Student Experience

Student Experiences in CJ

The Criminal Justice Program at BGSU offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved, build experience, and prepare for their future careers. From the very first year, students explore their interests and goals through the Life Design and Careers course and have the option to join the Criminal Justice Learning Community for additional experiences and connection. Outside the classroom, students can get involved in the Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA), attend the Criminal Justice Career Fair, study abroad, participate in research opportunities, and build their professional network during their required internship.

 Whether you're looking to build your resume, gain real-world experience, or connect with others who share your passion for criminal justice, there are countless ways to get involved. 

First Year Experience – Criminal Justice Careers and Life Design

In their first semester, students in the Criminal Justice program take part in a course that blends BGSU’s Life Design initiative with real-world career exploration. Designed to help students think broadly about why they are pursuing a career in criminal justice, the course combines self-reflection with practical engagement in the field. 

As part of the course, students will: 

  • Complete a shadow day at a criminal justice agency of their choice

  • Conduct two career interviews with professionals in roles they are interested in exploring 

  • Hear from a variety of guest speakers, including:

  • Federal law enforcement 

  • Local law enforcement

  • Judges and lawyers 

  • Probation and parole officers

  • Juvenile court professionals 

By combining life design principles with early field experience, this course empowers students to make intentional, informed decisions about their future from day one. 

Criminal Justice Learning Community 

The Criminal Justice Learning Community (CJLC) offers first-year students a supportive environment and an early start to exploring careers in the field. Open to all incoming students, the program emphasizes academic structure, career development, and hands-on learning. Students are encouraged to join in their first semester to take full advantage of the opportunities available throughout their time at BGSU.

CJLC participants benefit from:

  • Cohort-based courses that build community and continuity

  • Residential option in Offenhauer Residence Hall (not required)

  • Enhanced professional networking and options for early internships

  • Field-based experiential learning, including:

  • Hands-on police simulations

  • Correctional facility tours

  • Courtroom visits and observations

  • Crime scene investigation exercises

  • Travel based learning opportunities to explore justice related issues in cities such as:

  • New York City

  • Washington, D.C.

  • Boston, MA

  • Philadelphia, PA

  • Student research opportunities, including the chance to present at conferences

  • Dedicated academic advising with the CJLC Director and graduate student assistant team

The CJLC connects classroom learning with real-world application, all within a supportive community that helps students thrive from their first semester onward.

Study Abroad 

Students have the opportunity to study criminal justice in a global content through short-term study abroad programs. These experiences typically take place between spring and summer semesters. In 2023, students traveled to London, England to explore the roots of the modern criminal justice system. The 2025 program took students to Prague, Czech Republic and Munich, Germany with day trips to Nuremburg, Germany and Salzburg, Austria. Students examined comparative criminal justice systems and discussed how other countries address issues like policing, punishment, and human rights. These experiences encourage students to compare global approaches with those in the U.S., deepening their understanding of global innovations and challenges. 

2027 trip locations, dates, and information coming soon!  

Criminal Justice Student Association

The Criminal Justice Student Association is open to all BGSU undergraduate students who have an interest in crime and justice-related topics. The CJSA seeks to enrich the undergraduate experience by providing opportunities for professional development, educational events, socializing, and service to the community.

The CJSA typically meets 3-5 times a semester. Events are posted at the beginning of each semester on the Criminal Justice Canvas Page and can also be found on the CJSA social media. Some examples of previous meetings include: 

  • Team Building: Cold Case Files 

  • Various guest speakers  

  • Exam study nights 

  • Resume building & career fair preparation 

The CJSA also organizes and hosts the annual Criminal Justice Career Fair in the Spring semester that brings in over 50 criminal justice agencies from across the region. 

For more information, you can reach out to the current CJSA executive team (available on Canvas) or faculty advisor, Dr. Mackenzie Grace. 

Internship  

During their senior year, all Criminal Justice students complete a 400-hour internship with a criminal justice-related agency—an experience that brings classroom learning to life. Whether it's with a police department, court system, corrections facility, or nonprofit organization, students step into real-world roles and get a firsthand look at the field they’ve been studying. This opportunity not only builds practical skills and professional confidence but also helps students explore career paths and make valuable connections. It’s a key part of the program that helps students graduate feeling prepared and excited for what comes next.

See more details related to the criminal justice required internship here

Criminal Justice Career Fair

The Criminal Justice Internship & Career Fair is held each spring and is a great opportunity for students to connect with professionals in the field. The fair brings together over 50 local, state, and federal agencies including the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and many more. Students can explore potential internships, job opportunities, and career paths while networking with agency representatives. Whether you're a freshman just starting out or a senior preparing to graduate, we strongly recommend attending. There’s something to gain at every stage of your academic journey!

See the Career Fair Information Page for details on the upcoming career fair.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Students interested in research will find a range of opportunities within the Criminal Justice Program. Many students collaborate with faculty on ongoing projects, contribute to research publications, and present their work at national and regional conferences such as the American Society of Criminology, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association. There are also several opportunities to present undergraduate research on campus through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. 

How to find research opportunities? To get involved, students are encouraged to reach out to faculty whose research areas align with their interests. Students may also consider working with a faculty member to expand on a course paper or honors project.  

The Police Integrity Research Group (PIRG) offers students a unique opportunity to assist with nationally recognized research on police crime and misconduct. Undergraduate and graduate assistants help collect and analyze data, contribute to publications, and present findings at academic conferences. The group maintains the Henry A. Wallace Police Crime Database and is led by Dr. Phil Stinson. Learn more

Updated: 10/03/2025 03:04PM