MA in Criminology in Washington, D.C. United States | George Washington University

GW's Master of Arts in Criminology program highlights the importance of examining crime and justice systems within their societal frameworks, supported by robust research capabilities and theoretical depth. Rooted in sociological traditions, the curriculum addresses critical issues like racial injustice and police misconduct alongside studies of penal systems and criminal legislation. Students engage in research and academic work to comprehend how societies shape, perpetuate, or mitigate criminal behavior and the environmental factors influencing crime rates.

Graduate students in criminology receive comprehensive training in theoretical foundations (including criminological theory, social deviance, and control mechanisms), diverse research methodologies, and legal principles. They can select specialized courses from GW's Sociology Department or explore interdisciplinary options such as forensic science, global security, or gender studies through GW's partnerships with local universities. The 36-credit MA program offers flexibility, allowing students to either complete a thesis plus three electives or take comprehensive exams with five electives.

With intentionally limited enrollment, the program fosters close mentorship between faculty and students within a tight-knit academic community. Our Washington, DC location provides unparalleled access to internships, employment prospects, and research collaborations in this dynamic urban environment. Competitive financial support, including teaching assistantships, helps outstanding students gain valuable professional experience. While many candidates come from criminology or social science backgrounds, we welcome and have successfully graduated students from diverse academic disciplines ranging from finance to neuroscience.

Alumni of our criminology MA program advance to impactful careers across justice system reform, governmental/nonprofit research, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and further graduate studies in law or doctoral programs.