BA in Criminal Justice/MA in Criminology

Students interested in furthering their studies in criminology may pursue the combined BA in Criminal Justice/MA in Criminology. Coursework may draw from sociology, criminal law, international affairs, forensic science, public policy, human rights, ethics and much more.

BA/MA students complete 9 graduate credits (3 courses) in their senior year, and are able to count those courses toward both degrees. They are eligible for the Grad2Grad tuition benefit and can work as Graduate Instructional Assistants. Most students complete both degrees in five and a half years.

Students who are interested in applying to the combined degree program should meet with the Director of Graduate Studies in Sociology (gradsocgwu [dot] edu (gradsoc[at]gwu[dot]edu)) to prepare for the deadline of April 1 of the junior year.

Students in the BA/MA in Criminal Justice/Criminology program must earn a B or better in all graduate courses and complete the required graduate thesis or comprehensive exam.

Application Guidance

Details of the Application Process

• Complete your full application by April 1 of your junior year.
• Apply directly to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in Sociology: gradsocgwu [dot] edu (gradsoc[at]gwu[dot]edu)
• Combine all materials into one PDF document and send to gradsocgwu [dot] edu (gradsoc[at]gwu[dot]edu) with the subject line "Combined Degree Application." (Letters of recommendation will be sent separately by professors.)
• An online application in the GW Student Portal is not required.
• You do not need to complete the GRE nor do you need to pay an application fee.
• You are encouraged but not required to meet with the DGS in Sociology for further information and to discuss your application.
• If admitted, the DGS will forward your materials to CCAS Graduate Studies (Phillips Hall, Suite 215, askccasgwu [dot] edu (askccas[at]gwu[dot]edu)), and that office will email you an admission letter. If denied, the DGS in Sociology will notify you by email and include askccasgwu [dot] edu (askccas[at]gwu[dot]edu).

What To Submit

• STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
  • Your statement of purpose should be a carefully written document of about 250-400 words that explains why you want to get an MA in Criminology. Discuss how you would benefit from the MA program (e.g., research, career aspirations), how you would contribute to our program, and any aspects of our department (e.g., classes, faculty research interests) that meet your goals. Note other background and accomplishments if relevant (e.g., collegiate, professional, and community activities).
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
  • Three letters of recommendations from professors whose classes you have taken; two of these should be from courses in the Sociology Department. A fourth letter from a non-academic source, e.g., athletic coach or employer, is optional.
  • Please ask your recommenders to send their letters directly to the DGS at gradsocgwu [dot] edu (gradsoc[at]gwu[dot]edu). Candidates do not see these letters.
• WRITING SAMPLE
  • Choose a polished example of your academic writing, preferably relating to your current major or intended thesis research topic. Course papers are appropriate, as are other genres.
• RESUME
• UNOFFICIAL UNDERGRADUATE TRANSCRIPT(S)
  • A minimum overall GPA of 3.4 with a 3.5 in the major at the time of application is required.
• APPLICATION FORM
  • Complete the Combined Degree Application form, with the signature of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), Dr. Daina Eglitis (dainasgwu [dot] edu (dainas[at]gwu[dot]edu)).

If You Are Admitted

• All requirements for both the BA in Criminal Justice and the MA in Criminology must be fulfilled.
• Up to 9 credits of graduate-level courses (6000 or higher) will count toward both degrees.  This means fitting one or two graduate courses into the fall and spring semesters of your senior year (either one in fall and two in spring, or two in fall and one in spring).
• While you are a senior, you will need to use RTF-EZ forms to add graduate-level courses to your schedule.
• You will work with the DGS in the department to select the courses that will double count, completing this Combined Degree Credit Form by November 20 of your senior year and submitting it to the CCAS Office of Graduate Studies.  If you make changes to your course selections after submitting the form, you must complete and submit a new form.
• Only courses for which you receive a grade of B or better will count toward the graduate degree.
• In the fall of your senior year, you will be included in the department's graduate program activities, such as the Fall Orientation for MA students.
• Please speak with the DGS if you would like to apply to work as a Graduate Instructional Assistant (GIA).