14 Criminal Justice Internships for Undergraduates
Internships help undergraduates translate classroom learning into work experience. They also help you strengthen your resume, explore potential career paths, and develop practical skills that improve your employability. For students considering careers in law enforcement, legal services, corrections, or public policy, internships can give you valuable practical exposure. Criminal justice internships for undergraduates enable you to observe how justice systems operate while building professional networks early.
What criminal justice internships are available for undergraduates?
Criminal justice internships for undergraduates span a wide range of roles, including legal research, victim advocacy, forensic analysis, policy evaluation, and community outreach. Many programs are hosted by courts, police departments, federal agencies, public defenders’ offices, or nonprofit organizations focused on justice reform. These internships often provide mentorship from professionals, exposure to casework or policy initiatives, and opportunities to develop skills such as data analysis, report writing, and ethical decision-making.
To help you find the right internship, we’ve narrowed this list to 14 criminal justice internships for undergraduates offered by government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions.
1. Honors Internship Program (FBI)
Location: FBI Headquarters and field offices across the United States
Stipend: Paid internship (GS-4 pay for undergraduates and most full-time students; GS-5 pay for interns with a bachelor’s degree enrolled in a full-time graduate program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 300–500 interns nationwide
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Early Spring
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at a U.S.-accredited college or university (undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral), minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, must pass FBI background investigation, and qualify for Top Secret clearance
The FBI Honors Internship Program is a full-time summer internship designed to introduce students to careers in federal law enforcement and intelligence. Interns are placed on teams based on organizational needs and may support research, analysis, operational planning, or administrative functions. You will work alongside FBI professionals and gain insight into how criminal investigations, intelligence operations, and national security initiatives are carried out. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to real-world challenges in the criminal justice system. Assignments are available at both headquarters and field offices, offering varied perspectives on federal operations.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per cohorts
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September, Winter: November)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective virtual internship that places students with startups and nonprofits across a wide range of industries, including social impact, technology, and business operations. Interns work on a real-world project that addresses an active need within the organization, allowing them to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting. You will collaborate closely with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, gaining exposure to professional workflows, feedback cycles, and project ownership. The program emphasizes independent problem-solving, communication, and deliverable-based work rather than observational tasks. At the end of the internship, students formally present their project outcomes, helping them build confidence and professional presentation skills.
3. Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Internship Program – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Federal pay scale GS-3 to GS-9, based on education level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 50–80 interns per year
Dates: 10 weeks between late May and late August
Application Deadline: Typically, late August
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16 or older; current degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; must obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance; must have resided in the U.S. for at least 3 of the last 5 years
The Office of Intelligence and Analysis Internship Program allows college students to gain hands-on experience within the U.S. Intelligence Community while supporting homeland security operations. Interns may be placed in areas such as intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, cyber threats, border security, intelligence operations, policy development, or data science. The program is designed to help you develop analytical, research, and professional skills relevant to intelligence and national security careers. You collaborate with intelligence professionals and may have opportunities to rotate across teams for broader exposure. You also engage in site visits across DHS and Intelligence Community offices in the National Capital Region.
4. ACLU Internship Program
Location: Remote or hybrid at ACLU national and affiliate offices across the United States
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified, and varies by role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by department and affiliate
Dates: Year-round (typically 10 weeks full-time or 12 weeks part-time)
Application Deadline: Varies by session and role
Eligibility: Undergraduates and, for some roles, recent graduates; eligibility requirements vary by position
The ACLU Internship Program allows undergraduates to engage directly with civil liberties and social justice work at the local or national level. Interns may be placed on legal, policy, advocacy, communications, research, or technology teams, depending on organizational needs and student interests. Responsibilities can include conducting policy and legal research, drafting written materials, supporting litigation or advocacy campaigns, and assisting with community outreach initiatives. Many roles are available remotely, while others are based in affiliate offices across the country. The program emphasizes issue-driven work, exposing students to real-world efforts in criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, and constitutional protections.
5. New York County District Attorney’s Office (Manhattan DA) College Internship Program
Location: In-person; Manhattan, New York
Stipend: Semester: Academic credit and/or hourly compensation (varies by school and eligibility), Summer: $560 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 10–12 students
Dates: Summer: 9-week full-time program beginning the first Monday in June; Fall: September – December (minimum 12 weeks, part-time); Spring: January – May (minimum 12 weeks, part-time)
Application Deadline: Summer: February 1, Fall: May 1, Spring: November 1
Eligibility: Legally authorized to work in the U.S.; Semester: Completion of at least one year of college; Summer: Current sophomores and juniors who have completed a minimum of two years of college by the internship’s start
The Manhattan DA College Internship Program offers undergraduates direct exposure to the criminal justice system within one of the nation’s busiest prosecutor’s offices. Interns work with Assistant District Attorneys and professional staff on criminal prosecutions, investigations, victim support, and legal research. You may assist with hearings and trials, analyze legal and financial documents, observe witness interviews, and participate in community outreach initiatives. Summer interns also take part in structured educational programming, including a lecture series, brown bag discussions, and a mock appellate argument exercise. Assignments are tailored to student interests, skills, and office needs, providing a well-rounded experience in prosecution and public service.
6. DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) Undergraduate Internship
Location: In-person at the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division (CEOS/HTIU offices)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 1 undergraduate intern selected per term
Dates: Spring and Fall: Minimum 10 weeks, Summer: Full-time, June – August
Application Deadline: Fall: June 15, Spring: October 1, Summer: February 1 (rolling admissions; positions may fill early)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens only; juniors and seniors enrolled in college; minimum 3.0 GPA; must obtain FBI security clearance and have resided in the U.S. for at least 37 of the last 60 months
The CEOS Undergraduate Internship offers students a rigorous introduction to federal criminal prosecution focused on child exploitation and high-technology crimes. Interns support attorneys and paralegals by conducting legal and factual research, reviewing trial materials and investigative records, and assisting with the preparation of memoranda, discovery documents, and litigation support materials. You may analyze statistical and digital evidence, compile and index case files, and assist with research related to prosecution policies and legislation. The internship provides exposure to how complex federal criminal cases are investigated and prosecuted, particularly those involving technology-facilitated crimes.
7. U.S. Marshals Service Student Volunteer Internship Program (SVIP)
Location: U.S. Marshals Service Headquarters (Arlington, VA) and local District or Division offices nationwide
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 150–250 interns across the U.S.
Dates: One academic semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer; internships cannot exceed six months)
Application Deadline: Fall: July; Spring: November; Summer: March
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 18 or older; degree-seeking students enrolled at least part-time in a college, university, or vocational/technical institution
The Student Volunteer Internship Program (SVIP) with the U.S. Marshals Service offers college students an opportunity to gain exposure to a federal law enforcement agency through administrative and clerical work. Interns support daily office operations at either USMS Headquarters or local district offices, assisting with tasks such as records management, data entry, and general administrative coordination. The program is designed to provide real-world government experience rather than investigative or enforcement duties. Students gain insight into how the U.S. Marshals Service operates at both national and district levels while developing workplace professionalism and organizational skills.
8. U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) Undergraduate Internship
Location: In-person; primarily Manhattan office with limited placements in the White Plains Criminal Division office
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15–25 students
Dates: Summer: 8 weeks, June – August; Spring: January – April; Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Summer: February 15, Fall: May 31, Spring: September 30
Eligibility: U.S. citizens (dual citizens eligible); current matriculating undergraduate students; must pass a DOJ background check
The SDNY Undergraduate Internship Program offers college students hands-on exposure to the operations of one of the nation’s most prominent federal prosecutors’ offices. Interns are placed in legal divisions such as Criminal or Civil, or in specialized support units including the Case Team, Electronic Evidence Unit, IT, Human Resources, Records Management, Recruitment and Administration, or the Victim Witness Unit. Depending on placement, you may assist with legal and factual research, evidence organization, drafting or redacting documents, data analysis, and administrative support. You observe court proceedings, witness interviews, and depositions, gaining insight into federal litigation and prosecution workflows. You also participate in educational “brown-bag lunches” that introduce different aspects of the Office’s mission.
9. FLETC College Intern Program (CIP)
Location: Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (Glynco, GA; Charleston, SC; Cheltenham, MD)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 7 interns per session
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Current college students majoring in criminal justice, criminology, business, IT, or related social science fields; U.S. citizen; successfully pass a background investigation; current GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale; remain enrolled with your academic institution during the course of the internship period
The FLETC College Intern Program offers undergraduates an immersive introduction to the federal law enforcement training environment. You will choose between a Law Enforcement or Non–Law Enforcement track, with each intern spending approximately half their time on meaningful project work and the other half auditing basic and advanced training courses. Law Enforcement interns support mission-focused activities related to officer training, while Non–Law Enforcement interns complete administrative and business-oriented projects that demonstrate how operational support functions enable federal law enforcement. All interns are paired with a mentor who provides guidance and networking support aligned with the student’s career interests.
10. Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP) – Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS)
Location: Washington, D.C. (in-person)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 40–60 interns per summer
Dates: Varies by term (summer and academic-year placements offered)
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle; Summer: Early February; Fall: Early June; Spring: Early November
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students
The Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP) at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia provides undergraduates with exposure to public defense work in one of the nation’s most active local criminal justice systems. Interns work within a multidisciplinary organization that includes attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff dedicated to representing individuals facing loss of liberty. Depending on placement, you may assist with legal research, case preparation, client support, and administrative or investigative tasks. Interns gain insight into courtroom processes, defense strategy, and the broader social context of criminal law in Washington, D.C.
11. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Internship Program
Location: GBI Headquarters, regional offices across Georgia, task force offices, and specialized units (including the Department of Forensic Sciences and Georgia Crime Information Center)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30–50 interns per session
Dates: Spring: January – April; Summer: May – July; Fall: August – December
Application Deadline: Spring: September 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: May 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 18 or older; full-time junior, senior, or graduate students in criminal justice, forensic science, or related fields; must be enrolled during the internship term, in good academic standing, recommended by their college or university, and able to pass a polygraph and background investigation
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Internship Program is designed to give undergraduates and graduate students exposure to state-level criminal investigations and forensic operations. It places you in GBI divisions based on academic background, interests, agency needs, and geographic availability. Criminal justice majors work with investigative units or regional offices, while science majors are placed with the Department of Forensic Sciences, and IT students at the Georgia Crime Information Center. Interns are supervised by GBI professionals and exposed to a range of agency operations. The program emphasizes professional conduct, ethical standards, and real-world application of classroom learning.
12. U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; cohort size varies by section
Dates: Offered during Fall, Spring, Summer (and limited Winter placements for some sections)
Application Deadline: Summer: February 1; Fall: June 1; Spring: October 1; Winter: October 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens (dual citizens considered case-by-case); undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing
The DOJ Civil Rights Division Student Internship Program provides undergraduates with firsthand exposure to federal civil rights enforcement and policy work. You will support attorneys and subject-matter specialists across various sections by conducting legal and factual research, preparing case documents and exhibits, analyzing records, and assisting with litigation-related tasks. Interns in the Policy and Strategy Section contribute to Civil Rights policy, legislative proposals, and stakeholder engagement. The program gives a comprehensive view of how civil rights laws are enforced at the federal level and how policy decisions are shaped.
13. Internship in Criminal Justice
Location: Local federal, state, or municipal criminal justice and administration-of-justice agencies (placements arranged through the department)
Cost/Stipend: Full-Time Students: No cost / Part-Time or Summer Session: Per credit rate applies / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; 25–30 students
Dates: Offered during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters (120 required internship hours)
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors or seniors at Rutgers; minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA; completion of prerequisite Criminal Justice coursework; permission of the department
The Internship in Criminal Justice course is a structured, credit-bearing experiential learning opportunity that complements academic training with professional experience. You will complete 120 supervised hours at a criminal justice or administration-of-justice agency, gaining exposure to public service or private-sector environments. In addition to fieldwork, the course includes symposiums, study sessions, research assignments, term papers, and oral presentations that encourage reflection and professional skill development. Through observation and participation, you apply theoretical concepts learned in the classroom to practical settings.
14. Criminal Justice Internship Program (UNLV)
Location: Local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies (placements approved through UNLV)
Cost/Stipend: Per credit rate applies (varies as per residence status) / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; 30–35 students per section per semester
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters
Application Deadline: Summer: March 1, Fall: May 1, Spring: December 1
Eligibility: Declared Criminal Justice major or minor; juniors or seniors; minimum 2.75 GPA; completion of prerequisite courses; must have completed at least one semester at UNLV with a UNLV GPA
The UNLV Criminal Justice Internship Program is a credit-bearing experiential learning opportunity designed to help you explore criminal justice careers through professional experience. Internships are completed at approved local, state, or federal criminal justice agencies and must be preapproved by the department’s Internship Coordinator. You apply academic concepts in real-world settings while developing practical skills, professional judgment, and workplace readiness. You also benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and structured career exploration. You may earn up to six internship credits, with required weekly hours determined by credit load.
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