Undergraduate Internships & Graduate Practicums

Course Description

This course offers hands-on experience in criminal justice (CJ) or justice-related organizations, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Students gain skills, enhance resumes, and build career-relevant contacts. Note: 3 credit hours require 120 work hours; 6 credit hours require 240 work hours.

Benefits

Numerous advantages of internships have been emphasized by both criminal justice students and practitioners*:

For Students

  • Apply Knowledge. Practical application of classroom learning.
  • Career Readiness. Clarify career goals and improve readiness.
  • Networking. Gain valuable contacts and mentorship.
  • Skill Development. Enhance leadership, teamwork, and communication.
  • Empathy. Develop understanding towards diverse individuals.
  • Time Management. Improve time management skills.

For Employers

  • Talent Recruitment. Spot future employees.
  • Organizational Enhancement. Utilize interns' unique skills.
  • Networking. Build valuable future professional contacts.
  • Mentorship. Guide the next generation.
  • Support. Benefit from additional assistance.
  • Partnerships. Strengthen ties with educational institutions.

Student Eligibility Requirements 

CJ450 Undergraduate Internship

  • Class Standing. Senior standing with at least 90 credit hours completed by the start of the internship.Note: Students completing internships at federal agencies with different criteria may be exempt from these requirements.
  • GPA. Minimum 2.5 overall GPA.
  • Criminal Justice Credits. Bachelor's students in criminal justice must have completed at least five of the core courses.

CJ690 Graduate Practicum

  • GPA. Minimum 3.0 overall GPA.
  • Criminal Justice Credits. Completion of the Criminal Justice Masters core courses.

Application and Placement Deadlines

Application Submission

Meet with the Internship Coordinator one semester before your desired start date to discuss eligibility and the internship process. Submit application and unofficial transcript by the following deadlines:

  • Fall internships: May 15
  • Spring internships: October 15

Placement Site Approval

After application approval, students will find and secure an internship. Once secured, they must submit the placement details and a signed Educational Agreement. The deadline for this submission is two weeks before the semester begins.

Application and Approval Process 

  1. Pre-Application Meeting: Read the Internship Handbook and contact the Internship Coordinator (Professor Ouellette heather.ouellette@louisville.edu) to discuss eligibility and the process.

  2. Complete Internship Application:
    a) Log into Cardinal Careers and select the "Experiential Learning" tab.
    b) Complete the "Experiential Learning Application/Form" and click “Submit Application.”
    c) Email a copy of your unofficial transcript to the Internship Coordinator. You can access your transcript by logging into your ULink account (Ulink>Academic Records>View Unofficial Transcript) or by contacting the Registrar’s Office at regoff@louisville.edu
  3. Prior Approval for Contacting Organizations: Once approved, the Internship Coordinator will email you approval to start contacting organizations. Prior approval ensures organizations know you meet the department's requirements.

  4. Internship Search and Placement: Find and secure an internship. The Internship Coordinator can assist and answer any questions, but the responsibility is yours.

  5. Placement Site Approval and Educational Agreement: 
    a) Log into Cardinal Careers and navigate to the “Experiential Learning” tab and click “Add New Experience.” 
    b) Complete the form and enter your initials to sign the Educational Agreement, and click “Submit.” 
    c) Your form will be reviewed by the Internship Coordinator and your Supervisor.

  6. Registration Clearance: After final confirmation, the Department will clear you for registration and notify you via email to register for the course.

 

Scan the QR codes or click on the links below to download the checklist and handbook for detailed guidance.

CJ Checklist

 

CJ Handbook

 

 

Academic Requirements

Internships combine coursework with field experiences. Students must complete the application and approval process before enrolling in CJ450/690.

Contact Information

Questions About Getting an Internship?

Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies/Internship Coordinator:
Professor Heather Ouellette
Email: heather.ouellette@louisville.edu

 

*Sources:

Assur, E. T., Goldberg, M.C., & Ross, L. (1999). Student interns: Are they worth the bother? Federal Probation, 63(1), 59-61. Retrieve from: https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/63_1_9_0.pdf

Blank, N., Goldberg-Glen, R. S., Simons, L., Scharfetter, N., & Grande, D. (2023). Lessons learned from an undergraduate criminal justice internship: The student experience. Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice and Criminology. https://doi.org/10.21428/88de04a1.69761965

Murphy, D., Merritt, W., & Gibbons, S. (2013). Student and supervisor perspectives on the benefits of criminal justice internships. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 24(2), 235-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/10511253.2013.782053