When you walk into your criminal justice class at Grace Christian University, you won’t just sit through lectures; you’ll be learning in action. You won’t just memorize legal concepts from textbooks; you’ll put them into practice. One day, you might conduct a legal vehicle search. Another, you could step into a mock homicide investigation. Learning here means doing, and that hands-on experience sets this program apart. .
Dr. Dave Greydanus, a professor at Grace with nearly 30 years of experience as a Michigan State Trooper, believes in learning by doing. “It’s got to be a hands-on, engaging classroom experience,” he says. “From the very beginning, I tell students, you have to be ready to be a little bit uncomfortable because we’re going to get out of our seats.”
This immersive approach ensures that by graduation, you’ll not only have a Criminal Justice degree but also real-world experience that prepares you for the challenges of law enforcement, investigative work, or legal careers
A Hands-On Approach to Learning
At Grace, you won’t just hear about the law; you’ll step into real-world scenarios to apply it.
Take vehicle searches, for example. Instead of simply reading about legal procedures, you’ll head outside and conduct actual searches under legal guidelines. Dr. Greydanus stresses the importance of learning through action. “I’m not going to teach you when you legally, as a police officer, can search a car,” he explains. “You’re actually going to go out and search a car legally. So we’re going to practically put things into place.”
You’ll also have the opportunity to train alongside experienced K-9 units, working with highly skilled German Shepherd police dogs. These sessions provide hands-on exposure to how officers use trained dogs for suspect tracking, drug detection, and search-and-rescue operations.
Each semester, you’ll take part in a long-term scenario, a homicide investigation. Over several weeks, you’ll experience every stage of the process, from the initial crime scene response to forensic analysis and detective work. This immersive approach ensures that by graduation, you’ve already tackled the challenges you’ll face in the field.
Building Career Connections
Grace Christian University has built strong relationships with law enforcement agencies, courts, and nonprofit organizations, giving you access to internships and job opportunities before you even graduate.
“We have cadet positions not only with police departments but also in courts and other legal settings,” Dr. Greydanus says. “These are paid positions, and agencies are really looking to recruit.”
One standout success story is Shari Vandenberg, a former student who wasn’t sure of her career path at first. After exploring her options, she applied for a cadet program at the Wyoming Police Department, got the job, and eventually became a full-time officer. Stories like hers show how Grace students turn classroom experiences into career opportunities.
Grace’s reputation has even caught the attention of federal agencies. “The FBI, which was almost impossible to even get someone to talk to, actually came last year and recruited here at Grace,” recalls Dr. Greydanus. If you’re considering a federal law enforcement career, this is a game-changer.
Criminal Justice Diverse Career Paths
Many people assume criminal justice programs only prepare students to become police officers. In reality, your career possibilities stretch far beyond that.
You could become a probation officer, court administrator, victim advocate, or nonprofit professional. A Grace alum was recently chosen from 62 applicants to serve as a victim advocate at Kent County’s new domestic violence court, helping survivors navigate the legal system. Another graduate now works with Youth for Christ at the Kent County Juvenile Facility, offering guidance and mentorship to at-risk youth.
You’ll also have opportunities to work with faith-based organizations such as 70×7 Life Recovery, which helps former inmates transition back into society. These experiences allow you to integrate your faith into your work, serving individuals in need with compassion and purpose.
The Bible as the Foundation
Grace Christian University’s Criminal Justice program is centered on biblical truth, applying Scripture to every lesson. Professors will teach you to serve with empathy, using biblical principles as your guide.. “Our ultimate goal is to serve these individuals in a way that helps them not to re-offend,” Dr. Greydanus says. “If we approach criminal justice through the lens of Scripture, recognizing that every person is created in the image of God, even those who have made mistakes, we can see justice as a means of restoration and transformation.”
For Dr. Greydanus, the Bible was essential in his own career as a state trooper. He encourages students to see their work in criminal justice as a calling, not just a job.
“As a Christian and a state trooper, it’s amazing having biblical principles guide your life and career,” he explains. “You treat people in a godly but professional manner, and it also keeps your head on straight. You see a lot of things that are not great, and you deal with things that are not always the best. But when you are rooted in God’s Word and trust that He is in control, it helps you navigate those difficult times.”
Equipped for Your Future
When you graduate from Grace’s Criminal Justice program, you’ll be equipped not just for your first job but for a lifetime of service.
“The fact that you can go from a bachelor’s degree at Grace and have federal agencies like the FBI looking at you is a huge step,” says Dr. Greydanus. “You start out uncertain about what you’re going to do, but by the end of your time here, you’re ready to take that next step.”
Even after graduation, Grace’s faculty remain invested in your success. Many alumni continue to reach out to professors like Dr. Greydanus for mentorship and career advice long after they’ve left campus.
Why Choose Grace Christian University’s Criminal Justice Program?
At Grace Christian University, you’ll do more than study criminal justice, you’ll experience it firsthand. With hands-on training, real-world connections, and a strong biblical foundation, this program prepares you for a career that makes an eternal impact.
If your goal is to become a police officer, legal professional, or nonprofit leader, Grace provides the tools, experiences, and Bible-centered perspective to serve with integrity. You’ll graduate ready to step into the field with confidence, equipped for both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.
For those looking to grow academically, strengthen their faith, and impact their community, Grace Christian University is here to welcome you to our community.
Find out more about our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree, or request more info about Grace today!
