Courses and Syllabi
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.
Criminology Fall 2026
Undergraduate
CRIM 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
Overview of the American system of criminal justice, covering theories of justice, criminal law, policing, courts and associated pre and post-trial legal processes, punishment and corrections, and juvenile justice. Required for all criminology majors and minors. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Social/Behavioral Sciences
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
CRIM 210: Introduction to Criminology (3 Credits)
Explores and evaluates how crime is defined and measured, and examines crime patterns and trends. Provides an overview and critical assessment of the major theories of crime causation. Notes: CRIM majors who are concentrating in criminal justice are strongly encouraged to take this course before or during the first semester of taking upper-level courses in the concentration. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 210 - 001: Introduction to Criminology — Cesar J. Rebellon — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Exploratory Hall (formerly Science and Tech II) L102
- CRIM 210 - DL1: Introduction to Criminology — Auzeen Shariati - Online
CRIM 220: Introduction to Law and Society (3 Credits)
Introduces the relationship between law and society. Discusses theoretical perspectives from a number of social science disciplines. Promotes a foundational understanding of the concept of law and the origins, development, and role of law in society, particularly outside of formal legal institutions. Topics covered may include legal mobilization, law and social change, social movements, law and inequality, and law's relationship to social control. Notes: CRIM majors who are concentrating in Law and Society are strongly encouraged to take this course before or during the first semester of taking upper-level courses in the concentration. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 220 - 001: Introduction Law and Society — John R Murphy — 04:30 PM to 05:45 PM TR - Horizon Hall 1012
CRIM 302: Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System (3 Credits)
Presents theories of juvenile delinquency and societal reactions to it, gender differences in rates and types, historical overview, development of juvenile justice system, and critical assessment of juvenile justice and its alternative. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
CRIM 306: Criminal Justice Ethics (3 Credits)
Analyzes ethical principles relevant for those working in criminal justice. Required for all criminology majors. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
CRIM 307: Social Inequality, Crime, and Justice (3 Credits)
Explores the significance of social inequality (especially race and gender inequality) for several crime and criminal justice issues. Examines variations in criminal offending and victimization, and explores disparities in criminal justice processing. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 307 - DL1: Social Inequality/Crime/Justic — Andrew Novak - Online
- CRIM 307 - DL2: Social Inequality/Crime/Justic — Andrew Novak - Online
CRIM 308: Human Rights and Justice (3 Credits)
Studies the norms, laws, and systems for the promotion and protection of human rights. Provides a foundation for understanding historical, legal, political, economic, and ethical aspects of human rights. Examines ideological and cultural perspectives, sources of violations, the United Nations, regional and national mechanisms, special issues (e.g., women, torture, children, minorities), and the role of nongovernmental organizations. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 308 - 001: Human Rights and Justice — Parwez Besmel — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM W - Innovation Hall 222 - Hybrid
- CRIM 308 - DL1: Human Rights and Justice — Parwez Besmel - Online
CRIM 325: Hate Crime (3 Credits)
Provides an introductory understanding of the definitions of hate crime; extremist groups and individuals; reporting, investigation, and prosecution of hate crimes; and hate crime policy and legislation. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 325 - 001: Hate Crime — William Johnson — 07:20 PM to 08:35 PM M - Blue Ridge Hall 129 - Hybrid
CRIM 401: Policing in America (3 Credits)
Fundamental issues relevant to contemporary public policing in America: role and history of police; impact on crime, disorder, and other social problems; discretion and its control; moral hazards; police legitimacy and public support; police culture and the police organization; and community policing. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 401 - DL1: Policing in America — Will Jarvis — Stephen F Bamford - Online
CRIM 423: Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties (3 Credits)
Studies First Amendment freedoms of speech, press, assembly, association, and religion; the right to privacy; and Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to GOVT 423.
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 423 - 001: Const Law: Civ Rghts/Liberties — Steven L Basha — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM T - Enterprise Hall 276
CRIM 490: Special Topics (1-3 Credits)
Recent developments in the field. Notes: Topics vary. May be used to fulfill requirements for different concentrations in the BS in criminology, law, and society depending on the topic. May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
3 Sections Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 490 - 001: Intel Brfng, Intrvwng &Intrgtn — Terry Gudaitis — 10:30 AM to 01:10 PM T - Buchanan Hall D003
- CRIM 490 - DL1: Corruption in Government — Richard M. Denholm II — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Online
- CRIM 490 - DL2: Crime Analysis — Gwen M. Udell — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM T - Online
CRIM 490: Special Topics (1-3 Credits)
Recent developments in the field. Notes: Topics vary. May be used to fulfill requirements for different concentrations in the BS in criminology, law, and society depending on the topic. May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
3 Sections Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 490 - 001: Intel Brfng, Intrvwng &Intrgtn — Terry Gudaitis — 10:30 AM to 01:10 PM T - Buchanan Hall D003
- CRIM 490 - DL1: Corruption in Government — Richard M. Denholm II — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Online
- CRIM 490 - DL2: Crime Analysis — Gwen M. Udell — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM T - Online
Graduate
CRIM 511: Evidence-based Crime and Justice Policy (3 Credits)
Examines the role that science and research play in criminal justice agencies, policies and practicecs. Includes understanding the strengths and limitations of the evidence-based practices framework, reviewing evidence about the effectiveness, fairness, theoretical underpinnings, and efficiency of various policies and practices to deal with crime and justice issues, and understanding how research is translated into policy and practice. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 511 - 001: Evidence-based Crime &Just Pol — David B Wilson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Innovation Hall 323
CRIM 514: Legal and Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
Legal and ethical issues in the making and administration of criminal justice policy in the United States. Covers the legal framework governing each issue, competing values influencing policies and practice, and the history of legal reforms in the criminal justice system. Recurrent underlying themes are legalized discretion, gender and racial equality, due process, and procedural justice. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 514 - 001: Legal & Ethical Issues in CJ — Craig Miles — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM M - Innovation Hall 323
CRIM 541: Conduct of Justice Organizations at the Street Level (3 Credits)
How justice organizations behave at lowest levels, where service is delivered and discretion is greatest (suspects, victims, witnesses, police officers, prison guards, parole officers, attorneys, and others who interact with the justice system). For MS students. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 541 - DL1: ConductofJusticeOrgsatStLvl — Andrew J. Madrigal — 07:20 PM to 10:00 PM W - Online
CRIM 595: Special Topics (3 Credits)
Recent developments in the field or topics not covered by regularly listed courses. The course content varies. For MS sudents. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 595 - 001: Victimization — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Peterson Hall 2408
- CRIM 595 - 002: Wrongful Convictions — Allison D. Redlich — 01:30 PM to 04:10 PM W - Blue Ridge Hall 127
CRIM 795: Special Topics (3 Credits)
Recent developments in field, or topics not covered by regularly listed courses. Notes: Topics vary. May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 795 - 001: Qualitative Methods — Janani Umamaheswar — 10:30 AM to 01:10 PM R - Blue Ridge Hall 127
- CRIM 795 - 002: Victimology — Yasemin Irvin-Erickson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Horizon Hall 3014
CRIM 795: Special Topics (3 Credits)
Recent developments in field, or topics not covered by regularly listed courses. Notes: Topics vary. May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- CRIM 795 - 001: Qualitative Methods — Janani Umamaheswar — 10:30 AM to 01:10 PM R - Blue Ridge Hall 127
- CRIM 795 - 002: Victimology — Yasemin Irvin-Erickson — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Horizon Hall 3014