following: 15
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  
or GOVT 460
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  
Total Credits 15

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.

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.

Foundation Requirements  
Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
Oral Communication 3
Quantitative Reasoning 3
Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements  
Arts 3
Global Understanding 3
Literature 3
Natural Science 7
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements  
Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
Writing-Intensive 1 3
Synthesis/Capstone 2 3
Total Credits 40