Student Life & Opportunities

The Criminal Justice Club is an active, student-driven organization open to all students interested in policing, courts, corrections, intelligence, forensic science, and public service. The club hosts guest speakers from local and federal agencies, organizes educational trips, leads community service events, and provides networking and professional development opportunities.

Members gain exposure to real-world criminal justice careers, participate in hands-on workshops, and collaborate with peers on projects related to crime prevention, investigations, and public safety. Whether you are exploring career paths or looking to build community with like-minded students, the Criminal Justice Club is an excellent way to get involved and expand your professional network.

Events often include:

• Agency guest speakers (SCPD, federal partners, corrections professionals)
• Career panels and résumé workshops
• Field trips to courts, museums, and justice organizations
• Community service and outreach projects
• Social events and student networking

For more information:

Email the club's advisor Dr Sean Wilson

Visit Ram Central

The Pre-Law Society supports students interested in pursuing careers in law, government, policy, civil rights, or related fields. The society offers resources to help students prepare for law school and legal careers, including LSAT workshops, application guidance, guest talks with attorneys and judges, and opportunities to explore legal practice areas.

Members also engage in discussions on contemporary legal issues, participate in mock law-related activities, and collaborate with faculty to understand the pathways to successful law school admission.

The Pre-Law Society provides:

• LSAT preparation support
• Law school admissions advising
• Guest speakers: attorneys, alumni, law students, judges, and legal professionals
• Courtroom visits and legal-career shadowing opportunities
• Workshops on legal writing, critical reasoning, and advocacy

For more information:

Email the club's advisor Eileen Kelly Merritt

Visit Ram Central

Students interested in law, public policy, constitutional issues, and legal analysis are encouraged to apply for the Benjamin and David Scharps Legal Essay Competition, a SUNY-wide academic competition that recognizes excellence in legal writing and reasoning. Open to SUNY juniors, the competition challenges students to prepare a legal analysis of a hypothetical case using provided legal authorities and court decisions. First- ($1,500) and second-place ($1,000) awards are presented annually to the top essays submitted across the SUNY system.

To apply, students must prepare a legal essay of approximately 2,000 words addressing the year's designated topic. Essays are first reviewed at the campus level, with Farmingdale State College permitted to nominate up to three submissions for SUNY-wide consideration. Students interested in competing are encouraged to begin preparing early, seek feedback from faculty mentors, and contact the Center for Criminal Justice Studies or the campus coordinator for application deadlines, essay prompts, and submission requirements.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SCHARPS AWARD

1. Identify Your Area of Interest

Criminal justice is a broad field with diverse opportunities in law enforcement, legal services, corrections, policy analysis, social services, and more. Narrowing down your interests can help you focus your search and identify relevant organizations.

2. Research Local Organizations and Agencies

Long Island and New York City offer a wealth of internship opportunities in various criminal justice sectors. Start by researching government agencies (e.g., NYPD, Suffolk and Nassau County Police Departments, local courthouses), non-profit organizations (e.g., Safe Horizon, The Fortune Society), and legal aid organizations. You can also consider smaller, specialized agencies, such as domestic violence shelters, juvenile justice centers, and reentry programs.

3. Utilize Farmingdale State College’s Resources

Check in with Farmingdale State College’s Center for Criminal Justice for leads on potential internship opportunities here.

Visit the Nexus Center for help with cover letters and your resume. Make sure your resume is tailored to highlight relevant skills, coursework, and any volunteer experience. Write a strong, concise cover letter that explains your interest in criminal justice and why you’re specifically interested in the organization you’re applying to. Be ready to explain how the internship aligns with your career goals.

4. Apply, apply, apply!

Apply early and follow up! Many competitive internships in New York and on Long Island fill up months in advance. Start your search at least one semester before you plan to intern and follow up on applications within a couple of weeks. Persistence shows interest and can make a positive impression.

5. Meet with Dr. Sosnowski Early

Once you have an internship in mind, schedule a meeting with Dr. Monique Sosnowski to discuss the requirements for the CRJ 458 Criminal Justice Internship Course. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Monique Sosnowski or send an email.

Remember, you must speak with Dr. Sosnowski before the semester of your internship to enroll in the course and ensure the internship meets all academic and fieldwork criteria.

For a list of criminal justice internship opportunities, please click here or scan the QR code below. 

If you wish to get credit for an internship, you must be enrolled in the criminal justice internship course. Please contact Dr Sosnowski for enrollment. 

CRJ 458 – Criminal Justice Internship

This upper-level course provides junior and senior-level students with the opportunity to engage in practical experience across criminal justice agencies. Internships may take place at local, state, or federal agencies as well as at relevant non-profits or private organizations. During their internships, students are expected to engage in fieldwork and/or research, apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, and provide detailed reports of their activities and reflections to the criminal justice department internship coordinator, along with the completion of required assignments. The course is designed to enhance students' understanding of criminal justice practices and prepare them for professional careers in the field. All internships must be approved by the internship coordinator. 3 credits. 

The program is a SUNY-led initiative that is open to all juniors, seniors, and graduate students across the SUNY system. Students spend a semester living and learning in Washington, D.C., while interning four days a week with some of the nation’s most recognized institutions.

Friday seminars with leaders deepen students’ understanding of leadership and public service, while access to iconic institutions like the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian brings learning to life. More than just a semester abroad, our program builds careers, expands networks, and connects students to a lasting alumni community.

Learn More

Interested? Reach out to Dr Monique Sosnowski, the Center for Criminal Justice Studies Internship Coordinator. 

The New York State Senate and Assembly Internship Programs provide students with the opportunity to work alongside state legislators and policy professionals in Albany. Through these immersive experiences, students gain practical insight into the legislative process while developing professional skills and connections that support future careers in government, public service, law, and criminal justice.

Please contact Dr Mary Clifford, the program's FSC coordinator, for more information. 

Learn More - Senate

Learn More - Assembly