Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Criminal justice is the study of laws, procedures, and institutions designed to uphold social order, prevent crime, and administer justice.
Overview
Students in Grand Valley's criminal justice major learn the theoretical foundations of crime, criminal behavior, and societal responses to crime. Understanding the three main pillars of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections, gives students the practical knowledge and skills they will need in the profession.
In this program, you will take courses that examine constitutional rights, explore the corrections and courts processes, and study criminology. You will also tackle various issues in criminal justice and examine the intricacies of juvenile justice. Various elective offerings in specialized areas of study like security, digital crime, and white-collar crime allow you to tailor your education to your interest and career goals.
Studying Criminal Justice at Grand Valley offers access to one of the largest programs in the country, with nationally recognized faculty. You will have the opportunity to intern with agencies and organizations of your choosing and learn from faculty who bring diverse, practical experiences to fieldwork and the classroom. Grand Valley is also a state leader in police academy training, setting the standard for law enforcement education in Michigan.
School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies
gvsu.edu/cj
289C Richard M.
DeVos Center
(616) 331-7130
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 31,728.85 | 10% |
| $ 36,826.16 | 25% |
| $ 49,188.70 | 50% |
| $ 68,324.74 | 75% |
| $105,437.00 | 90% |
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 71,822.40 | 10% |
| $ 82,388.79 | 25% |
| $ 92,559.99 | 50% |
| $118,248.00 | 75% |
| $166,296.00 | 90% |
Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.
Top skills- Service Orientation
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 45,427.20 | 10% |
| $ 61,547.20 | 25% |
| $ 78,166.39 | 50% |
| $ 99,819.19 | 75% |
| $126,006.40 | 90% |
94%
Graduates Employed After Graduation
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
- William Hegarty Scholarship
- The Shawn D. Wiersma Justice Memorial Scholarship
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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