CCJ 4940 Internship in Criminal Justice

This course will provide an opportunity for the student to observe the criminal
justice system in operation.

Internship Eligibility

  1. You must be a criminal justice major.
  2. You must be in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 overall GPA).
  3. You must have completed all core criminal justice courses or have senior standing.

Internship Application Process

  1. Students are responsible for arranging their own internships. Students interested in an internship should first choose an agency in the criminal justice system (see Internship Sponsor Agencies or find a relevant one on your own). Discussing the various options with the internship coordinator can facilitate this process.
  2. After selecting an agency, you should contact the agency directly to make sure that they are willing and interested in having you as an intern. Once you gain agency approval, complete the online Internship Application Form. The department staff will email you a permit number to register for the class.

Internship Requirements

  1. Course syllabus - The expectations and evaluation requirements are discussed in the course syllabus.

  2. Internship hours. Students are expected to work a specific number of hours per week at the agency: 3 credits = 10 hours per week, 6 credits = 20 hours per week, 9 credits = 30 hours per week, or 12 credits = 40 hours per week.  

  3. Weekly journal. Students are responsible for maintaining a detailed and reflective journal on the internship experience. The journal should summarize the activities they were involved in during each week and what they learned from those experiences. 

  4. Supervisor evaluation. Students are responsible to make sure that their internship supervisor submits a letter of evaluation to the internship coordinator. The letter should include (1) a statement regarding the satisfactory/non-satisfactory performance of work assigned, (2) the number of hours completed per week during the semester, and (3) any other evaluative comment they would like to include. 

  5. Term paper. Students must submit a paper that includes an overview of their experience, a comparison of classroom theory to the internship experience, and an explanation of how this experience has helped you clarify your career goals.