Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law, & Society

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Transfer Guidance

Transfer Admission Requirements

• Transfer applicants must present a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete an English composition equivalent to ENGH 101 (ENG 112). Students may provide secondary school coursework or test scores demonstrating English language proficiency.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete a college-level math course.

• GAA applicants must present a minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA. For more information about Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements, visit: https://www.vccs.edu/transfer-programs/

Important Links & Dates

• Office of Transfer Services: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/office-transfer-services

• Admission Application: By Oct 1 or March 1 at https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now

• Financial Aid: https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: March 15 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Students interested in George Mason are encouraged to focus on completing courses that meet general education requirements. Students are encouraged to use the "Contact an Institution" section of the portal and connect with our staff for questions related to specific course equivalencies and requirements.

• For the BS in Criminology, introductory courses for the major (such as CRIM 100) may be completed prior to transfer to George Mason. A maximum of 18 credits of ADJ-prefix coursework can be applied towards the major. In general, students don't need to choose between the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) while at the community college, and can change their minds during the orientation process after speaking with a CLS advisor. The major coursework is almost identical, with the key difference being whether students want to complete additional general education, namely the foreign language for the BA, or complete the CLS internship program or Area of Specialization for the BS.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and George Mason University within your first year via College Connect.

• Students seeking a bachelor's degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• George Mason's criminology, law and society degree is designed for students interested in law enforcement, law, homeland security, and related career fields. As a student in the program, you will be taught by outstanding professors who have years of experience as both researchers and practitioners and you have the option of specializing your coursework based on your academic and career interests.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Students who complete a transfer associate degree (AS, AA, AA&S, or AFA) from a Virginia Community College will receive a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower division) Mason Core general education categories. To be eligible for the waiver, students must provide the George Mason Office of Admissions with a final, official transcript reflecting the degree conferral date. As a prerequisite for ENGH 302, ENGH 101 is not waived. Students must transfer in or complete ENGH 100 or ENGH 101 at George Mason with a C or higher.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Applicants are required to apply as freshmen.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by exam may be used to fulfill General Education and/or major requirements. See: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first term of attendance at George Mason.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Located in Fairfax, Virginia, within the Washington metropolitan area, George Mason enrolls more than 28,000 undergraduate students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries in 78 in-demand majors.

• More than 4,500 new transfer students choose George Mason each year, and the university has been recognized as the most diverse in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report.

• Transfer students are welcome to live among our 7700-student residential community or off campus. The Office of Contemporary Student Services is dedicated to the support of off-campus transfers.

• 65% of George Mason students receive financial aid.

• 22 Division I men's and women's sports teams, plus club and intramural leagues, and more than 400 student organizations.

• For more information, visit: https://www.gmu.edu/transfer

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at George Mason?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Over 72% of CLS graduates are employed or studying in a graduate program after graduation. Top industries of interest for CLS majors are legal/law enforcement, government, defense, and higher education. Recent CLS graduates have continued their education in various graduate programs across the nation including University of Arizona, Tulane University, Radford University, Northeastern University, and Wilmington University.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Study abroad: Gain a global perspective by spending winter/spring break, summer, or a full semester abroad

• Tailor your academic journey: Deepen your expertise with a concentration, or broaden your horizons by adding a minor or second major

• Flexible learning options: Wide range of in-person and online courses each semester, with the option to complete your entire degree online

• Affordable excellence: High-quality education tailored to your budget, ensuring the most value for your investment

• Learn from experts: Study under faculty renowned for their academic expertise and seasoned practitioners sharing their experiences in law enforcement, law, and homeland security

• Work 1-on-1 with an advisor: Partner with a dedicated academic advisor to plan your academic journey

• Fast-track and save: Begin taking graduate-level courses as early as your junior year through a bachelor's/accelerated master's pathway

• Gain a competitive edge: Access priority employment opportunities through Career Services and insight into the security clearance process through the Clearance Ready program

• Build connections: Join a student organization tied to your field of study and connect with peers who share your passions and interests

• Engage in research: Collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking research in a research lab or the CLS honors program

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• The undergraduate program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, social service, law, and related career fields. CLS students will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, participate in many forms of public service, and prepare for their future careers through internships and career-focused minors and other college-to-career activities.