Criminology & Criminal Justice Capstone Internship Program

* Realize Your Dreams! * Start Your Career Now!

The UNF Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice offers one of the largest and most extensive Criminal Justice internship placement programs in the United States. With active placement agreements involving over 60 organizations in both the governmental and non-profit sectors, UNF Criminal Justice students gain hands-on experience in organizations as diverse as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals, Florida Department of Children and Families, Operation New Hope, Daniel Memorial Inc., the City of Jacksonville Mayor's Office, and many others. The CCJ Capstone Internship Program involves 6 credit hours undertaken by graduating seniors in the Pre-internship and Internship courses. During the Pre-internship course, students explore and research the missions, academic research, and specific opportunities relevant to their career area. During the Internship field placement, students are assigned by the Department to actual criminal justice settings and brought back to campus to debrief, discuss research and practice and summarize their experience in a Senior Capstone Paper. Along the way, students share with faculty and one another in peer-to-peer learning exercises. In sum, in CCJ, we empower students to take the first steps of their career journey and to make informed decisions about their career choices.

"The hands on experience is the best part of the whole course, since you get to go beyond just reading about theories and concepts, and actually get to apply them in real world situations."-Meghan Hull, UNF Criminal Justice alumna.

The agency placement list includes the names of our partner agencies and the tasks in which students are involved.

The Criminal Justice Internship is composed of Pre-internship Seminar (CCJ 4939) and Internship in Criminal Justice (CCJ 4940). Both of these courses are required for non-service majors; students must obtain permission from Professor John Dean, the Internship Coordinator, to register for the courses. The pre-internship is to be taken the semester immediately prior to interning.

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Internship Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do an internship?

Yes. The Criminal Justice Internship is required for the Criminal Justice major. However, if you are working in a professional position at a criminal justice agency, you may be considered to be in-service so the respective course requirement may be waived. You must make an appointment with Professor Dean, the Internship Coordinator. Please plan to see Professor Dean early in the semester.
How do I register for the internship?

The Criminal Justice Pre-internship (CCJ 4939) and the Criminal Justice Internship (CCJ 4940) require permission in order to register. You must complete an application form and attach either a current degree evaluation or an unofficial copy of your transcript. Once this has been completed, you can meet with Professor Dean (Internship Coordinator) during designated times and dates specifically for these meetings. Be on the lookout for guideline details and meeting dates in your email and on Canvas from Dr. Eichelberger, the CCJ advisor. This information is critical; be sure to double check your spam folder. For permission to register for the internship (CCJ 4940), you must submit the student placement form and the acknowledgment form. These will be made available during the Pre-internship course on Canvas.
When should I intern?

You should intern during your last semester in school, if you have not chosen the F.I.T. (Federal Internship Program.) If you have a compelling reason to intern prior to your last semester, discuss it with the Internship Coordinators.
Can I register during advanced term registration?

You must complete an pre-internship application, attach a degree evaluation or unofficial transcript and meet with one of the Internship Coordinator prior to registration.
Are there any pre-requisites?

Yes. You must pass all of the core courses before you can intern in Criminal Justice.
So, can I take any core courses while I'm interning?

No. You must pass the core courses before you can intern unless you have chosen the F.I.T. program.
How do I obtain my placement?

You will research the agencies to learn what they do and then participate in an interview with an agency representative. You will determine which internship agency is the right fit for your career goals. This placement will be determined during your pre-internship class.
How do I know what agencies to research?

We have an extensive agency placement list. You will receive the opportunity to review the list with direct contact information during pre-internship. We also have an abbreviated version of the agency placement list online. It lists the names of the agencies and some of the activities in which interns may participate.
Do I have to intern at an agency on the Agency Placement List?

No, professional relationships and agreements have been established with the listed agencies. However, if you have a compelling reason to intern at an agency that is not on the list, you may discuss it with the Internship Coordinator.
Are there any paid placements?

Rarely, agencies may have a stipend but most internships are unpaid.
How many hours do I have to complete in the internship/practicum?

Criminal Justice Internship = 140 hours (this will be contingent upon the agencies requirements.)
How many days per week do I have to intern?

It depends on the hours required per agency.
I work. Are there internship placements that have flexible hours?

Yes, many agencies that allow interns to work evenings and weekends.
Can I intern at the place where I work?

This situation is handled on an individual basis.
Do I have to be at my agency all day, or can I work at the agency a few hours everyday?

Most agencies will want you to be on site for a full shift, however long that happens to be; in doing so, your experience will be much more meaningful. However, shift duration needs to be discussed between the intern and the agency.
Can I work all week for 4-5 weeks and complete my internship quickly?

No. We have structured class meetings and discussions throughout the semester; therefore, you must attend the classes.
Can I intern in in a city other than Jacksonville?

Yes, but it takes a little more work and time to obtain the placement.
I have classes to take during the semester I will intern - what should I do?

Interns should attempt to schedule all classes for the same days of the week so they will be available to intern on non-class days.
Are there any other special considerations that I need to know?

Yes. If you are interested in completing a criminal justice internship with a federally sworn law enforcement agency, you must make an appointment during your junior year for consideration.
What kinds of issues are involved in a background screening?

Most criminal justice agencies involving children will require a record of your criminal history. It is a complete arrest record. If you have been arrested for anything at anytime, it will appear on your criminal history. If you had charges dropped or a record expunged, the arrest will still appear on your criminal history. It is to your benefit to obtain any official court documents to show the outcome of the arrest. If you have had serious felony arrests, sale and distribution of drugs arrests, domestic violence arrests, and repeated alcohol related arrests, you may be disqualified from some agencies, regardless of the outcome. Most agencies will also conduct a background check of your driving and financial history.