MS in Criminal Justice
John Warren, 2025
The master of arts in criminal justice at George Mason challenged many of the beliefs I previously held and taught me new ways to critically think through solutions and issues rather than accepting them at face value.
What was your specific area of study and how did you choose it?
I chose Criminal Justice as my specific area of study because I find it interesting and because of my prior and current jobs.
If you completed a dissertation, thesis, or capstone, please tell us about it.
My capstone focused on drug reform, more specifically heroin-assisted treatment (HAT). I decided to focus on this topic after reading books such as Narconomics, Fentanyl, Inc., Undoing Drugs, and Mass Incarceration on Trial. Essentially, my capstone examined an alternative way of looking at the ongoing drug crisis. The majority of funding for the war on drugs is directed toward disrupting, traffickers and attempting to deter users through incarceration. In return, the United States has the highest overdose rate per capita and one of the highest incarceration rates per capita, along with a legal system that has become increasingly reliant on coercing individuals into plea deals to avoid collapse. My approach is to target demand rather than supply. Programs such as heroin-assisted treatment and supervised injection sites could reduce demand, help eliminate the underground drug market, and provide significant relief to an overburdened criminal justice system. HAT programs have also been shown to reduce both crime and overdose rates in areas where they have been implemented. I believe that a pilot program using a similar approach could help address the opioid epidemic currently facing the United States.
How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?
I have become a strong believer in evidence-based practices rather than relying on personal experience or what I might otherwise consider common sense.
Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your George Mason career?
The late Professor Joseph Moore was an incredible professor who did not shy away from difficult topics, maintained a professional classroom environment, and consistently challenged each student’s views on ethics and morality.
Professor Jin Lee was another outstanding professor. His courses were challenging and pushed students to think critically. He routinely went above and beyond to support his students, as long as they demonstrated effort in return.
Professor Mathew D’Anna is exceptional at coding, an area that was new to me. His teaching style makes complex material easier to understand, or as easy as it can be.
Brielle DeMatteo is a Graduate Program Coordinator who goes above and beyond in her role to support students. I cannot thank her enough for the help she provided throughout the program.
Why did you choose George Mason for your graduate studies?
I used to live in Woodbridge and attended my undergraduate studies there due to convenience. I have since moved but continued to attend George Mason because of the positive experience I had during my undergraduate program.
Which accomplishments during your time at George Mason are you most proud of?
Completing the master’s program within one year while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?
Manage your time appropriately and don't procrastinate.
What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?
I am currently a military contractor but would be interested in transitioning to government service side within the CJIS division for NCIS if the right job were to ever open up.