All CJS majors are required to complete an internship or field experience course with an attached internship, service-learning, or applied coursework component.

Information for Summer 2023: The following information details the two courses that meet the Applied Research & Field Experience requirement for CJS students.

• CJS 494 E/EE: Community Programs - Students enrolling in this course will self-place themselves in an internship placement. Students are able to obtain an internship in any area within the field of criminology. Students are required to find their own placement. This class will meet during Summer Session 1 (June 30 - August 22) on Tuesdays from 4:00 - 5:40 pm. After you have secured a placement, please email Dr. Eric Gamino ( ) for more information and a permission number to enroll in this course.
• CJS 454 CC: Communication in CJ - Students enrolled in this course will learn about the importance of effective communication within the field of criminology. Students will receive practical experience with a variety of communication methods *(written, oral, graphic) that would be useful in their future careers. This class will meet during Summer Session 2 (June 30 - July 11) with no designated class time meetings. You may enroll in this course without an application or permission number.

For specific questions regarding internships and field experience courses, contact the CJS Internship Coordinator at cjs.internships@csun.edu.

Information for Fall 2023: The following information details each of these courses, including class meeting times, course modalities, and instructions to apply. We encourage students to read about all of the options before selecting a course. Students should only apply to one internship or field experience course to allow us to process applications smoothly.

For specific questions regarding internships and field experience courses, contact the CJS Internship Coordinator at cjs.internships@csun.edu.

Click here to complete an internship application for the Fall 2023 semester.

Applied Research and Field Experience Course Guide and Handbook:

All students, faculty, and internship site supervisors are expected to review the Internship and Field Experience Handbook, applicable to every class and good for students, faculty, and staff. We encourage students to review this document prior to beginning their internship/field experience work. 

CJS Internship/Field Experience Courses for Fall 2023:

CJS 494 A/AA: Law Enforcement

Students enrolled in CJS 494 A/AA is designed for students who would like to learn more about the law enforcement field and profession. Students will complete 120 hours (approx. 8 hours/week) in-person at the LAPD-Valley Bureau police station. Students will be randomly assigned to a station regardless of where they live. Students will need to fulfill a Live Scan/background check to be enrolled in this course.

This class will meet on campus Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:40 PM. 

CJS 494 B/BB: Law and Courts

Students enrolled in CJS 494 B/BB will learn about the law and courts. Students will complete 120 hours (approx. 8 hours/week) at an internship site. Students can choose from pre-established internship sites including Teen Court, the Neighborhood Legal Services Self-Help clinic, and the Post-Conviction Legal Project. Students may also secure their own internship at a legal office, courthouse, or an organization that provides legal support to community members upon approval from the course instructor.

This class will meet online on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 6:40 PM.

CJS 494 E/EE: Community Programs 

Students enrolled in CJS 494 E/EE will learn about working at advocacy, community-based, and non-profit organizations rooted in social justice or criminology. Students will complete 120 hours (approx. 8 hours/week) at an internship site. Students are responsible for finding and applying to an internship site, which can be remote or in-person. Students are also welcome to find their own internship site, but this must be approved by the CJS Internship Coordinator. 

This class will meet online on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 12:40 PM. 

CJS 410CS: MOSAIC Youth Mentoring 

Students enrolled in CJS 410CS will be trained as a part-time MOSAIC youth mentor, working in small groups directly with local youth to build self-efficacy. Student mentors will work approximately 50 to 60 hours (5 to 6 hours/week) during the hours of 8:30AM and 3:30PM from Monday through Friday. Please note that you must have all your vaccinations up to date to be a MOSAIC mentor per LAUSD requirements. 

This class will meet on-campus every Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 9:45 PM.

CJS 454AC: Applied Corrections 

Students enrolled in CJS 454AC will take a critical look at current issues related to the field of corrections. This course does not require internship or service learning hours, instead students will engage in field research.

This class will meet on Mondays from 7:00 PM to 9:45 PM.

CJS 452ME: Mentoring in Criminology and Justice Studies

Students enrolled in CJS 452ME will serve as peer mentors to first-year CJS students. Students will complete mentoring in-person and over Zoom. Students are expected to meet with mentees outside of scheduled class time.

This class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM.

CJS 454PY: Police Youth Programs

Students enrolled in CJS 454PY will work with the LAPD Pals (Police Activity League) program in Hollywood. Students will complete 60 hours of volunteer work while completing a research project based on this experience. The service learning work with LAPD Pals will take place in-person during business hours (8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday). Students must successfully complete a background check to enroll in this course. 

The class will take place both on-campus some Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:45 PM, and via Zoom on the alternate Tuesday, also 7:00 PM to 9:45 PM.

Other Options for Satisfying the Internship/Field Experience Requirement:

Students can also enroll in internship/field experience courses outside of the CJS department. These courses have different requirements for enrollment and hours required. We encourage students to review the information provided by these departments for more information. Any student who enrolls in an internship course outside of the CJS department must contact Dr. Vickie Jensen at vickie.jensen@csun.edu for approval and substitution in your DPR. These opportunities include: 

• The Judicial Internship through the Political Science Department
• The D.C. Internship through the Political Science Department
• The Jewish Studies Non-Profit Internship
• Africana Studies Field Work Class

Help with Internship Site Placement:

For students who are looking for and applying to internship sites, we encourage you to visit the Career Center. The Career Center can help in searching for internships, creating/revising resumes, and preparing for interviews. The Career Center is open, offering virtual services during remote learning. 

The Department of Criminology and Justice Studies is very proud to announce a number of student awards for the 2022-2023 academic year. Our department is grateful to those who donate so generously to these various awards and we would not be able to do this without their support.

• Please review the various award requirements below to see which one(s) you may qualify for. Students are encouraged to apply for each of the awards for which they are eligible.
• Applications must be submitted online via the appropriate link. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 31, 2023.

For questions about any of the awards or application process, please email Dr. Glidden at marc.glidden@csun.edu

Nick Zingo Memorial Award

(Link - https://forms.gle/DbHiVC4LaYjc3pGC8)

This award of $1,000 is intended to support a criminology and justice studies major who is in good academic standing with the university, who can demonstrate a desire to succeed in the field of criminology and justice studies, and who has an interest in a career in public service.

 Requirements:

• Applicant’s CSUN GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Applicant must be a junior or senior as of Spring 2023 and enrolled as a major in the Department of Criminology and Justice studies
• Applicants should be interested in a career in public service

Community College Transfer Award

(Link - https://forms.gle/KycmAtocGy4CTTCv8)

This award of $500 is intended to support a criminology and justice studies major who is in good academic standing with the university, who can demonstrate a desire to succeed in the field of criminology and justice studies, and who has transferred from a California Community College.

 Requirements:

• Applicant’s CSUN GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Applicant must be a transfer student from a California Community College with 60 completed units from a community college and enrolled as a Criminology and Justice Studies major

Emily Fox Memorial Award for Outstanding Work in Intimate Partner Violence

(Link - https://forms.gle/824NLxCKzcBY7LbQ8)

This award of $500 is intended to recognize a student who has done outstanding work in the quest of helping victims of intimate partner violence.

 Requirements:

• Applicant must be either a Criminology and Justice Studies or Sociology Option 2 major
• Applicant’s overall GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Applicant should have experience with or be interested in working with victims of intimate partner violence

Fred Mesropi Memorial Award

(Link - https://forms.gle/qjBuUw2s3aM8Atyf9)

This award of $500 is intended to support a criminology and justice studies major who is in good academic standing with the university and who has demonstrated a commitment and interest in pursuing law as a career.

 Requirements:

• Applicant’s CSUN GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Applicant must be a junior or senior as of Spring 2023 and enrolled as a major in the Department of Criminology and Justice studies
• Applicants should be interested in a career in law

Lori Anderson Memorial Award

 (Link - https://forms.gle/ixm7SgXgrUu4RpaA9)

 This award of $500 is intended to support an outstanding Criminology and Justice Studies or Sociology Option 2 student who wishes to pursue a career in law enforcement.

 Requirements:

• Applicant’s overall GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Applicant must be a junior or senior as of Spring 2023
• Applicant must be a Criminology and Justice Studies major or Sociology Option 2 major

Pay It Forward Award

(Link - https://forms.gle/q4F2Ze6vrfbeheHL7)

This award of $500 is intended to support a criminology and justice studies major who is in good academic standing with the university, who can demonstrate a desire to succeed in the field of criminology and justice studies, and has experience in helping students/CSUN community in a food bank and/or other support program.

 Requirements:

• Applicant’s CSUN GPA must be 2.5 or higher.
• Applicant must be a junior or senior as of Spring 2023 and enrolled as a major in the Department of Criminology and Justice studies
• Applicants shall demonstrate their experience with a food bank or other student focused program that helps overcome barriers students face 

Svonkin Family Award

(Link - https://forms.gle/8wsgipKT5DLJHoZV7)

This award of $1,000 is intended to support a criminology and justice studies major who is in good academic standing with the university, who can demonstrate a desire to succeed in the field of criminology and justice studies, and who is seeking a career in public service.

 Requirements:

• Applicant’s CSUN GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Applicant must be a graduate of a LA or Pasadena Community College.
• Applicants must be a junior or senior as of Spring 2023 and enrolled as a major in the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies.
• Applicants shall demonstrate their interest in pursuing a career in public service

Here are some important dates that will hopefully help you enjoy a successful semester:

May 29 Memorial Day Holiday

May 30 Session 1 Officially begins

May 30 Session 2 Officially begins

June 3 Saturday Classes Begin

July 4 Independence Day Observed - Campus Closed

July 12 Session 2 Ends

July 13 Session 3 Officially Begins

August 22 Session 1 and Session 3 Ends

Advising within the Criminology and Justice Studies department offers personal one-on-one advising sessions with the Department Chair Dr. Vickie Jensen:  http://www.csun.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/sociology/vickie-jensen. Dr. Jensen's email is vickie.jensen@csun,edu.

• **"Dr. Jensen is not an academic advisor, however, she is proficient in advising students within the major if they are having any difficulties with classes or needs a mentor to speak too.*

Please contact the Criminology and Justice Studies Department, either by emailing cjs@csun.edu or calling (818) 677–2117 for more information. 

**CSUN provides a wealth of academic advising services and resources for students including referrals to faculty and staff advisors in your major. **

When meeting virtually with Dr. Jensen it would be helpful to have ready any documents you might find necessary for your meeting. This might include:

• Your DPR—Degree Progress Report.
• And anything else you feel would be important.

Here within the department of Criminology and Justice Studies we have collected some online career and internship resources for students who are searching for those opportunities. We strongly encourage our students to utilize every resource available. 

• Work-Study Student Assistant: For the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies, for us!  Apply through CSUN's Handshake system.
• Volunteers of America - Greater Los Angeles (Jan 31st, 2018) Hiring ASAP. Click on "Careers" to find the list of open positions.
• LAPD  (Sworn positions in the Los Angeles Police Dept.)
• LAPD  (Civilain positions with the Police Dept.)
• LA County Sheriff's Department  (Sworn and civilian positions) 
• LA County Superior Courts 
• LA County HR Department  
• LA County Probation
• Idealist.org (Non-Profit careers) 
• USA Jobs  (Federal positions) 
• Consumer Financial Protective Bureau 

CSUN also has on-campus resources for careers and internships, The Career Center offers resources in person and online for students and recent graduates.

The Career Center, located in Bayramian Hall 413, or call them at (818) 677-2878.

Public Administration Education Guides: Master's degree, jobs and information. Public policy and administration industries.

The Criminology and Justice Studies department is home to the Associated Students recognized and student-led organization: The Criminology and Justice Studies Club. 

This club is geared toward helping students learn about the criminal justice profession and network with those in the field. Meetings often include guest speakers from professionals in the field as well as field trips to local agencies and organizations. Meetings are geared toward the interests of student members and meetings are led by the club's executive board. This student-led club meets weekly and is open to students of all majors and interests!

To join the club, email to be added to the email list and register through Associated Students MataSync.

The meetings dates for Spring 2023 are the following: All meetings are held on Mondays from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, location TBD. Follow the CJS Club on social media to stay updated.

February 6, 2023

February 13, 2023

February 20, 2023

February 27, 2023

March 6, 2023

March 13, 2023

March 27, 2023

April 3, 2023

April 10, 2023

April 17, 2023

April 24, 2023

May 1, 2023

May 8, 2023

This is a great chance for students, especially CJS majors to meet and share interests. Please email them at

For more information, follow the club on Instagram or Facebook!

This club is entirely student-led and under the advisement of Dr. Katherine Lorenz.

On Campus:  CSUN offers amazing resources for students in their academic journey. Whether it be personal or academic related, CSUN can provide resources for Student Success. During the current health conditions, all services are being offered virtually. Thank you.

Each campus Department has their own 4 digit campus extension. From a campus phone, dial the 4 digit code. From off campus, please start with (818) 677 and then the 4 digit number.

• Oviatt Library ext. 2285
• Current CSUN Students (multiple resources)
• Student Financial Services Bayranian Hall Lobby, ext 8000, option 1
• CSUN Food Pantry ext. 2730
• LRC, (the Learning Resource Center,) ext. 2033
• Admissions and Records ext. 3700
• The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences has Tutoring for Statistics and Writing in Sierra Hall 303, ext. 3317
• DRES (Disability Resources & Educational Services) ext. 2684
• Child Care Children's Center, 18343 Plummer St. ext. 2012
• Career Center ext. 2878
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Department ext. 2085
• NCOD (National Center on Deafness) ext. 2611
• VRC (Veteran's Resource Center) ext. 8272
• Pride Center USU Sol Center 2nd floor, ext. 4355
• Veteran's Services - Academics ext. 4672
• USU Computer Lab ext. 5746
• Campus Dining ext. 5298
• Student Transportation Guide 
• CSUN Athletics ext. 3208

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•                       CSUN Food Pantry

Off Campus:

Criminaljustice.com is "a website dedicated to conducting unbiased research about criminal justice education and career opportunities. Our goal is to create a place where readers can acquire information and learn insights that can empower their career" (from criminaljustice.com. Here is a link to their SCHOLARSHIP information. 

TheBestColleges.org have recently created a guide to Scholarships for Criminal Justice Students, which includes a detailed list of athletic, academic, leadership, and minority scholarship opportunities. This is a really good resource for CSUN students and students at any institution.

Honor Society Advisors:

Dr. Nayan Ramirez (Chapter Advisor)

Mission Statement:

The mission of Alpha Phi Sigma is to promote analytical thinking, rigorous scholarship and lifelong learning; to keep abreast of the advances in scientific research; to elevate the ethical standards of the criminal justice professions and to sustain in the public mind and benefit and necessity of education and professional training.

Purpose:

1.   Promoting academic excellence through the recognition of scholarship.

2.   Assisting in the development of professional and personal leadership among students and practitioners.

3.   Providing opportunities for services to the community and the profession,

4.   Encouraging greater communication among member chapters and the entire criminal justice profession.

**Requirements to JOIN the Honor Society** 

1). Undergraduate students shall be enrolled in California State University Northridge have declared a major; minor or equivalent in the criminal justice or related field, have completed three full-time semesters or its equivalent, have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, and rank in the top 35% of their class. A minimum of four courses of the above course work shall be in the criminal justice field. 

2). Graduate students shall be enrolled in a graduate program in criminal justice or related field, have completed four courses, have a minimum GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale or rank in the upper 25% of their class. 

3). Transfer members from any Alpha Phi Sigma recognized chapter who transfers to California State University Northridge shall be accepted into Pi Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma National Headquarters will not issue a new certificate of membership unless specially requested by the chapter advisor and paid for by the member.

If you are interested in joining Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society, please contact the CJS Office.

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It is never too early to learn about graduate school!

CJS hosts a Canvas site dedicated to helpng students prepare and apply for graduate and law schools. To access this site, please self-enroll by going to the Canvas site through this link: https://canvas.csun.edu/enroll/MJJB8M

• Considering graduate or law school, but not sure where to start?
•  Check out the overview video and slides in the canvas site. These resources outline the application process to graduate/law programs. The videos and presentation slides on each specific aspect of the application process are available on the Canvas site.
• Would you like Individual assistance with your personal statement, CV/Resume or other application Materials?
• Please fill out the application form so we can reach out to you and set up a meeting with one of our faculty members.

We are looking forward to helping you succeed!

Specific Links:

Nov. 2020  UC Irvine Post Baccalaureate Program in Psychological Science:   www.ps.soceco.uci.edu  Applications:  https://tinyurl.com/y4r8r7ye

Other Programs.

Arizona State University, M.S. and PhD programs:

Advanced Degrees in Forensics and Legal Psychology.

The following Masters Programs are available to further your education:

Master's of Science in Criminalistics at CSU Los Angeles

Master's of Science in Criminal Justice at San Diego State University

Master's of Science in Justice Studies at San Jose State University

Master's of Science in Criminology at San Jose State University

Master's of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice at CSU Long Beach

Master's of Public Administration in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration at CSU Dominguez Hills

Public Administration Education Guides: Master's degree, jobs and information. Public policy and administration industries.

Master's of Science in Criminology at Fresno State University

Master's of Science in Criminal Justice at Sacramento State University

Master's of Arts in Criminal Justice at CSU San Bernardino

Master's of Arts in Criminal Justice at CSU Stanislaus

Master's of Arts in Criminology, Law, and Society at UC Irvine