Course Syllabus

CJ 2997 Criminal Justice Internship II

Course Description

Criminal justice internships are an opportunity for students to link theory with practice. They are temporary, on-the-job experiences intended to help students identify how their studies in the classroom apply to the workplace. Internships are individually arranged by the student in collaboration with a faculty member in the chosen discipline and a supervisor at the workplace. This course is repeatable for up to 6 credits, with no more than 3 credits per semester. Additional fees required. Internships are typically pass/fail credits. Students desiring a grade will need to negotiate a contract with significant academic work beyond the actual work experience.

Justification

Internships provide students opportunities to explore career options through an engaged setting while helping them apply academic knowledge and skills to practical work situations. Internships also help students develop interpersonal skills as they gain valuable professional experience. Students who participate in internship opportunities secure work more quickly and are promoted more rapidly than students who do not. Often internships work well as capstone courses. All USHE institutions offer internship opportunities to their students.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply classroom material to a professional work situation.
2. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to develop interpersonal skills within the field of criminal justice.
3. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate self-initiative, time management skills, effect communication skills, punctuality, and professional conduct.
4. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to connect the work environment back to the discipline of criminal justice.

Course Content

This will be determined collaboratively by student, faculty mentor, and job supervisor. The internship contract uses a student’s academic and professional interests to serve as the intellectual starting points for developing a semester-long project. Together the student, faculty advisor, and worksite supervisor will design a project that meets the following criteria: Aligns with the student’s academic program, Offers the student an opportunity to significantly expand their current knowledge and skill set, and Aligns with the student’s professional pursuits. To qualify for an internship, a student must be in good academic standing (2.0 GPA); have completed 30 semester hours or have instructor permission; and ideally have completed coursework that relates to the work experience. To receive credit for an internship, a student needs to work in the profession at least 45 hours for each credit. The academic projects are additional expectations.