Internships are a great way to explore different career options. As an intern, you will gain valuable professional experience, connect with experts in the field, learn industry practices and put your knowledge into practice. All criminal justice undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship before graduating. Students must meet the following requirements by the time they begin their internship:

  • Must be a senior in the last 30 hours of study 
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 overall GPA 
  • Complete the criminal justice core courses with a “C” or better in each course 
    • CCJ 3014: Crime in America 
    • CCJ 3024: Criminal Justice System 
    • CJL 3510:  Prosecution and Adjudication 
    • CJL 3010: Corrections and Penology 
    • CJE 4014: Police and Society 
    • CCJ 4701: Research Methods in Criminal Justice 
    • CCJ 4746: Data Analysis in Criminal Justice 
  • Internship placements may require that additional criteria are met, such as proof of a clean driving record, background check and a drug screening.

Please schedule an appointment with Cory Watkins to verify your eligibility. 

How to Apply for an Internship

1

Update your Resume
You will need to prepare or update your resume before applying to internships. UCF Career Services offers useful tools and resources to assist in making your resume stand out.

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3

Make an Appointment
After securing an internship placement, students should schedule an appointment with Cory Watkins to obtain permission to register to the internship course (CCJ 4941).

Internship Partnerships

Our department has over 100 established partnerships with public and private organizations across Central Florida.

+100

internship placement partnernships

FAQs

You may complete your internship any time during your last 30 credit hours of study. Some students opt to wait until their last term, while others choose to complete the internship as early as possible. This gives students an opportunity to explore more than one agency or career field within the criminal justice arena.
Although a majority of internships in public agencies are unpaid, there are several paid internships available in the private sector.
No, an internship should be a new learning experience.
Yes, students may complete their internship at an out-of-state site. If the organization is not currently listed as approved internship site, students should work with the department to develop a partnership contract with the selected organization.
To receive credit hours for your internship, students enroll in CCJ 4941: Internship. Students will find specific coursework, required forms and relevant information inside the modules of this online course.
Students may choose to complete up to six credit hours of upper-level criminal justice and three credit hours of unrestricted electives with internship experiences. These hours may be divided in whatever manner the student, in consultation with the internship coordinator, find best suits the student needs. Additionally, the agency you choose will play a role in your decision as to where you are placed, choice of credit hours and whether to complete multiple internships.
Internships and volunteer experiences are encouraged for graduate students, but the program does not offer internship placement or course credit. Students are welcome to view the internship partnership page and reach out to agencies.