Undergraduate Internships

SCJ Internships

The School of Criminal Justice values experiential learning as a key component to undergraduate and graduate studies. Internships, research, and field experiences can help students make informed decisions regarding their educational and career experiences. An internship can be a great, hands-on way to learn more about a specific aspect of the criminal justice field. It’s also a terrific way to make professional contacts.

The School of Criminal Justice offers academic credit for approved internships. Internships offer undergraduate students the opportunity to gain pre-professional experience in criminal justice. Credit for approved internships is granted through the course numbered 202:499.

Academic credit. In general, three hours of academic credit may be earned for 150 hours of internship experience. The course is letter graded. There are 3 required classes over the course of the semester; 2 weeks after the semester begins, mid-term/ 75 completed hours and final 150 completed. Participation is mandatory.

Eligibility. Juniors or seniors (64+ credit hours) with a minimum grade point average of 3.3 are eligible to take an internship course.

Internship Approval

1. Students must first verify with their APSS advisor that they meet the requirements to be considered for an internship and the internship class. Students can request an evaluation of their eligibility here: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PV0wOPq664IcYu.
2. Approved students then complete internship forms A and B, available here: SCJ Undergraduate Internship Packet. Once completed, please download and email to the SCJ Director of Community Outreach, Lori Scott-Pickens at lpickens@scj.rutgers.edu. Director Pickens must approve students to register for the internship course. Approved students will receive a special permission number from their APSS advisor.
3. Students should begin preparing for the Internship course at least one semester prior to the time when they hope to take the internship course. Students need time to complete SCJ paperwork, search internship options, participate in agency interviews, complete background checks, and allow for the site to be vetted/approved by the CJ Director Of Outreach.

Internship Possibilities

Students are responsible for completing agency internship application process, including background checks.