Learning Opportunities

The objective of the Department is to provide the student with an understanding of the problem of crime and social injustice in America, the impact of crime on victims, and the systems which identify, process, and treat the offender. Criminal Justice encompasses the areas of law enforcement, prosecution, the courts, and correctional systems, including probation and parole. Developments such as victim services, changes in law, and social justice initiatives are embedded into the curriculum to highlight the ever-changing nature of the field.

Opportunities within the department are available for students to engage in research at various levels, whether it be for course credit or as part of a larger project overseen and directed by a faculty member. In recent years, students have developed and presented their original research at national conferences such as the annual meetings of the American Society of Criminology (ASC) and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), and submitted it to and had it accepted for publication in peer-reviewed undergraduate journals.

 

Criminal Justice Internships

The Saint Anselm College, Criminal Justice Internship program was established in 1974. The goal of the Internship Program is to foster an academically oriented field placement, which allows students to receive college credit for work performed in criminal justice and related agencies of their choosing.

The student remains under supervision of both the professional work site and the Criminal Justice Department. Criminal Justice internships provide students with an opportunity to directly observe the practical exigencies of their potential career field and establish a beneficial network of professional contacts which offer an opportunity for professional recommendations for work or continued education.

It also enables students to successfully transition from academic to work life by learning and applying the behaviors and skills expected by professional employment. These include the ability to meet deadlines, commitments, obligations, and to conduct oneself with professionalism in speech, dress, demeanor, and in honoring confidentiality.

For qualified students, internships may occur in the summer, fall, or spring semester.

Fall and spring semester internships are only available to senior, criminal justice majors. The Summer Internship is offered through the college summer school program, requires separate summer school tuition, and is available to criminal justice majors of all ranks.

A full time internship requires forty (40) hours per week at the work site and is the academic equivalent of four (4) courses, for which the student earns sixteen (16) college credits upon successful completion. A part time internship requires twenty (20) hours per week at the work site and is equivalent of two (2) courses, for which the student earns eight (8) college credits upon successful completion.