Victim Advocacy and Services
Graduate Badge
Grand Rapids • Hybrid
• 6 CreditsGraduate Badge
Grand Rapids • Hybrid
• 6 CreditsVictim advocacy involves supporting and assisting crime victims through legal, emotional, and practical guidance to help them navigate the aftermath of a crime.
Grand Valley's Victim Advocacy and Services graduate badge offers a hybrid learning experience, combining online and in-person classes at the City Campus. It aims to equip students with essential skills in victim advocacy through culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches.
The curriculum includes topics such as the crime victims' rights movement, relevant legislation, and the criminal-legal process. Key courses are Victimology, Crime Victim Advocacy & Services, and Trauma-Informed Response in the Criminal Justice System, taught by experienced faculty members.
This digital badge can be displayed on social media and professional platforms, highlighting your specialized skills to potential employers. Additionally, the program's efficient structure allows for completion in one year or less, making it an excellent option for those seeking to quickly advance their careers in victim advocacy.
A digital badge, or badge, is a record of achievement that recognizes a student's completion of a coherent and meaningful academic experience. GVSU offers both credit and non-credit bearing badges as digital credentials. Credit-bearing badges include anywhere from 0.5 to 15 academic credits and may include additional noncredit criteria. Credit-bearing badges are also posted to the academic transcript.
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You must submit an official transcript from your baccalaureate degree granting institution. To start your application, click here.
For current GVSU students:
School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies
273C Richard M. DeVos Center
(616) 331-7178