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. USCA students who are not sociology majors may also be eligible to serve an internship for sociology minor or cognate credit. Students have an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience by serving as an intern at one of the various participating agencies.

Qualifications 

Sociology Majors

1. Minimum 2.0 cumulative USCA GPA 
2. Minimum of 60 hours completed course work - at least 12 hours at USCA
3. SOCY 101 and 9 additional hours of course work with a grade of "C" or better in each 
4. Completed application form and a formal letter of application addressed to Dr. Christine Wernet

Non-Majors 

1. Minimum 2.0 cumulative USCA GPA 
2. Minimum of 60 hours of completed course work - at least 12 hours at USCA 
3. SOCY 101 and 6 additional hours of course work with a grade of "C" or better in each 
4. Completed application form and a formal letter of application addressed to Dr. Christine Wernet

Course Credit and Requirements 

Students will register (special contract is required) and receive three hours credit for SOCY 400. Interns are required to spend 150 hours in agency service during the academic term. This is an equivalent of 10 hours a week for fall and spring semesters (hours to be determined with consideration of student’s class schedule and each agency’s needs).

Summer Internships: The term (number of calendar weeks to satisfy the 150 hours requirement) of summer internships is flexible, and can be tailored to meets the needs of the students and/or the internship agency. Generally, summer internships run from mid-May until the end of July.

In addition to agency work, students are required to complete an academic component. While the academic component is somewhat individually designed, it typically consists of 1) a review of the academic/professional literature relative to some aspect(s) of the internship; 2) an annotated bibliography or final paper; and 3) a journal maintained by the student which reflects agency experiences, reactions, and interpretations.

Participating Agencies

Agencies participating in the internship program at this time include:

AIKEN SOLICITOR'S OFFICE, Aiken 

Interns will assist prosecutors with the jury selection process.

JUVENILE PROBATION, Aiken 

Interns will be trained and will serve as a probation officer for juvenile probations at the Aiken County Division of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Must be at least 21 years of age to qualify. 

VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE, Aiken 

Interns are trained to advise victims and witnesses of crime about services available to them.

TRENTON CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, Trenton 

Interns will have the opportunity to be trained and assist in inmate classification, educational programming, substance abuse services, etc. at this medium security state prison. 

FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS, Edgefield

Interns will assist classification personnel at the federal prison in Edgefield, SC. An outstanding opportunity for gaining entry into the federal system of corrections. 

PROBATION, PAROLE, AND PARDON SERVICES, Aiken 

Interns assist probation and parole agents with their regular and intensive supervision caseloads.

STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (S.L.E.D.), Columbia 

Interns will learn about a particular division of the agency and will assist officials with their regular workload. Commute to Columbia, SC required.

AIKEN PUBLIC SAFETY or NORTH AUGUSTA PUBLIC SAFETY, Aiken or North Augusta 

Interns will gain a comprehensive view of local law enforcement.

AGAPE HOSPICE, Aiken 

Students will work with a trained social worker and attend workshops and meetings that assist them in dealing with the elderly and end of life patients. 

AIKEN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, Aiken 

Students will gain practical experience assisting staff in teen prevention initiatives. The intern may interact directly with youth in various programs. 

CUMBEE CENTER, Aiken

Interns are trained to serve as a victim advocate in rape crises and domestic violence situations.

THE CHILDREN'S PLACE, Aiken 

Interns are trained to design and implement an intervention/education program for young children are abused or neglected.

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, Aiken or North Augusta

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

RAPE CRISIS and SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES, Augusta 

SEXUAL TRAUMA SERVICES OF THE MIDLANDS, Columbia 

Students will be trained to answer crisis calls and provide emergency room advocacy for victims. 

If there is another agency that you would like to work with, please let Dr. Wernet know. This will require you to make contact with the agency.