Overview

The Criminal Justice programme at George Mason University provides students with a sophisticated understanding of the complexities within the legal and penal systems. This advanced degree focuses on developing analytical skills and leadership capabilities necessary for high-level roles in the justice sector.

Why Criminal Justice at George Mason University?

Students engage with contemporary theories of crime and justice, examining how policy decisions impact communities and legal frameworks. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in various institutional settings.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 41124 per year
National fee: USD 41124 per year
Local fee: USD 18060 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on core competencies in criminology and legal theory. Modules may include:

Criminological Theory
Criminal Justice Planning and Policy
Research Methods
Statistical Analysis
Justice Administration
Law and Social Control

Careers with Criminal Justice

Graduates from this programme are prepared for diverse leadership positions within the public and private sectors. Many alumni pursue advanced roles in law enforcement management, policy analysis, and judicial administration. The degree also provides a strong foundation for those seeking careers in federal agencies or non-profit organisations focused on legal reform.

The analytical expertise gained during the course allows professionals to transition into roles such as intelligence analysts, correctional administrators, or security consultants. The programme's emphasis on evidence-based practice ensures that graduates are highly valued for their ability to implement effective justice strategies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Evidence-based Crime and Justice Policy

Implementing Crime and Justice Policy

Leadership in Justice Organizations

Legal and Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Research Methods and Data Analysis

Evaluation of Crime and Justice Policies and Practices

Research Practicum in Justice Policy and Practice

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended

Campus Location

Fairfax, United States

Disciplines

Criminal Justice View 335 other Masters in Criminal Justice in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

The submitted goals statement should be 200-300 words in length describing what you intend to do with your MS degree in Criminal Justice.
The writing sample is an essay of 500-750 words that identifies a current problem or issue in criminal justice and examines promising approaches to mitigating or resolving it.
Two letters of recommendation should come from faculty members or individuals with first-hand knowledge of your academic or professional capabilities.
The Office of Graduate Admissions, in coordination with the MS in Criminal Justice review committee, will consider requests from admitted students to defer their enrollment to a future term if they choose not to enroll in the semester for which they were accepted.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Out-of-State

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18060 USD / year

≈ 18060 USD / year

Living costs

Fairfax

United States

1330 - 2300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Criminal Justice.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fairfax

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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