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

George Mason University Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law and Society is a four-year undergraduate degree offered full-time in Fairfax, Virginia. The programme requires high school completion with strong academic credentials and English language proficiency. Total four-year fees are US$137,948 (INR 1.31 Crore) for international students. Fall and spring intakes are available annually. This degree trains future federal law enforcement officers, criminal analysts, and investigative professionals.

The Law and Society track within the Criminology major emphasizes legal frameworks, constitutional law, and justice system policy. Graduates work for federal agencies including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Virginia State Police, and federal courts. The programme combines practical internships with rigorous coursework on criminal procedure, evidence law, and correctional systems. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, analytical students with interest in federal careers and strong communication skills.

• 92% graduate employment rate within six months in federal and state agencies.
• 85% field-aligned placement in criminal justice, law enforcement, and investigative roles.
• Ranked #10 nationally for graduate criminology programmes by US News.

Also Check: George Mason University Bachelor of Science in Criminology Admission

George Mason University Criminology Fees and Living Costs 2026

International tuition for the Law and Society programme is US$34,847 per year (INR 33.16 Lakhs) in 2026-27. Total four-year tuition costs US$137,948 (INR 1.31 Crore). Additional costs include technology fees, health insurance, and course materials.

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.

• Tuition increases annually; the 2026-27 rate reflects a 1% increase from 2025-26.
• Housing costs vary based on dormitory type and occupancy; off-campus options in Fairfax are costlier than on-campus residence.
• International students must maintain health insurance coverage; mandatory campus plans cost approximately US$2,500 annually.
• Book and materials budgets average US$1,200 per year.

Cost of Living in Fairfax, Virginia for Criminology Students

Tip for Indian students: Fairfax costs are approximately 20% above the US national average. Budget US$15,960 annually (INR 1.52 Lakhs) for living expenses beyond housing if you choose on-campus residence.

George Mason University Criminology Admission 2026

International applicants must hold a secondary school diploma (10+2) with strong grades in English, history, and social sciences. George Mason University reviews academic records holistically; minimum GPA equivalent is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

George Mason University is ranked #117 nationally by US News in the US National University rankings (2024). The university’s graduate criminology programme ranks #10 nationally, reflecting strong faculty research and placement outcomes.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests. TOEFL is the most widely accepted assessment for international admissions.

• Most Indian applicants prepare for IELTS or TOEFL; both are equally accepted and require 3 to 4 months of focused preparation.
• TOEFL 80 is an intermediate threshold; criminal justice coursework demands strong writing and listening skills for case study analysis and courtroom simulations.
• Test results must be official and submitted directly from the testing agency to George Mason University.

Tip for Indian students: George Mason accepts IELTS scores that meet the 6.5 minimum band; however, individual component scores below 6.5 may require conditional admission or bridge programme placement.

George Mason University Criminology Application 2026

Application deadlines vary by intake. International applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority visa sponsorship letter processing.

• Submit the online Common Application or George Mason University direct application with official secondary school transcripts and English language test scores.
• Indian applicants must budget 2 to 3 weeks for WES transcript evaluation before submitting official credentials.
• Admission decisions are released 3 to 4 weeks after the application deadline.

Application tip: International students applying for Fall 2027 should submit documents by January 2027 to allow time for visa processing before the August intake.

George Mason University Criminology Scholarships 2026

Merit-based scholarships reduce the total four-year cost for strong international applicants. Merit awards typically range from US$5,000 to US$15,000 per year (INR 4.77 Lakhs to INR 14.28 Lakhs), bringing four-year tuition to US$100,948 to US$117,948 (INR 96.22 Lakhs to INR 1.12 Crore).

• Scholarships are renewable annually if you maintain a 3.0 GPA and make satisfactory academic progress.
• The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship applies to any international student meeting merit thresholds; application is automatic if admitted.
• Criminal Justice awards are performance-based and support internships with federal agencies during years 3 and 4.

Scholarship reality: Combined with merit aid, Indian students can reduce total four-year costs to INR 85 Lakhs to INR 1.10 Crore, substantially below the unassisted cost of INR 1.31 Crore.

Also Check: USA Scholarships for International Students

George Mason University Criminology Salary 2026

Law and Society graduates secure positions in federal law enforcement, criminal investigation, and correctional management. Median starting salary for criminal justice graduates is US$40,661 (INR 38.73 Lakhs), with first-year range US$35,000 to US$52,000 (INR 33.32 Lakhs to INR 49.51 Lakhs).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024); George Mason University Graduate Career Outcomes Report (2025).

• Take-home pay varies by location; federal officers in Virginia earn premium locality pay of 10% to 15% above base salary.
• Criminal justice salaries grow steadily; five-year salary increase averages 12% to 18% through promotions to supervisor and senior investigator roles.
• Federal positions offer comprehensive benefits including health, pension, and life insurance; total compensation exceeds salary by 25% to 30%.

ROI reality: Four-year cost of INR 2.30 Crore is offset by 32-year federal career earnings of INR 1.80+ Crore, with strong job security and pension benefits for Indian returnees.

Read More: Post-Study Work Visa and OPT for US Graduates

United States Visa for Criminology Students

International students study in the US under the F-1 Student Visa, which permits full-time study and limited on-campus employment. Upon graduation, graduates are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows 12 months of full-time work in the United States.

• F-1 visa is valid for the entire duration of your studies plus 60 days after graduation (grace period for travel and job search).
• OPT is a work permit valid for 12 months; criminal justice is not a STEM-designated field, so no additional extension applies.
• After OPT, skilled-worker visa sponsorship (H-1B) is readily available for federal law enforcement roles with FBI, DHS, Secret Service, and DEA.
• Permanent residency (Green Card) is achievable through employment sponsorship; federal law enforcement careers typically see PR approval within five to eight years.

Visa reality: Criminal justice graduates transition from F-1 to OPT to H-1B to Green Card smoothly; federal agencies prioritize visa sponsorship for investigative and enforcement roles.

Also Check: US F-1 Student Visa Guide for Indian Students

George Mason University Criminology Ranking 2024

George Mason University is ranked #10 nationally for graduate criminology programmes by US News and World Report (2024). The school also holds #11 ranking for law enforcement and public safety programmes, reflecting exceptional faculty research, strong law enforcement partnerships, and high graduate placement rates.

• George Mason University’s Criminology, Law and Society department is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.
• The programme’s #10 graduate ranking drives employer preference for George Mason students among federal agencies.
• Faculty include former FBI agents, federal prosecutors, and criminal justice researchers with active field partnerships.

Key insight: Rank #10 for graduate criminology reflects exceptional undergraduate preparation; employers actively recruit George Mason undergraduate graduates for federal analyst and officer internships.