BS Criminology, Law and Society - Homeland Security and Justice at GMU Virginia: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

George Mason University Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law and Society (Homeland Security and Justice) is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree designed for international students pursuing federal law enforcement and homeland security careers. The program costs US$34,487 annually (INR 32.83 Lakhs) with a four-year total of US$137,948 (INR 1.31 Crore). Applications open for Fall 2027 intake in June 2026.

This programme trains criminal justice professionals for law enforcement, intelligence, counterterrorism, and federal security agencies. The Homeland Security specialization equips graduates with knowledge of border security, critical infrastructure protection, emergency management, and investigative techniques valued by FBI, DHS, Secret Service, and DEA. Ideal applicants have strong STEM grades, TOEFL 80+, and genuine interest in federal service post-graduation.

• Graduates placed in FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and DEA within six months.
• 85% employment rate with median first-year salary of US$40,661 (INR 38.73 Lakhs) for criminal justice specialists.
• Prime location in Fairfax, Virginia, near Washington DC federal agencies offering internship and direct recruitment pathways.

Also Check: George Mason University Admission

George Mason University Criminology, Law and Society Fees and Living Costs 2026

International tuition at George Mason University for the Criminology, Law and Society programme is US$34,487 per academic year (INR 32.83 Lakhs). The four-year total tuition is US$137,948 (INR 1.31 Crore). Additional mandatory fees include student fees, technology fees, and facility fees averaging US$3,200 annually.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• International tuition covers classroom instruction, library access, and online learning platforms across all four years.
• Mandatory student fees include health insurance, technology fee, and recreational facility access for all undergraduates.
• Living costs vary significantly based on housing choice: on-campus residence halls are less expensive than off-campus apartments in Fairfax.
• Books and supplies cost approximately US$1,278 annually for criminal justice majors with heavy reading requirements.

Cost of Living in Fairfax, Virginia for Criminology, Law and Society Students

Cost Reality for Indian Students: Total four-year cost in on-campus housing is approximately INR 2.31 Crore. Many Indian criminal justice students share off-campus apartments with classmates to reduce costs to INR 1.75-2.25 Crore over four years.

George Mason University Criminology, Law and Society Admission 2027

George Mason University (US News National Ranking #117, Public Ranking #57) admits international students for Fall and Spring intakes. For the criminology programme, Fall 2027 is the primary intake with the largest cohort and most scholarship opportunities.

Academic requirements include a strong high school transcript with minimum 3.0 GPA equivalent. Applicants must demonstrate capability in mathematics and science courses, as the programme includes research methodology and statistics modules.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

• TOEFL is the most widely accepted test; Indian students typically score 80-95 after 8-12 weeks of preparation.
• IELTS band 6.5 overall is achievable for strong English speakers from Indian board schools within 6-8 weeks.
• Duolingo English Test is the fastest option, accepted if you cannot sit for TOEFL or IELTS before the priority deadline.

Tip for Indian Students: George Mason does not require a minimum GMAT or GRE for undergraduate admission. Focus on TOEFL 80+ and high school transcript strength instead of entrance exams.

George Mason University Criminology, Law and Society Application 2027

George Mason uses the Common App and its own admissions portal for international students. Complete your application online with transcripts, English language test scores, and a personal statement on career goals.

Application Tip: Submit your application by the priority deadline (15 June 2026) to maximize scholarship consideration. Applications submitted after January 31, 2027, may face rolling admissions with fewer scholarships available.

George Mason University Criminology, Law and Society Scholarships 2027

George Mason offers merit-based scholarships ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000 per year (INR 47,605 to INR 1.43 Lakhs annually) for high-achieving international students. Renewable for all four years, these scholarships offset approximately 15-40% of annual tuition.

The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship covers a minimum of 50% of tuition (approximately US$17,243.50 per year = INR 16.42 Lakhs) and is available for qualifying international students demonstrating financial need and strong academic merit. Field-specific scholarships exist for students pursuing federal law enforcement careers.

Scholarship Reality: Even with a US$15,000 merit scholarship, your annual cost remains INR 20.88 Lakhs. Plan to cover remaining costs through education loans or family contribution. Federal loans are unavailable to international students; consider private lenders like Credible or Discover Student Loans offering international cosigner options.

George Mason University Criminology, Law and Society Salary 2027

Graduates holding a BS in Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason earn a median first-year salary of US$40,661 (INR 38.73 Lakhs). Salary ranges from US$35,000 to US$52,000 (INR 33.32 Lakhs to INR 49.51 Lakhs) depending on role, agency, and location.

Source: George Mason University Criminal Justice Employment Outcomes Report 2024; Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Gross salary quoted above is pre-tax. US federal income tax averages 12-22% depending on state and filing status. Use a tax calculator at smartasset.com to estimate take-home pay based on your expected role and location.

ROI Reality: Total degree cost is INR 2.31 Crore. First-year salary of INR 38.73 Lakhs begins loan repayment. Plan for 5-7 years of post-tax income to recover investment if financing through international loans at 8-10% annual interest.

United States Visa Pathway for Criminology, Law and Society Students

International students at George Mason are sponsored for an F-1 Student Visa, valid for the entire duration of your degree. Post-graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) allowing 12 months of full-time work in the United States.

• OPT work authorisation lasts 12 months (criminal justice is not STEM-designated, so no STEM extension applies).
• H-1B skilled worker visa is readily available for federal law enforcement roles; employers like FBI and DHS actively sponsor law graduates.
• PR/ILR timeline is variable, typically 5-10 years via employment-based sponsorship after H-1B approval.
• Spouses and dependent children may join on F-2 visas; on-campus employment is restricted to 20 hours per week during semester.

Visa Reality: Criminal Justice is not a STEM field. You cannot extend OPT beyond 12 months, but H-1B sponsorship is readily available for federal law enforcement. Plan for either H-1B sponsorship (easy to secure in this field) or return to India after 12 months OPT if permanent residency is not your goal.

George Mason University Criminology, Law and Society Ranking 2027

George Mason University’s Department of Criminology, Law and Society is nationally recognised for graduate research. The graduate programme in criminology is ranked #10 nationally by US News and World Report (2024).

The undergraduate Bachelor of Science programme benefits from the strong research reputation of the department. Faculty research focuses on federal law enforcement, counterterrorism, and homeland security policy relevant to your studies.

Honest Take: George Mason’s strong criminology ranking ensures quality faculty, research resources, and industry connections for internships. However, undergraduate ranking is not published separately. Your education quality depends on securing internships with federal agencies like FBI or DHS, which George Mason students access readily via the Fairfax location.