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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Sociology and Criminology & Law

Internships

Internships provide students with valuable hands-on experience that complements their academic studies. Through CCJ 4940: Internship in Criminology, students can earn academic credit while working with a criminology- or criminal justice- related organization or agency. This experience allows students to:

  • Apply disciplinary knowledge to real-world professional environments.
  • Develop professional skills and competencies necessary for career readiness, including communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
  • Engage in networking opportunities and build professional relationships within the field.
  • Gain exposure to industry practices and organizational structures relevant to criminology/criminal justice.
  • Reflect on personal and professional growth to assess career interests and future goals.

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Course Credit: CCJ 4940 is a 3-credit hour course.
  • Prerequisites: CCJ 3024, 3LS or 4LS major, and instructor permission.
  • On-Site Hours: A minimum of 135 hours of on-site work is required, along with assigned readings and written reflections. (Note: This hourly requirement begins Fall 2025.)
  • Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading only.
  • Semesters Offered: Available during Fall, Spring, and Summer C semesters only.
  • Application Packet (with Internship Agreement) Deadline: Submit the completed application packet to the Internship Coordinator, Dr. Erika Brooke, by 5:00 p.m. at least two full business days before the UF registration deadline (prior to the semester start).
  • Course Timeline: All required hours and assignments (including those on Canvas) must be completed during the semester of enrollment.
  • Credit Limitations: You may not earn credit for another internship course (e.g., IDS 4940) during the same semester. IDS 4940 credits do not count toward the criminology major.
  • Additional Notes:
    • No retroactive credit is granted for past internships.
    • Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on the placement.
    • Current employment cannot be used for internship credit.

Getting Started with Your Internship

Thinking about an internship for course credit? Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Check Your Eligibility

Before you begin, make sure you meet the requirements to enroll in CCJ 4940: Internship in Criminology (prerequisites, hours requirements, etc.).

  1. Explore Internship Opportunities

Identify an organization/agency that aligns with your interests.

  • You can start by reviewing our Suggested Internship Providers list.
  • You’re also encouraged to explore opportunities beyond this list—internships are not limited to the Gainesville area.
  • Reach out to the internship coordinator to discuss your options, too.
  1. Reach Out to Organizations

Contact the sites you’re interested in directly.

  1. Secure an Internship Placement

Although faculty can provide guidance, it is your responsibility to secure an internship site.

  1. Complete and Submit the Internship Application Packet

Once you have confirmed a placement, you are required to submit a complete  Internship Application Packet in order to register for the course. The packet must include:

  • Internship Application Form, signed by both you and your internship supervisor
  •  Internship Agreement (also known as a Memorandum of Understanding or MOU), signed by the internship site and the University of Florida

Important:

An active Internship Agreement must be on file between UF and your internship site before you can begin your internship. If an MOU does not already exist, additional time may be needed to complete the process. Please plan ahead to ensure you meet the application deadline. If you’re unsure whether an MOU is already in place, contact Dr. Erika Brooke for assistance

Email your completed and signed packet to the Internship Coordinator, Dr. Erika Brooke (ejbrooke@ufl.edu):

  • All application forms and internship agreements (if applicable) must be submitted to Dr. Brooke by 5:00PM at least two business days before the UF registration deadline (before the start of classes) for review and approval.
  • Note: The review and processing of Fall 2025 applications will begin after Summer B (once summer processing has been completed).

Have more questions?

If you’re considering an internship and need help finding a site, understanding course requirements, or registering for CCJ4940: Internships in Criminology, please contact our department Internship Coordinator, Dr. Erika Brooke . She’s here to answer your questions and guide you through next steps.