The Growth of Grace Christian University’s Criminal Justice Program
“Much of the program’s success can be attributed to Grace Christian University’s commitment to affordability and the diverse array of opportunities that a BS in Criminal Justice opens up. However, another driving force behind the program’s success is the wisdom and connections that Dr. Shaw and Dr. Greydanus have brought to the table.”
Criminal Justice Program at Grace Christian University
One of the most transformative and engaging aspects of my academic journey was being part of the Criminal Justice program led by Dr. Dave Greydanus at Grace Christian University. I was fortunate to be among the first class of students pursuing their CJ degrees at Grace, and it truly felt like getting in on the ground floor of something incredible. As I went on this educational journey, I had the privilege of witnessing the program’s evolution under the guidance of Dr. Greydanus and Dr. Scott Shaw. These professors transformed the program into a powerhouse rivaling those of any other college in the state.
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Now, two years have passed since my graduation, and I’m thrilled to see how this program has continued to thrive and exceed even my greatest expectations. Much of the program’s success can be attributed to Grace Christian University’s commitment to affordability and the diverse array of opportunities that a BS in Criminal Justice opens up. However, another driving force behind the program’s success is the wisdom and connections that Dr. Shaw and Dr. Greydanus have brought to the table.
The Heart of the Program: The Professors
Both Dr. Shaw and Dr. Greydanus boast impressive backgrounds as former police officers, with Dr. Greydanus additionally serving as a lawyer for the Michigan State Police during his time in the force and once he left the force. Together, these men have cultivated a network of contacts throughout the law enforcement community who are eager to assist our students in gaining valuable real-world experience.
A testament to this commitment occurred just a few weeks ago at the Sparta Police Department. Under the guidance of Dr. Greydanus and Dr. Shaw, a group of 20+ students embarked on a field trip to Sparta, Michigan, for their Law Enforcement and Corrections class. The goal of this outing was simple: to gain a more in-depth understanding of the role played by local police departments, to understand the importance of public service in your community, and to understand the responsibilities that come with positions of trust in the criminal justice system.
Trip To Sparta’s Police Station
This visit meant a lot to the students who were able to attend, much as it did to me when I was in their position going on similar trips. It’s one thing to sit in a classroom and learn about what police officers do, but it’s a wholly different and more enriching experience to learn directly from the men and women who live it out on a daily basis. Another special aspect of this trip was having Sergeant David Price talk to the group. Sgt. Price was an adjunct Criminal Justice professor at Grace for many years, and he is very open about how much his faith means to him in this line of work.
The trip to Sparta Police Department was a direct bridge between the world of academics and the “real” world. It allowed students to witness the inner workings of a police department, ask questions, and engage in conversations with officers and other law enforcement officials. These interactions offered an intimate look into the world of local policing and the responsibilities associated with the roles.
For these future law enforcement and corrections professionals, this experience was an excellent stepping stone toward understanding the realities of their chosen career paths. Field trips such as this one are what ignited my passion for Criminal Justice, and I have no doubt that they are doing the same for current Criminal Justice students here at Grace.
Learn More
Thinking about pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice? Learn more about our growing Criminal Justice program and what is can offer you.
