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Criminal Justice

Minor (M)

Undergraduate Minor

Allendale • Face to face • 21 Credits

Criminal justice is the study of laws, procedures, and institutions designed to uphold social order, prevent crime, and administer justice.

Overview

The criminal justice minor at Grand Valley State University offers a comprehensive education that combines practical skills training with a liberal arts foundation. Students explore crime and violent behavior through the lenses of humanities and social sciences, gaining a deep understanding of the criminal justice system.

The program includes core courses in constitutional rights, criminology, corrections, courts, and juvenile justice, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the field. 

Grand Valley State University stands out for its:

  • Nationally recognized faculty.
  • Extensive internship opportunities.
  • State-of-the-art facilities.
  • Personalized attention and hands-on learning experiences. 
  • Chances to assist faculty with research and fieldwork.
  • Real-world application and professional development.

School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies

gvsu.edu/cj
289C Richard M. DeVos Center
(616) 331-7130

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

#1
University in Michigan by Employers
94%
Graduates Employed After Graduation
A "Best College for Criminal Justice in America"
- Niche.com

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.

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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Page last modified June 11, 2026