University of Florida Homepage

Sociology and Criminology & Law

Internships

Practicum/Internship Opportunities in the Criminology & Law Division

Practicum and internship opportunities offer students the opportunity to obtain applied experience as part of their education. CCJ 4940 provides students with an opportunity to earn credit from a supervised experience in criminology and law.

  • Internships are not required, but can enhance your undergraduate studies by providing an opportunity for students to gain valuable real-world experience.
  • Foremost is the opportunity to apply the theories, concepts, and principles learned in class to “real-life” situations.
  • Internships also provide the chance to “network,” or develop working relationships with supervisors who will be in a position to write reference letters and further career development opportunities. Some internships even evolve into full-time positions following graduation.

Many practicum/internship placements occur in various agencies or organizations off campus (e.g., clerk of court, law enforcement, law office). Separate sections are available for law enforcement, law, court administration/victim services, juvenile justice, and corrections. There is an internship coordinator (Dr. Michael Capece) with whom you can work to make arrangements for these. Interns are expected to complete 160 hours with the agency/facility.

Either a research or teaching internship can be completed on campus supervised by staff in the division. Research or teaching internships require 160 hours of time. Students need to make arrangements with the instructor or research supervisor and fill out a form that can be obtained from the undergraduate coordinator. Confidentiality rules restrict what students can do in teaching internships; the Institutional Review Board may also restrict what students can do on research internships.

Eligibility and Requirements

  • The internship course requires a minimum of 160 hours of on-site agency work, directed reading, and writing.
  • CCJ 4940 is a 1-3 credit hour course and carries the prerequisites of CCJ 3024, 3LS or 4LS Major, and instructor permission.
  • Only 3 credit hours of practicum/internship registration can be applied to the 34 credits needed for the major or to the 120 minimum credit hours needed for graduation.
  • CCJ 4940 may be repeated for credit a second time at a different site with departmental approval. A maximum of 3 credit hours of CCJ 4940 are counted towards degree requirements.
  • Grading Scheme: S/U
  • Enrollment in the summer internship course is for Summer C only.
  • Applications must be submitted to the Internship Coordinator (Dr. Michael Capece) at least one week before the first day of classes each semester.
  • Required hours and all class assignments must be completed during (not before or after) the semester you are registered for the course. This includes work assigned in Canvas.
  • You may not be registered for or receiving any credit towards any other internship course during the semester you are enrolled in CCJ 4940.

Getting Started

  1. Please review our list of suggested internship providers (click here). This is not an all-inclusive list and you are welcome to explore internship opportunities with other organizations.
    • Internships are not restricted to the Gainesville area.
    • Relevant topics for internships include: Corrections, Court and Victim Services, Juvenile Justice, Law, Law Enforcement, Research, and/or Teaching.
    • Please contact Dr. Capece to discuss organizations you have found that are not listed.
  2. Contact the organizations you are interested in.
    • It is recommended that you also meet with Dr. Capece to discuss your options. This can be done before or after you contact individual organizations.
  3. Review and complete the internship application with all signatures.
    • Completed applications should be emailed to Dr. Capece.
    • Applications must be submitted for review no later than one week prior to the start of classes. Enrollment is contingent on application approval.

If you are considering an internship and would like more information on how to find a placement, details about class assignments, or you are ready to be enrolled in CCJ 4940, please contact our department Internship Coordinator, Dr. Michael Capece ASAP. He will answer your questions and help explain the registration process and course requirements.