The MS in Criminal Justice prepares students to acquire jobs or advance their careers in the field of criminal justice policy and practice. Students receive the scientific foundations and practical insights required to evaluate, select, and implement criminal justice policies and practices that are effective, efficient, and fair. They also learn data analysis skills that equip them with the knowledge required for many policy-oriented and front-line operational positions. Criminal Justice, MS graduates are prepared to be leaders and change agents in the criminal justice field.

The Criminal Justice at George Mason University is a Full Time Master program offered at the university's main campus in Fairfax , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 21, 2027.
About Master of Criminal Justice
- Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and apply the latest research evidence on a particular justice policy or practice relevant to a particular organization.
- Students will analyze data on a particular justice problem using appropriate techniques and translate research for practitioner and policy audiences.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to conceive of new ideas for research projects relevant to a particular organization and write reports, policy briefs and other publications using evidence-based research.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to give effective presentations applying evidence-based research to organizational policies, programs, and practices.
- Students will analyze legal, ethical, and leadership challenges relevant to translating evidence-based research into policy and practice.
- Students will develop key strategies and techniques for overcoming resistance to the translation of evidence-based policies and practices into the workplace.
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Criminal Justice at George Mason University
Entry Requirements
International students interested in pursuing graduate study must meet the following requirements:
- Completed online application for graduate study and application fee
- An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from copies of unofficial transcripts uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center. Note: Due to admissions deadlines, graduate students are sometimes admitted before conferral of a bachelor’s degree. Students who are awaiting conferral of the degree will be permitted to register for their first semester. However, continuance in any graduate program requires an official transcript which verifies conferral of a bachelor’s degree.
- Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center from all universities attended.
- All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. For suggested NACES evaluation services, please reference the International Transfer Requirements section above. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. The Office of Admissions has final authority on all evaluations. Evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.
- Verification of English language proficiency. Please see English language requirements page.
- Official GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MAT or other official test scores, as required by your program sent directly to Mason from the testing agency
- Other supplemental materials specified by your academic program such as essays, departmental forms, portfolios, or interviews
English Requirements
- PTEMin 67
- IELTSMin 7
- TOEFLMin 88
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Criminal Justice at George Mason University
How to Apply for Master of Criminal Justice at George Mason University
Your complete application package will require supplemental forms and documents to go along with your application. Examples might include your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, transcripts from universities/colleges attended, visa status, results of standardized tests, essays, resume, activity lists, etc. Materials that you supply can be prepared before you apply. For the Common Application, these items can be uploaded into your application. For Mason’s Exclusive Online Application for Admission, these items can be sent electronically or mailed as directed when you apply. The rest of your documents can be provided after you apply, just be aware of the deadlines that apply to you.

United States of America, Fairfax