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

Events

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Criminal Justice Internship


Police Academy

video of jesse flores talking about police academy

GVSU Police Academy- Jesse Flores


Helpful Tools


Spotlights

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!

Juvenile Justice Vision 20/20 -  Celebrated  Years of Service & Impact Spotlight

Juvenile Justice Vision 20/20 - Celebrated Years of Service & Impact

Juvenile Justice Vision 20/20 began as a grassroots organization in Ottawa County and Partnered with Grand Valley State University through its School of Criminal Justice in 2010.

CUSE Spotlights - Tonisha Jones Spotlight

CUSE Spotlights - Tonisha Jones

In 2021, Jones mentored McNair student scholar Joie Carter, who studied public opinion on human trafficking among undergraduates.

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.

Faculty honored for scholarship, teaching excellence at annual awards convocation Spotlight

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.

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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

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Page last modified February 24, 2026