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Internships

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Internships offer students the chance to gain hands-on, real-world experience while building skills that strengthen their résumé. They support career exploration, help clarify professional goals, and create meaningful connections in the field.

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Internships help students build professional networks and can lead to employment opportunities after graduation.

With access to more than 100 partner agencies across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, students in the Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership have completed internships with local, state, and federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector employers.

Interested in internship opportunities?

Select your program below and connect with the appropriate internship coordinator for guidance and next steps.

 

Criminal Justice
Dr. Karen Miller 
millerk54@nku.edu
Founders Hall 561H
859-572-6344


Political Science
Dr. Edward Kwon 
kwone1@nku.edu
Founders Hall 561B
859-572-5329
 

Law
Alex Brennan 
Assistant Teaching Professor
brennana3@nku.edu
Founders Hall 561F
859-572-5324
 

Organizational Leadership
Dr. Jeff Zimmerman 
zimmermanj3@nku.edu
Founders Hall 561C
859-572-5773


Public Service
Missy Gish 
gishm@nku.edu
Founders Hall 561A
859-572-5326

 

Requirements
internships
  1. Minimum GPA of 2.75 in major/minor
  2. Successful completion of major core courses: 
    • Criminal Justice major/minor - Completed 9 credit hours of core courses, including JUS 101
    • Political Science major/minor- Completed 12 credit hours of core courses, including PSC 100
    • Law, B.A. major - Completed 12 credit hours of core courses including, LAW 101 and LAW 291W 
    • Law minor - Completed 9 credit hours of core courses including, LAW 101 and LAW 291W 
    • International Studies major/minor - contact internship coordinator
    • Organizational Leadership major/minor - contact internship coordinator
    • Public Service minor - contact internship coordinator
  3. Nature of internship - must be relevant to the major/minor in the department seeking academic credit. 
  4. Complete and sign the Course Application Form to receive permit to register for the course. 


Internships

 

 

Differences between a co-op and an internship

 

  • A co-op is a paid work experience related to the student’s major (or minor), with academic credit earned.  The student enters into an agreement among the employer, a specific faculty member in the academic department, and Career Services staff. Co-op credit is initiated through Career Services. Co-op Credit (CEP 300)
  • An internship is a curricular work experience that may or may not be paid and may or may not be for academic credit.  Internship credit can be applied toward the following majors:
    • Criminal Justice - up to 6 credit hours
    • International Studies - up to 3 credit hours
    • Political Science - up to 3 credit hours
    • Law - up to 3 credit hours
    • Organizational Leadership - no credit toward the major; can be applied toward general elective credit; contact advisor for more information.

 

 

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Criminal Justice Career Fair

The Criminal Justice program hosts an annual fall career fair with
representatives from federal, state, and local government, in addition
to non-profit organizations. This is a great opportunity
to learn about internships and entry-level job positions in the field.


Wednesday, October 1, 2025
1:00-4:00pm / SU Ballroom

More information at NKU Career Services

List of Agencies (via Handshake)

 

 

Law School Fair
Future Leaders Internship Program (FLIP)
Future Leaders Internship Program (FLIP) fellows are placed with a Northern Kentucky legislator as they serve in the General Assembly each spring semester.
 

Internship Examples

There are many opportunities for students in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region, but the following is a selection of organizations with internship programs that may interest Criminal Justice, International Studies, Law, and Political Science students. Students are expected to secure their own internship with approval from the internship coordinator prior to enrollment in the course. 

Experiential Learning Coordinator

Dr. Alexis Miller
Department Chair
Associate Professor
millera11@nku.edu
Founders Hall 555B
859-572-7628