BA Criminal Justice at George Washington University

Programme overview

Students in the bachelor of arts in criminal justice program enjoy a dynamic and empirically rigorous curriculum that prepares them to be informed members of their communities, critical consumers of information, and change-makers. The program examines the social context (including racial and economic inequalities and law) and contemporary realities of crime; institutions of criminal justice such as policing, courts, and punishment; and related topics such as reentry, policing, juvenile justice, and victimization.

Faculty: Columbian College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Sociology | Location: Washington, DC, United States

What you will study

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs. Achievement of a minimum grade of C- in any course that counts toward the degree. Five courses (15 credits) selected from the following, including at least one Sociology (SOC) course and at least one non-Sociology course: Note: A student majoring in sociology may not declare a second major or a minor in criminal justice, or vice versa.

Career pathways

Some program graduates use the degree as a foundation for pursuing an advanced degree in criminology or a degree in law.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level admission (applies to all majors): For information about the admission process, including deadlines, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Applications can be submitted via the Common Application. For questions visit undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/contact-us.

USD 72,000 a year (2026-27). Full-time main campus undergraduate tuition for students entering in 2026-27 in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Elliott School, Milken Institute School of Public Health or School of Engineering and Applied Science (12-18 cr Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; transfer applications are accepted for fall and spring admission.

Early Decision I deadline is November 1 and Early Decision II is January 5 (both binding); the Regular Decision deadline is January 5. Applications use the Common Application. Transfer applications are due April 15 for fall and October 1 for spring. Testing is optional (SAT or ACT), except for BA/MD, homeschooled and narrative-evaluation applicants. BFA applicants (except Interior Architecture) submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 works through SlideRoom. The application fee is $80.

International applicants whose first language is not English submit TOEFL (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or PTE Academic scores.

Apply through the official page: https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/

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