Criminology, Law and Society, BS
Program Overview
Criminology, Law and Society, BS
The Criminology, Law and Society program 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.
Overview
The BS degree in Criminology, Law and Society requires students to complete a minimum of 120 credits. The program provides a comprehensive education in the field of criminology, law, and society, with a focus on the organization and operation of various institutions administering justice.
Policies
- Students pursuing this degree with an internship must complete 60 major credits.
- Students pursuing this degree with an approved area of specialization (minor, 2nd major or dual degree) must complete 45 CLS major credits in addition to the credits required for the area of specialization.
- A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required.
- Students may apply a maximum of 18 credits of transferable ADJ courses from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) or comparable courses at another community college to fulfill the degree requirements.
Degree Requirements
- Total credits: minimum 120
- Core Courses in the Major:
- CRIM 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core) - 3 credits
- CRIM 306: Criminal Justice Ethics - 3 credits
- CRIM 315: Research Methods and Analysis in Criminology - 3 credits
- CRIM 424: Constitutional Law: Criminal Process and Rights - 3 credits
- CRIM 495: Capstone in Criminology, Law and Society (Mason Core) - 3 credits
- Internship or Area of Specialization:
- Students are required to do an internship or complete a related area of specialization (minor, second major, or dual degree)
- Internship: 15 credits of internship coursework
- Minor in a Related Field: 15-21 credits from one of the following categories:
- Government, Politics, and International Affairs
- Information and Data Analysis
- Language and Area Studies
- Socio-Behavioral Studies
- Policy and Legal Studies
- Second Major/Dual Degree in a Related Field:
- List of available second majors and dual degrees
- Electives in the Major:
- Select ten electives from the following list of courses - 30 credits
- List of elective courses
- Optional Concentrations in the Major:
- Concentration in Criminal Justice (CJUS)
- Concentration in Homeland Security and Justice (HSJ)
- Concentration in Law and Society (LAWS)
- List of courses for each concentration
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).
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.
Program Outcomes
- Acquire core knowledge of Criminology, Law and Society
- Acquire more specific knowledge of a variety of topics in criminology, law and society
- Develop practical experience through an internship or completion of an approved minor
- Develop written communication skills
- Understand and apply research methods
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Be able to synthesize across skills and education
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.