Undergraduate Program

Overview
Internships
Honors Program
Careers
Skills and Abilities
Curriculum
Resources
FAQs

Administration of Justice—Making a Difference

Are you interested in a career in law enforcement, law, or homeland security? Does corrections work interest you? Thinking of graduate school? Do you want to make a difference in the administration of justice? These occupations are growing fast, but competition for the best positions can be keen. A college degree will improve your chances of landing a good job, and a George Mason bachelor of science in administration of justice (ADJ) is designed to prepare you for these career options.

You will learn how justice is administered. You will assess the strengths and weaknesses
of different ways of seeking justice—in the United States and internationally. You will learn about the impact of different justice systems on people’s lives. And you will develop essential skills needed to be competitive in today’s job market: analytical thinking, research, writing, information technology, and public speaking.

Starting with a strong liberal arts foundation, the curriculum includes courses on crime, criminal justice, law, and homeland security. Students can elect to pursue a concentration in criminal justice or law and society. A third concentration in homeland security is planned.

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Internships

George Mason’s proximity to Washington, D.C., affords you access to a wide range of internship opportunities. Here are just a few of the places ADJ students intern:

FBI, Secret Service, DEA, U.S. Marshals, NCIS
U.S. District Court, U.S. Attorney
Immigrations and Customs
United Nations, Interpol
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Prison Fellowships International
State and local police, courts, corrections agencies, and law firms

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The ADJ Honors Program

If you are an outstanding student seeking rapid advancement in a justice profession, consider the ADJ Honors Program. Students who meet GPA and course requirements graduate with honors after completing a two-semester honors course. Students work as a team with a faculty member doing cutting-edge research that is presented to justice officials.

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What Can You Do With Your ADJ Degree?

Some of the fields ADJ graduates pursue:

State or local police officer
Federal law enforcement officer
Attorney or judge
Homeland security
Counter-terrorism
CIA agent
Victim/witness advocate
Private investigator/security
Probation officer
Drug/alcohol counselor
Court investigator

Airport security
Customs inspector
Civil rights commission
Social services
Professor
Naval investigator
Corrections counselor
Coast Guard
Immigration/customs inspector
Military police
Loss prevention

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What Special Skills or Abilities Do You Need?

Ability to work with people
Ethics
Computer and information technology literacy
Writing and speaking skills
Analytic skills
Creativity

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Curriculum and Requirements

New Undergraduate Curriculum - Fall 2007

BS in Administration of Justice

General education requirements—35 credits

ADJ required courses—16 credits

ADJ electives—36 credits

Optional concentrations in criminal justice or law and society

ADJ skills for the justice professional—15 credits

Internship

Computers and information management

Foreign language

Management and planning

Social work

General electives—18 credits

Minor in Administration of Justice

Check out resources for underdergraduates in ADJ, including answers to some frequently asked questions.

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