Alumnus, Capitol Police officer remains focused on law enforcement aspirations amid recent Capitol attacks
Capitol Police Officer Deon Atkins, '15, is earning a master's degree from Grand Valley as he focuses on becoming an FBI special agent.
Welcome to GVSU School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies. As part of the College of Education and Community Innovation at Grand Valley State University we are focused on increasing the understanding of justice based issues for students, practitioners, policymakers and community members. The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies offers undergraduate degree programs in criminology, criminal justice and legal studies; graduate degree in criminal justice; special certification program in our police academy and military basic training academy; paralegal studies certificate.
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies faculty consists of full-time faculty and part-time adjunct faculty members providing local, regional, national, and global perspectives of crime and justice issues in the classroom and through their scholarship.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Criminal Justice (B.A., B.S.)
Legal Studies (B.A., B.S.)
Criminal Justice (M.S.)
Minors and Certificates
Criminal Justice
Information Security Systems
Juvenile Justice
Legal Studies
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Criminal Justice Internship
Police Academy
GVSU Police Academy- Jesse Flores
Helpful Tools
Spotlights
The Latest - Lakers Guiding Lakers
This fall, Terrell and Matt Rogers, both GVSU criminal justice students, became the first from their program to intern at Covenant House Academy Grand Rapids (CHAGR).
Faculty honored for scholarship, teaching excellence at annual awards convocation
Dr. Brian Johnson, professor of criminal justice, receives the Outstanding University Service Award from President Philomena V. Mantella.
Feel Like You Belong: Kyezie Bwanangela - Investigating Justice
Earlier this year, Kyezie Bwanangela a criminal justice major and native from the DRC Congo was interviewed by Alan Headbloom from WKTV Journal.
KAYLA BATES, '18 & '20, RECEIVES AWARDS AND MORE
Class of 2020 graduate, Kayla Bates, has set her goals high
News
Legal Studies - Learning through Virtual Reality
GVNext News from Grand Valley State University highlights the Legal Studies Program and the use of technology.
May 8, 2025
Events
2026 FBI Collegiate Academy
April 22, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Collegiate Academy features seminars, demonstrations, and an opportunity to interact with FBI personnel. The GVSU FBI Collegiate Academy will feature presentations on the FBI's role in Criminal,...
