Career-Based Mentorship Program
What is a career-based mentorship?
The Career-Based Mentorship program allows students currently employed in a criminal justice-related job to earn academic credit through structured professional development, workplace-based learning, and competency-based coursework while remaining in their current position.
This fully online, competency-based course allows students to work at their own pace and progress through competencies based on demonstrated mastery.
who it is for & what you will learn
This pathway is designed for undergraduate students in a BAAS, BA, or BS program offered in the College of Criminal Justice. Students must be currently employed in a criminal justice-related position and want to connect their current professional experience to academic credit. Students who are not currently employed in a criminal justice-related position should follow the traditional internship pathway.
- Earn academic credit while remaining employed
- Apply coursework directly to your professional role
- Develop a professional portfolio and career advancement plan
- Complete coursework through a flexible, competency-based format
In this course, you will:
- Develop a personalized professional development and career advancement plan
- Reflect on workplace experiences, strengths, and areas for professional growth
- Identify real workplace challenges and develop evidence-based solutions
- Create a professional portfolio that showcases your achievements, skills, and career development
- Apply course learning directly to real-world workplace experiences
Students must:
- Be classified as an undergraduate student in a BAAS, BA, or BS program offered in the College of Criminal Justice
- Have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours
- Apply the course toward an approved advanced elective and/or applied credit requirement in your degree program
career-based mentorship vs. internship
Which do I choose?
Use the flowchart below to determine which option is right for you and how to get started.
If you are not currently employed in a CJ-related position, you should follow the traditional internship pathway.
career-Based Mentorship Course Structure
Credit Hours & Competencies Completed
- 3 credit hours -> Competency 1
- 6 credit hours -> Competencies 1-2
- 9 credit hours -> Competencies 1-3
- 12 credit hours -> Competencies 1-4
Competencies are completed sequentially. Each competency represents a major area of professional development and includes authentic assignments designed to demonstrate workplace knowledge, skills, and growth.
Competencies
- Professional Development Planning
- Professional Experience and Reflection
- Evidence-Based Problem Solving
- Professional Portfolio Development
Mastery-Based Learning
Assignments are evaluated using the following levels:
- Mastered with Distinction
- Mastered
- Not Yet Mastered
Students must achieve Mastered or Mastered with Distinction to successfully complete each required assignment and competency.
Students may submit each assignment up to three total attempts (initial submission plus up to two revisions) in order to demonstrate mastery.
frequently asked questions
No. The Career-Based Mentorship course is designed for students who are already employed in a criminal justice-related position and want to complete structured professional development within their current workplace.
No. Students complete coursework based on their current professional role.
Yes. The course is fully online and allows students to work at their own pace while progressing through competencies based on demonstrated mastery.
No. Students complete the number of competencies associated with their approved credit-hour enrollment and degree plan.
Students will submit an Employment Verification Form signed by their employer.
Ready to get started?
Once you have determined which path is right for you, contact one of the offices below to take the next step.
-
BAAS Students:
Contact the COCJ Undergraduate Pathways Coordinator to review degree requirements and register for the Career-Based Mentorship course.
COCJ Undergraduate Pathways Coordinator - BAAS in CJ
Email: cjcbeadvising@shsu.edu -
BA/BS Students
Contact your academic advisor at the SAM Center to determine your pathway eligibility.
Student Advising and Mentoring Center (SAM Center)
Email: samcenter@shsu.edu
Phone: 936-294-4444NOTE: If you are eligible for the Career-Based Mentorship pathway, you will be referred to the COCJ Career-Based Mentorship Coordinator.
Email: cjcareercredit@shsu.edu
Phone: 936-294-1652