Students-Outside-Arts-and-Sciences

Internships

All criminology students are required to do at least one internship and are encouraged to have more than one. Sociology majors not in the criminology concentration are also strongly encouraged to participate in an internship opportunity. Internships are available in agencies at the local, state, and federal level, including police departments (at local and county levels), juvenile and adult probation offices, victim assistance units, family and youth services bureaus, and the U.S. Marshals. Students earn three credit hours for 128 hours worked within the spring semester or the summer.

Valpo students also have the opportunity to intern through the Lutheran College Washington Semester. The Washington semester provides some very similar insights, coupled with significant internships within government agencies, congressional offices, NGOs, and interest groups.

In addition, some semester-long study abroad opportunities that include an internship component can be use as a student’s internship experience if they fit within the disciplines of sociology or criminology.

Other Internship websites: 

For more information on internships, please contact:  
Professor Danielle Lavin-Loucks
Internship Coordinator
Sociology & Criminology Department
Email: danielle.lavin-loucks@valpo.edu
Phone: 219.464.5004

Examples of internship placements include:

  • Boys and Girls Club of Porter County
  • Caring Place (services and shelter for victims of domestic violence)
  • Cook County, IL, Adult Probation
  • Dayspring Women’s Center
  • DuPage County, IL, Juvenile Probation
  • Family and Youth Services Bureau
  • Porter County Juvenile Detention Center
  • Porter County PACT
  • Porter County Prosecutor’s Office – Victim Assistance Unit
  • Porter County Sheriff’s Department
  • U.S. Marshals Service
  • U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services
  • Valparaiso Police Department
  • Westville Correctional Facility