Applied Experience

Applied Experience (CRIJ 4398) offers students the opportunity to gain practical work experience in criminal justice or a related field.  Students planning to pursue careers in law enforcement, law, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, and/or social services will find this opportunity especially beneficial.  Students will gain valuable hands-on training and networking opportunities.  Some agencies/organizations may offer paid internships or the opportunity for future employment.

CRIJ 4398 counts as an upper division elective. Credit for the course is based on a "satisfactory" grade (it does not count toward your GPA).  Students who receive an "unsatisfactory" will not earn credit for the Applied Experience. Students receive either “CR” (credit) or “NC” (no credit) for the course. Students are required to work 120 hours with the agency, about eight hours per week during a normal semester. Students can only register for the course if they receive permission from the Applied Experience coordinators and fill out the appropriate form in the semester prior to taking the course.

Who can apply for "Applied Experience"?

Applied Experience is open to all Criminal Justice majors and minors who have junior or senior standing.  Majors from related College of Liberal Arts disciplines may also be eligible for participation in Applied Experience.

How do I sign up for the Applied Experience and how do I select an organization/agency?

In the semester BEFORE Applied Experience:

1. Interested students should make an appointment to speak with Dr. Sarah Scott about career goals and internship opportunities.  She will provide a list of potential agencies/organizations, associated literature and potential work you may perform, and agency/organization contact information.
2. Arrange for an interview with the agency/organization. The agency/organization is likely to conduct a background check, which can take 2-4 weeks to complete.
3. After the interview, the agency is likely to offer you an internship for the next semester. In order to register for the course, you will need to complete the Applied Experience form (the form will be given to you during your meeting with Dr. Scott). Return the signed Applied Experience application form to Dr. Scott.

In the semester you PARTICIPATE in Applied Experience:

1. Contact your on-site supervisor at the beginning of the semester and confirm your hours and job responsibilities. 
2. Work logs will be submitted via Blackboard after every 30 hours with the agency. At the end of the semester, you will submit a reflection paper. We require a performance evaluation from your on-site supervisor.  You are required to work 120 hours per semester (an average of 8 hours per week during the 15 week semester).  The exact schedule of hours is negotiated between you and the agency.