GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

The School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University provides opportunities for students to receive academic credit for participating in the functions of an approved criminal justice agency through our internship program. The program is the oldest such program in the country, having been established when the School was founded in 1935. As many alumni will attest, an internship frequently provides the first major work experience for our students while also serving as a capstone to their educational program. For these reasons the School generally limits internship availability to those students who have attained junior status and who have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5.

The internship program offers a planned program of observation, participation, and study in a selected criminal justice agency. In a single 15-week semester, students may work from 10 to 40 hours per week. While exploring a possible career choice, students may also apply their academic experience in a professional field setting. The criminal justice internship coordinator meets with each student prior to placement to discuss career goals. During the internship, each student is assigned to a field supervisor who discusses the work to be done and assists the student in determining placement objectives. More than 3 out of every 5 criminal justice students participate in the internship program before they graduate.


 


CJ 494, 894
Internship Eligibility

 


Student Insurance Requirements

 
Students enrolled in a MSU internship course have an official relationship with the University and are thus indemnified against suit. Hospitalization and health care costs are not covered by the University nor the hosting agency. Each student must sign an insurance/liability statement certifying possession of a health insurance policy. Affordable coverage is available through MSU.
 


Application Process

 
  1. Meet with an academic advisor to review eligibility criteria and to have the advisor portion of the application form completed.
  2. Identify three to six specific agencies you are interested in by talking to the Internship Coordinator, Tim Homberg, 432-3197.
  3. Submit your completed application form along with a draft version of your cover letter and resume to the internship coordinator. Be prepared to discuss the agencies you identified and to narrow down your internship options.
  4. Submit final drafts of your letters and resume to the internship coordinator who will send a request packet to the agency/agencies selected.
  5. Students should then contact the agency to ensure receipt of the request and to arrange an interview, etc.
  6. Students will be issued an override for the internship course after submitting the application form. Students must also attend an orientation, provided by the internship program, prior to starting the internship.


Academic Evaluation

 
CJ 494 and CJ 894 are graded on a Pass-No Credit system. A Pass is based on completion of contact hours required by the School and the agency as well as course requirements which include: