Internships

Apply classroom knowledge to problems and issues beyond the classroom.

The criminal justice department works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and organizations so that you can make real-world connections and gain critical hands-on practice.

Criminal Justice Internship Opportunities

Recent Student Placements
Recently, our students have chosen to work with organizations such as:
- Clinton County Probation
- U.S. Customs Service
- STOP Domestic Violence
- Crisis Center
- Prisoners’ Legal Services
- Clinton County Sheriff
- Federal Correctional Facility
- New York State Police
- University Police
- Therapeutic Foster Care
- U.S. Marshal Service
You may also work with other sites of your choosing. We encourage you to explore potential internships at Go Law Enforcement.
Credits & Requirements
Credits

Hours and credits can vary from 1–12. You and the internship site will decide how many hours meets your needs and their needs. For the internship itself, hours and credits match approximately as follows:
- 45 hours per credit
- 135 hours total = 3 credits
- 270 hours total = 6 credits
- 405 hours total = 9 credits
Minimum Requirements

You must be at least a junior standing, have completed most of your major requirements and have a grade point average of 2.5.
How to Apply
Plan ahead! During advisement and registration period for the next semester (usually in October and March) you should:
1. See your adviser about your schedule for fall
2. Get forms outside sociology and criminal justice department, Redcay 108
3. Fill out internship application completely
4. Make preliminary inquiries at internship sites of interest to you
Summer Internships

You can do the internship here in Plattsburgh or in your hometown; indicate on the application form that you’ll be doing it during the summer. You’ll still have to take the internship seminar in the fall, so count on that.

Internship Profiles

Lauren Brennan, Class of ’24

Lauren is a criminal justice major and a victim advocate intern at STOP Domestic Violence in Plattsburgh, N.Y. STOP Domestic Violence is a branch through BHSN and aims to help domestic violence victims who are in need of housing, supportive counseling, orders of protection and court appearances.

“This is a very rewarding position as I get to help many people overcome extremely hard barriers in their life. Interning here has provided me with so much experience and knowledge and it also helps me to see how laws work in the real world and outside of the textbook. Overall, I have had a great experience working with STOP DV and I am so glad I was granted with this opportunity.”

Tyler Smith, Class of ’23

Tyler is a criminal justice major, doing an internship at the Plattsburgh City Police Department.

“While doing this internship I get to know the inside perspective of what it means to be a police officer. Doing ride-along, responding to various calls, interviewing numerous witnesses, making arrests, and solving cases. These are all things I have seen while being at my internship. I am also getting to know the mindset of an officer while being on the job during any scenario. Getting to know how an officer thinks and works throughout a shift and knowing different tricks and tips from the officers — this is one of the best experiences I have ever had.”

Paula Cucaita, Class of ’23

Paula is from Brooklyn, N.Y., graduating in May with a major in criminal justice and a minor in legal studies. For her last semester, Paula has interned with the University Police, where she gets first-hand experience about what it is like being an officer in a university.

Paula plans to sign up for the police academy in order to start her journey into becoming a detective, or may start looking into law school to apply what she has learned with her minor.