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Internship FAQs
Am I limited to one internship?
Not necessarily. Students are limited to six hours of upper-level Criminal Justice credit, and three hours of unrestricted elective credit to use for internship hours. These hours may be divided in whatever manner the student, in consultation with the internship coordinator, finds best suits his or her needs. Some agencies will only take interns if they are willing to serve for at least 20 hours per week, while others only have the time to supervise an intern for 10 hours. Thus, the agency you choose will play a role in your decision as to choice of placement, choice of credit hours, and whether or not to complete multiple internships.
When is the best time to do an internship?
You may complete your internship any time during your last 30 hours of study. Some students opt to wait until their last term, hoping to impress their internship sponsors so the internship may become permanent employment. Others choose to take the internship option as early as possible, perhaps planning to complete more than one internship. This gives students an opportunity to explore more than one agency or more than one career field within the criminal justice arena.
Are there any paid internships?
Since most of our placement sites are public agencies, most are UNPAID internships. There are a few paid options, primarily within the private security sector. Our private security internships provide good experience, particularly for students who are working toward the Security Management Certificate.
I am a police officer. Can I use my job as an internship?
No. An internship must be a new learning experience.
Can I choose an internship in another state?
Yes. You may select an internship anywhere. If you do not select an internship from our listing, your site must be approved, but we are willing to look at any bona fide justice organization.
Is the internship a class?
The internship is a class in that you register and pay for the credits, receive a syllabus, and have specific course work that accompanies the hours that you serve at the placement site. You do not have to actually attend a class (in a classroom) while taking your internship. You will find an online course page on your MyUCF account, and there is course information there, including the syllabus and course forms.
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CJ Highlights
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Renee Washington
(B.S. in criminal justice, minor in information technology, certificate in crime analysis and crime mapping, '09)
"...the internships I had while attending UCF were instrumental in preparing me for my career." — Renee Washington
Washington is a full-time associate industrial security representative at Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control in Ocala, Fla.
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Ross Wolf
Associate Professor Ross Wolf was one of two recipients of UCF's Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 2010, and one of two recipients of the College of Health and Public Affairs Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2012. He came to UCF in 1999 and since then has participated in countless committees within the department, the College of Health and Public Affairs, and the university. In addition to his faculty position, he currently serves as the Criminal Justice Graduate Program Director and on numerous department, college, and university committees. Wolf also serves as a division chief in the Orange County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit, and was awarded the U.S. Presidential “Call to Service” award for his community volunteerism.
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Marva Ellington
Marva Ellington received UCF's Award for Excellence in Professional Academic Advising in 2010. She is responsible for academic advising of two the largest programs in the College of Health and Public Affairs. She mentors students, listens carefully to student issues and concerns, and assists students in looking ahead and exploring options for growth and self-development. Ellington is a strong advocate for students and looks for solutions in her work that support students, departments and the university.
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Tom Stroup: Inspiring School Pride
Tom Stroup, '09 (Criminal Justice Master's Degree), was one of the hosts of the NBC show called School Pride, which aired Fall 2010 that had Cheryl Hines ’90 as an executive producer. Each week, the show empowered communities as cast and crew members to renovate a rundown school and watch as student pride grew. Every episode featured touching personal stories of children, parents and teachers experiencing the amazing transformations of their school grounds and athletic fields. The show also invited viewers to watch for surprise celebrity appearances. For more information, visit www.nbc.com/school-pride.
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