Field Work
The field experience can be one of the most informative and rewarding activities of your undergraduate years. We will work closely with you and the agency to ensure that this time is professionally rewarding and beneficial to the organization. The experience gained, the contacts made, and the letter of recommendation provided by the agency at the end of the experience can all prove invaluable.
Internships
First, decide how many credits you want to complete (50 agency hours = 1 credit). Like Internships can be taken at the undergraduate level as CJ 293 (if you have less than 58 credits), or CJ 493 (if you have more than 58 credits). Internships are also available at the graduate level as CJ 590.
Internship and Field Work Details
Both Field Work and Internships have a mandatory 1-hour meeting each week. You will be required to complete academic assignments, written and reading, in addition to your placement duties. This meeting is usually scheduled for Tuesday, from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Although not required, Field Work is highly recommended. Also, undergraduate students may take up to 3 credits of CJ 493 internship to count as upper-division CJ electives. See your advisor if you are interested in this option.
Field Work
- Field Work I and II, CJ 491 and 492, are three credit classes. These classes require that students have applied for and received criminal justice upper-division status.
- CJ491 is a prerequisite of CJ 492.
- Field Work: CJ 491 and 492 (3 credits each)
- Internship: CJ 293/493/590 (variable credits 1 – 6 credits)
How to Get Started
If you are interested in completing an internship or registering for field work:
- Internships and Field Work begin with an application. Complete the Field Work/Internship application (found in the CJ Field Work and Internship Application).
- Contact the Criminal Justice Internship Coordinator to schedule an interview. You will bring the Field Work/Internship application, a copy of your resume, a copy of your unofficial transcript (MyBoiseState), and a cover letter (addressed to the Field Work/Internship Coordinator) to this interview.
Jim Kerns
Field Work/Internship Coordinator
Department of Criminal Justice
JimKerns@boisestate.edu
Office: Criminal Justice Department (Boise State Main Campus, Albertson’s Library Building)
The application process for criminal justice agencies can take several weeks to months to complete.
To be considered for priority placement, send your application packet to the Field Work/Internship Coordinator by the following dates:
- Fall Semester: first week of March
- Spring Semester: first week of October
- Summer Semester: first week of February
Priority placement dates are early. You may be required to have a background check and/or polygraph test prior to placement. The early dates ensure that these requirements can be completed prior to placement.
Student Testimonial
“The experience I had this summer with my field practicum was one of the great learning and development in the field of juvenile probation. I was set up with one of the agency’s best Probation Officers and was allowed to fully experience what it was like to work on a case load with pre-adjudicated and adjudicated youth. This practicum experience far exceeded my expectations and I am very pleased with my time as an intern at the agency. Also, I am excited because this practicum experience turned into a full-time position for me as a Probation Officer.”
-Criminal Justice student