The School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University (MSU) is the nation’s oldest continuous degree-granting program in criminal justice. Since 1935, MSU has been a leader in criminal justice scholarship with its pioneering research, undergraduate, and graduate education and engaged collaboration with criminal justice agencies, the private sector, and communities locally and abroad.

As the nation’s pioneering land-grant university, MSU prides itself on applying research-based knowledge to real-world problems. The School of Criminal Justice is at the forefront of working collaboratively, using knowledge to solve problems and assist communities locally and globally to improve the quality of life, promote public safety, and enhance fairness and effectiveness in the delivery of justice.

Empirical research is an integral part of MSU’s land-grant mission. Specifically, MSU scholars seek to apply research findings to real-world problems with the goal of developing solutions, improving lives, and advancing knowledge. The faculty at the School of Criminal Justice actively contribute to this mission, conducting interdisciplinary research on a range of topics related to crime, victimization, justice, and law. Major projects have been funded by these U.S. Department of Justice organizations: Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and the National Institute of Justice.