Beyond the Classroom Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a wide range of opportunities for students beyond the classroom. Build experience, skills, friendships, and connections that will last a lifetime.
Criminology and Criminal Justice students have a multitude of opportunities to get involved outside of the traditional classroom. Internships, research, student organizations, and study abroad are just a few examples of the opportunities you will have to build career-related experience, as well as lasting relationships.
We invite you to watch this video of international students sharing their experiences at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln. One of the featured students is Shenyi Chu, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Criminal Justice Student Association
CJSA is organized by and for undergraduate criminology and criminal justice students for the purposes of networking, socializing, and learning about experiences and employment opportunities in the field of criminology and criminal justice through speakers, tours, and other events. Learn more about other Nebraska student organizations.Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society
Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of Criminal Justice, as well as Juris Doctorate students. The goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honor and promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership, and unity.London Study Abroad Program
The London Study Abroad Program involves a two-week trip to England each May. The program is open to students enrolled in an upper-division course offered by Criminology and Criminal Justice during the spring semester. Students spend the semester learning about the criminal justice system in England while making comparisons to the system employed in the United States. The knowledge they acquire in the classroom is then “brought to life” upon their arrival in London, England.Juvenile Justice Institute
Created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2002, the Juvenile Justice Institute provides technical assistance and completes policy and program evaluations for state and local agencies, as well as private organizations.
Juvenile Mentoring Program
The Juvenile Justice Institute provides students with the opportunity to mentor youth who are transitioning back into the community from a Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC). The goal of the program is to reduce the rate of recidivism among the juvenile reentry population in Nebraska. Mentoring begins in the YRTC and continues once youth leave the facility. Mentors help youth achieve the goals necessary for successful reentry, some of which include finishing high school, applying for college, finding and applying for a job, establishing healthy coping strategies, and developing positive relationships.
UCARE
University Creative Activity and Research Experience, also known as UCARE, supports UNL undergraduates to work one-on-one with faculty on research or creative activities. Applicants can apply for funding one or both of their junior and seniors years at UNL.
Research Independent Studies
Students who complete the Research Independent Study course will serve as student interns who engage in hands-on research alongside leading experts and evaluators in criminology and criminal justice. Students will be involved in such tasks as instrument development, subject recruitment, data collection and entry, data analysis, and codebook development. These activities will allow students to expand their knowledge base and advance research in the field.
Volunteer
There are many volunteer opportunites in the Lincoln area.