M.S. in Criminology -Criminal Justice

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The degree should be relevant to the chosen field of study for the postgraduate program.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA): The minimum GPA requirement for admission to most postgraduate programs at George Mason University is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  

3. English Language Proficiency:  

• IELTS: Overall score of 7, with no individual band score below 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88 , with no band less than 20.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120.

George Mason University recognizes the importance of making higher education accessible to a diverse range of students, including international students. As such, the university offers a variety of scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition and support the academic pursuits of international students.

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award available to incoming international undergraduate students. It recognizes academic achievement, leadership skills, and contributions to the community. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years.

2. INTO Mason Scholarships: INTO Mason, a partnership program that helps international students transition to university life in the United States, offers scholarships to students who enroll in Pathway programs. These scholarships can help cover tuition costs and are awarded based on academic merit.

3. College and Departmental Scholarships: Many of George Mason University's colleges and academic departments offer scholarships to international students who excel in specific fields of study. These scholarships may require students to meet certain academic criteria and demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen area of study.

4. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students at George Mason University have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide funding for tuition and stipends for work as research or teaching assistants. These assistantships offer valuable hands-on experience while helping to offset educational costs.

5. International Baccalaureate Scholarships: International students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program may be eligible for scholarships based on their IB scores and academic achievements. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

6. Private Scholarships: George Mason University encourages international students to explore private scholarship opportunities from external organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students find and apply for these scholarships.

7. Fullbright Scholarships: International students seeking advanced degrees may be eligible to apply for the prestigious Fullbright scholarship program, which provides funding for graduate study, research, and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminology, Criminal Justice program at George Mason University offers students a comprehensive and specialized education in the field of criminal justice. This program is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of rewarding careers in law enforcement, policy analysis, research, advocacy, and more.

1. Law Enforcement: Graduates can pursue careers in various law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. They can work as police officers, detectives, investigators, or even special agents in agencies like the FBI, DEA, or ATF.

2. Corrections and Rehabilitation: Graduates may work in correctional facilities as probation officers, parole officers, or correctional counselors. They play a crucial role in helping individuals reintegrate into society after serving their sentences.

3. Criminal Justice Administration: This program equips students with management and leadership skills that are valuable for roles in criminal justice administration. Graduates can become police chiefs, correctional facility administrators, or court administrators.

4. Policy Analysis and Advocacy: Graduates can work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutes to analyze criminal justice policies, advocate for reform, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

5. Research and Academia: The program provides a strong foundation in research methodologies. Graduates can pursue roles as research analysts, data scientists, or even continue their education to earn a Ph.D. for careers in academia and advanced research.

6. Homeland Security: With the evolving landscape of security threats, graduates can contribute to national security efforts by working in roles related to counterterrorism, intelligence analysis, and emergency management.

7. Private Sector Security: Many corporations and private organizations have security departments that require professionals with expertise in criminal justice. Graduates can work as security consultants, corporate investigators, or risk analysts.

8. Victim Advocacy: Graduates can work with organizations that provide support and advocacy for victims of crime, helping them navigate the legal process and access resources.

9. Juvenile Justice: For those interested in working with young offenders or at-risk youth, opportunities exist in juvenile justice systems, rehabilitation programs, and community outreach organizations.

10. Court System: Graduates can work as court officers, legal assistants, or court administrators, facilitating the smooth operation of judicial proceedings.