■ Criminology, Law and Society

Print-Friendly Page

Phone: 703-993-8315
Web: cls.gmu.edu

Faculty

Professors: Mastrofski, Taxman, Weisburd, Wilson (chair), Zingraff

Research professor: Turner

Associate professor: Gallagher

Assistant professors: Johnson, Lawton, Lum, Merola, Portillo, Rudes, Willis

Assistant research professors: Trotman, Andrew

Term assistant professors: Newmark, Voreas

Affiliate faculty: Uchida

Course Work

The Department of Criminology, Law and Society offers all course work designated CRIM in the Courses chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

The BS in criminology, law and society provides students with a sound foundation in the liberal arts and a focused study of criminology, law and society. It also provides information concerning the social, human, and moral problems raised in the justice field. This major prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, investigations, juvenile justice, private and homeland security, and related social and human services. It provides a strong background for law school and graduate study in criminal justice or law and society.

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 and 492. To graduate with honors in criminology, law and society, students must complete these courses with a minimum GPA of 3.50.

Internships

The department supports an active internship program, which places students in justice and police organizations throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Students can gain valuable work place experience while earning credit toward their degree.

Graduate Programs

The department offers a master’s and a doctoral degree in criminology, law and society. These degrees draw on a strong multidisciplinary faculty who teach a wide range of courses in their specialties. These programs take advantage of Mason’s proximity to the many justice organizations at the federal, state, and local levels. The curriculum is structured to give students the skills they need to do policy-relevant research. They will be able to work with local and national agencies concerned with justice and security to put those skills to use.

Funding

The department offers graduate teaching and research assistantships awarded on a competitive basis. Other sources of funding such as grants, loans, and employment on campus are also available. Students awarded assistantships must register for a minimum of six credits a semester and, like all graduate students, show satisfactory progress toward their degree.