The study of criminal justice is approached as an applied interdisciplinary science, teaching  students both the theoretical and the practical aspects of crime control and the administration of justice. Undergraduate students are encouraged to complete an internship in the field to build their network and their knowledge about a potential career.

Contact Information

Jennifer Schally
Internship Advisor

Jaime Vargas
Academic Program Coordinator

General Program Requirements

  • An internship is not required to complete the Bachelor of Science or Master of Arts in Criminal Justice.
  • Once matriculated, Penn State Criminal Justice majors cannot enroll for internship credits in another institution.
  • If a student has completed six or more internship credits at another degree-granting institution, they are not eligible to pursue an internship.

Degree Specific Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Credits

  • Minimum Internship Credits Required: Three (3) credits if choosing to pursue internship
  • Maximum Internship Credits Allowed: Six (6) credits
  • Hours per Credit to Earn Internship: Three (3) credits per 150 hours

Student Acceptance

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • Minimum Credits Completed: Twelve (12) in Criminal Justice program
  • Specific Classes Completed: N/A

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Credits

  • Minimum Internship Credits Required: Three (3) credits if choosing to pursue internship
  • Maximum Internship Credits Allowed: Six (6) credits
  • Hours per Credit to Earn Internship: Three (3) credits per 150 hours

Student Acceptance

  • Minimum GPA: 3.25
  • Minimum Credits Completed: N/A
  • Specific Classes Completed: N/A

Course and Grading Criteria

Students will be graded on submission of:

  • detailed weekly journals
  • time sheets
  • attendance and adherence to course deadlines
  • writing assignment
  • evaluation will consist of appraising the student on such things as overall job performance,  the student’s ability to follow through on assigned tasks, performance during on-site visits, and willingness to undertake new or unfamiliar activities
    • mid-semester and
    • end of the semester

The course syllabus will have more detailed explanation of the grading criteria.[Sample syllabus]

Applying for Academic Credit

The student and the agency supervisor jointly will develop an individualized learning plan that  outlines the specific internship placement and the type of work to be done during the placement. This must be completed before the application can be approved. The internship adviser must approve the application with the program-specific documents. All application materials must be submitted to the internship adviser no later than two weeks before the end of the semester immediately preceding the semester in which the internship will take place. The internship adviser will make final approval of internship applications, after which program administrative support staff will assist the student.

Criminal Justice Internship Handbook and Learning Plan