Internships

Test drive your criminal justice career before you graduate through our unique internship program. The College of Criminal Justice offers more than 300 internship opportunities with more added every year at federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and private corporations. Students have the opportunity to work part-time or full-time in participating agencies for an entire semester, earning valuable experience. In fact, one-third of internships directly led to jobs in the assigned agencies, while others provide contacts to help students start careers in their chosen fields. Again, Thank you for your interest in the Internship Office at Sam Houston State University within the Department of Criminal Justice. Our office is committed to supporting undergraduate students majoring in Criminal Justice, Victim Studies, and Security Studies. To participate in our internship program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Beginning in the Fall of 2024, we will offer a variable credit system to accommodate students' academic schedules while gaining practical work experience through internships. The credit breakdown is as follows:

  • 3 credit hours: 10 hours of work per week for the semester.
  • 6 credit hours: 20 hours of work per week for the semester.
  • 9 credit hours: 30 hours of work per week for the semester.
  • 12 credit hours: 40 hours of work per week for the semester.

To begin the internship application process, please arrange a meeting with your academic advisor for transcript review and approval. Once approved, your advisor will submit the COCJ interest form to our office. We will contact you within five business days upon receiving this form.

Please note the critical deadlines for application submissions:

  • Summer: February 15th.
  • Fall: March 1st.
  • Spring: August 1st.
*If you miss the application deadline, please send an email to CJInternship@shsu.edu and our office will follow up with you regarding this matter.

Important considerations:

  • Certain internship placements require background checks and drug tests; disclosure of any prior arrests or convictions is necessary.
  • Applicants must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours before the start of an internship.
  • All self-placements require departmental approval.

    • We look forward to assisting you in your pursuit of valuable internship opportunities. Should you have any questions, please contact haa034@shsu.edu or CJInternship@shsu.edu

    Ready to Get Started?

    • FBI
    • DEA
    • U.S. Marshals
    • U.S. Secret Service
    • ATF
    • Department of Homeland Security
    • Texas Department of Public Safety
    • Texas Department of Criminal Justice
    • Texas Parks and Wildlife
    • State, county and local law enforcement
    • State and local crime labs
    • State and local medical examiner's offices
    • Federal, state and county courts
    • District attorney offices
    • Texas Legislature
    • Health and Human Services
    • MADD
    • National Oilfield Varco
    • Houston Texans
    • Houston Police Department
    • . . . and many more

    For more information about the program contact:

    Heather Alaniz

    Dr. Heather Alaniz-Salas

    Director of COCJ Internship & Career Services
    936-294-1896
    haa034@shsu.edu
    A-214
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