In addition to the sociology courses, the department offers an opportunity to intern in a criminal justice or human services organization. Internships are available to qualified junior and senior sociology majors each fall and spring semester as well as during the summer. Students have an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving as an intern at one of the various participating agencies.

Opportunities

Each semester, including summer, qualified sociology majors have the opportunity to serve as interns at various agencies in the local and surrounding areas.  Student interns enroll in ASCY 400 and receive three semester hours credit.  Interns are required to 1) spend 150 hours over the duration of the term (about 10 hours per week during fall and spring semesters) in training and assignment at their respective agencies and 2) complete an academic component.  The academic component includes maintaining a journal, readings, a final paper or annotated bibliography, and regular meetings with the internship coordinator

Sociology majors must meet the following qualifications to apply for an internship:

1)  minimum 2.0 cumulative USCA grade point average

2)  60 hours of completed course work toward Sociology degree--at least 12 hours at USCA

3)  Sociology 101 and nine additional hours of sociology course work with a grade of "C" or better in each course

Participating Agencies

Agencies participating in the internship program at this time include:

• The Aiken Solicitor's Office

Interns will assist prosecutors with the jury selection process.

• The Aiken Solicitor's Victim-Witness Assistance Program

Interns will be trained to advise witnesses of crime about services available to them.

• The Lower Savannah Work-Release Center
• Trenton Correctional Facility

At each of these state facilities, interns will be trained to interview inmates for classification systems which affects inmate eligibility for assignments and services.  The interns will learn about the correctional system in South Carolina, statutes governing inmate sentences, and the service agencies that aid inmates and their families.

• South Carolina Deptartment of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services

Interns will be trained to assist and agent with his/her regular caseload at the Aiken Office of this state agency.  Experiences will include attending court sessions and observing field work and field visits.

• State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Interns will be assigned to a specific division of this agency (e.g., Records, Alcohol Enforcement, Investigations) and will assist officials with their regular workload.  Commute to Columbia, SC required.

• Aiken Public Safety
• North Augusta Public Safety

Interns will gain a comprehensive view of local law enforcement by interning at either of these local agencies.  Experiences will include general patrol, dispatch, investigations, records, and court sessions.

• Cumbee Center for Abused Persons  (rape crisis and domestic violence victim advocacy)

Interns will be trained and will serve as a victim advocate in rape crises and domestic assault situations.

• The Children's Place (with abused and neglected children)

At this local agency, interns will be trained in the design and implementation of intervention/education programs for young children who have been abused or neglected.

• The South Carolina Department of Social Services

Interns will work closely with caseworkers in either the economic services or human services division of the agency.  Internship to be served at the Aiken or the North Augusta Office.

• USC Aiken Police

• Federal Bureau of Prisons (Edgefield, SC)

Interns will assist classification personnel at the federal prison in Edgefield, SC.  An outstanding opportunity to learn about the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and to get one's "foot in the door" at a federal agency.