Community Outreach
The department’s Community Advisory Board brings together community activists with representatives of non-profit agencies and governmental entities to oversee internships, employment opportunities, faculty research and advocacy efforts. In addition, several faculty members teach classes at local prisons.
Internships
Internships offer criminal justice students the opportunity to gain real-world experience at organizations ranging from probation departments, police departments and the Department of Corrections, to law offices, victim service agencies and the Department of Youth Services. Internships also provide an opportunity to fulfill the senior project requirement for undergraduates.
Learn more about Bridgewater’s internship program.
Undergraduate Research
Criminal justice students at Bridgewater undertake ambitious research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. These projects offer students the opportunity to delve into a topic of their choosing, demonstrating their ability to work independently and flex their analytical skills before graduation. Students present their research at university, regional and national conferences.
Learn more about undergraduate research at Bridgewater.
Criminal Justice Student Organization
The CJSO organizes and promotes events that build awareness of crime prevention and give students an opportunity to apply the skills and theories learned in the classroom to make a difference in the community in which they live and study.
Departmental Honors Program
Upper-level students are encouraged to apply for Departmental Honors, where they complete honors coursework within their major. Departmental Honors takes place in the student's last two years. Students with two majors may opt for Interdisciplinary Honors as a means of combining both areas of study. Students complete nine credits at the 300-400 level including 3-6 credits in the form of an honors thesis.
Students can obtain honors contracts or research grant waivers! The honors thesis is a culminating research or creative project. Students frequently say it was their most rewarding experience at the university. They appreciate the one-on-one mentoring, immersing themselves in an area of study they love, and producing an exemplary sample of their work for graduate school and competitive job opportunities. An honors contract is an independent project or assignment in a 300-400 level course within the student's major. Students not only have the opportunity to research a topic they are passionate about, they also work closely with faculty members in their field.