MA in Criminology, Law and Society

Kristen Fite, 2025

I'm Kristen, an avid reader, figure skater, boxer, barista, and to-do list conqueror from small town Arkansas with a passion for academics.

My time at George Mason began in the fall of 2023, where I was met with a whirlwind of thought-provoking coursework, caffeine-fueled writing sessions, and a growing love for conducting my own research. At George Mason, I’ve found a community of brilliant, passionate people and the most supportive environment I could have asked for.

What was your specific area of study and how did you choose it?

My interests are centered around victimization and particularly violence against women. My thesis explored the interaction between citizenship and race/ethnicity and their impact on the reporting of domestic violence to police, both by the victim themselves and third parties. My time spent volunteering with domestic violence shelters and women's reentry programs inspired me to study the experiences of women in the criminal justice system and understand how the system can better respond to their needs.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

Studying in one of the country's top 10 criminology programs has shown the level of dedication and innovation that it takes to thrive in a competitive program, and what can be accomplished in this field. The terrific faculty in the CLS department have helped me grow in my skills as a researcher and scholar and have provided inspiration and valuable guidance for my next steps and my goals for the future.

Which accomplishments during your time at George Mason are you most proud of?

I am very proud to have conducted my own research project in the form of my thesis. I began the first stages of my thesis over a year ago, presented my initial findings at the American Society of Criminology conference in November, and passed my defense in March, so seeing this project completed is so fulfilling.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your George Mason career?

Professor Yasemin Irvin-Erickson has been an incredible mentor to me throughout my master's program. She inspires me to stay excited about my work and shares my passion for studying victimization and violence against women, and I look forward to continue working with her in the coming years.

Professor Sue-Ming Yang has also served as my mentor and my advocate. She has invested in me and my skills as a graduate student and provided me with opportunities to grow as a researcher.

I have grown so much over the past two years in this program, largely due to their mentorship, and I am so grateful to them both!

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Prioritize your health and wellbeing. Invest in your hobbies, relationships, and aspects of your life outside of work. There will always be more work to do–take care of yourself now.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I will be staying at George Mason University to start my PhD in Criminology, Law and Society this fall. I plan to pursue a career in academia, hopefully at an R1 institution, and collaborate with victim service agencies on projects in the future.