MA in Criminology, Law and Society

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Banner Code: LA-MA-CLS

The MA in Criminology, Law and Society prepares students to conduct high-quality scientific research in the criminal justice field. Students learn cutting-edge social science methods and data analysis skills for advancing knowledge in the social sciences and for making a difference in the development and evaluation of justice policies and practices. The MA in Criminology, Law and Society prepares students to pursue advanced graduate studies at the doctoral level or for positions that require rigorous research skills.

For a related program, see Criminology, Law and Society, PhD

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.

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the MA in Criminology, Law and Society, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Satisfactory Progress

According to university policy, students may be terminated if they fail to achieve satisfactory progress toward their degree. In addition to the graduate policies on academic termination (see AP.6.6.2), students in the program are judged as having failed to achieve satisfactory progress if they have been found in violation of Academic Standards.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 30

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

Core Courses

CRIM 710 Criminological Theory 3
CRIM 720 Law and Social Science 3
CRIM 760 Evidence-Based Crime Policy 3
Total Credits 9

Analytical Methods Courses

CRIM 780 Research Methods 3
CRIM 782 Statistics I 3
CRIM 783 Statistics II 3
Total Credits 9

Elective Courses

Select 6 credits of CRIM electives at the 700-level. 6
Total Credits 6

Thesis

Students must successfully complete a master's thesis, which demonstrates the ability to conduct independent research. A thesis proposal must be submitted to the graduate director prior to registering for thesis credits. The master's thesis must be defended orally before a committee of three faculty. The committee chair and at least one member must be CLS graduate faculty. 

Students must apply 6 credits of thesis to the degree. Students must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in CRIM 799 Master's Thesis, maintain continuous enrollment as specified in Academic Policies.

CRIM 799 Master's Thesis 6
Total Credits 6