Expectations for Interns
Students interns are expected to:
- Be prompt and timely in their work
- Perform all assigned tasks to the best of their ability
- Follow all agency rules and regulations
- Conduct themselves professionally at all times
- Submit required internship assignments
- Complete the required amount of hours arranged with the agency
Internship Eligibility
(CJ494, CJ894, FRS 894)
Interns must:
- Hold junior, senior or graduate status
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Previously have completed the core CJ courses: CJ 110, 220, 275, 292 and at least one 300 level core course (undergraduates only).
- Undergraduates may use three to 12 general elective credits toward their degree
- Graduate students may use one to six general elective credits toward their degree
Internship Options
Internships are available during fall, spring and summer semesters. Positions may be paid or unpaid, task-oriented or observational. Approved internships will expose students to new learning experiences.
Students may:
- Attend classes part-time and intern with an agency part-time
- Intern with more than one agency within a semester
- Intern for more than one semester with the same/different agency
- Develop new internship options and submit them for approval
- Receive internship credit for new CJ-related experiences acquired through a current employer
- Receive internship credit while attending a criminal justice (police or military) related training academy, provided application is made prior to academy entry
Insurance Requirements
Students enrolled in an MSU internship course have an official relationship with the university and are thus protected from lawsuits. Hospitalization and health care costs are not covered by the university or the hosting agency. Each student must sign an insurance/liability statement certifying possession of a health insurance policy. Affordable coverage is available through MSU.
Types of Participating Agencies
- District Courts
- State Government Agencies
- Federal Government Agencies
- Juvenile Delinquency Detention & Treatment Facilities
- Local, County & State Police Departments
- Probate Courts
- Crime Laboratories
- Corporate Security Divisions
- Private & Governmental Law Offices
- Correctional Facilities
- Private Security Consultants
- Probation Enhancement Programs
- Circuit Courts
Why should students complete internships?
There are many benefits of internships. Students can:
- Explore personal career choices
- Develop professional work habits and improve communication skills
- Gain hands-on work experience
- Acquire new skills while applying classroom knowledge
- Network with professionals in the field
- Improve employment potential