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

video of jesse flores talking about police academy

GVSU Police Academy- Jesse Flores


Helpful Tools


Spotlights

Dr. Kathleen Bailey - Outstanding Community Service Award 2026 Recipient Spotlight

Dr. Kathleen Bailey - Outstanding Community Service Award 2026 Recipient

Congratulations, Dr. Bailey, for your dedicated years of service and community impact!

Congratulations! Dr. Carrie Buist - Graduate Student Association Kimboko Inclusion Award Recipient Winter 2022 Spotlight

Congratulations! Dr. Carrie Buist - Graduate Student Association Kimboko Inclusion Award Recipient Winter 2022

The Kimboko Inclusion Award recognizes faculty who have made significant contributions in outstanding teaching, distinctive scholarship or creative work, or noteworthy service in moving GVSU graduate education toward being a more diverse and inclusive.

Alumnus, Capitol Police officer remains focused on law enforcement aspirations amid recent Capitol attacks Spotlight

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.

Christina Ledezma, Criminal Justice - Outstanding Master's Thesis Spotlight

Christina Ledezma, Criminal Justice - Outstanding Master's Thesis

Congratulations to Christina for receiving the Graduate Dean's Citation for Outstanding Master's Thesis - Winter 2018!

CCPS STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS Spotlight

CCPS STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to all CCPS student award recipients! We would like recognize and honor your achievements in academic excellence.

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News

Legal Studies - Learning through Virtual Reality

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

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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,...

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Page last modified April 7, 2026