Forensic Psychology Internships: A Guide for Undergraduates

Forensic psychology is a captivating field that explores the intersection of psychology and the legal system. For undergraduates intrigued by this area, internships offer invaluable hands-on experience and a glimpse into potential career paths. This article provides a comprehensive guide to forensic psychology internships, highlighting opportunities, application strategies, and the benefits of participating in such programs.

Defining Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology applies psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings. Related subjects like law, criminology, and behavioral science can provide an early foundation and help you decide which direction within forensic psychology interests you most. This field encompasses a wide range of activities, including:

Assessing the mental state of defendants
Providing expert testimony in court
Conducting research on criminal behavior
Working with law enforcement agencies
Developing and implementing treatment programs for offenders

The Value of Undergraduate Internships

Taking part in forensic psychology internships as an undergraduate gives you hands-on experience in settings such as research labs, courts, or correctional facilities. Internships offer numerous benefits for undergraduate students:

Practical Skills Development: Internships provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, honing skills in research, assessment, and communication.
Understanding Real-World Applications: Internships offer insight into forensic psychology research and real-world applications. You’ll gain insight into forensic psychology research and real-world applications by learning about individuals’ personal and criminal backgrounds, and seeing how this shapes prosecution procedures, sentencing, and observation during probation.
Career Exploration: Internships allow students to "try out" their careers before obtaining their degree. Internships help students explore different areas within forensic psychology, clarifying their interests and career goals.
Networking Opportunities: Internships facilitate connections with mentors and professionals in the field, expanding professional networks and opening doors to future opportunities.
Enhanced Credentials: Internships demonstrate a commitment to the field, strengthening applications for graduate school or future employment. They also show your commitment to the subject, which can strengthen future graduate school or career applications.

Types of Internship Settings

Forensic psychology internships are available in a variety of settings, each offering unique experiences:

Correctional Facilities: Interns may work in prisons, jails, or halfway houses, assisting with inmate assessment, counseling, and rehabilitation programs.
Courts: Interns may observe court proceedings, assist with jury selection, or conduct research for legal cases.
Law Enforcement Agencies: Interns may work with police departments, the FBI, or other agencies, assisting with investigations, profiling, or crisis intervention.
Research Labs: Interns may participate in research projects on topics such as criminal behavior, victimization, or the effectiveness of interventions.
Mental Health Facilities: Interns may work in psychiatric hospitals or clinics, providing assessment and treatment services to individuals with mental disorders who are involved in the legal system.

Featured Internship Programs

The following is a list of internships for undergraduates:

Ladder University Internships: This is a highly selective virtual program where students work on real-world projects for startups in fields like health tech, biotechnology, AI, and sustainability. You will be paired with a company coach who provides structured feedback and professional guidance every week. You will gain experience in research and communication, wrap up the program with a final presentation, and walk away with a strong addition to your resume.
New York City Department of Probation Internships: The NYC Department of Probation hosts interns throughout the year for forensic psychology internships focused on pre-sentence investigations, intake, and probation supervision. You’ll help improve NYC’s community safety by supporting the rehabilitation of individuals in the criminal justice system and reducing recidivism through positive opportunities.
Southern District of New York (SDNY) Probation Office Student Internship Program: The SDNY Probation Office hosts interns throughout the year to complete real-world forensics work. You’ll concentrate on presentence investigation and post-conviction supervision, compiling a social history of defendants, like education, criminal history, and mental health, to inform how individuals are sentenced and rehabilitated.
College Internships at Manhattan District Attorney’s Office: The Manhattan DA’s Office offers semester and summer internships for college students interested in criminal justice, forensic psychology, and legal careers. As an intern, you’ll assist in investigations, observe witness interviews, support victims of crime, attend trials, analyze legal documents, and review pending legislation.
Attorney’s Office: The Attorney’s Office offers forensic psychology internships for undergraduates who want to contribute directly to real-world federal investigations. You can apply for semester or summer placements, with forensic-focused roles most commonly found in the Criminal Division or Case Team.

Read also: Requirements for Forensic Pathologists
APA’s SUPER Fellowship: APA’s SUPER Fellowship offers you a funded summer research opportunity if you’re an undergraduate student facing financial or institutional barriers to advanced research. You’ll receive funds to complete a student-designed psychology research project, co-developed and mentored by a faculty host of your choice.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety & Security Summer Internship Program: EOPSS offers paid summer internships for undergraduates interested in public safety, criminal justice, and forensic psychology. You can apply to specific agencies across the Executive Office based on your interests and skills. For forensic psychology experience, you should explore placements at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, Department of Correction, Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, or the Massachusetts Parole Board.
Worcester County District Attorney’s Office Internship Program: Worcester County’s DA Office provides forensic psychology internships for undergraduates through exposure to criminal proceedings and legal assignments. You’ll work one-on-one with an Assistant District Attorney supporting their ongoing cases through hands-on assignments and receiving personalized mentorship.
Internships at the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office: Northwestern District Attorney’s Office offers forensic psychology internships for undergraduates in their Victim Witness Assistance Unit, Juvenile Justice Program, and Child Abuse Unit during three cohorts each year.
Florida Department of Corrections Internship Program - Mental Health: The Office of Mental Health Services in Florida’s Department of Corrections offers fall, spring, and summer forensic psychology internships for undergraduates in a hands-on setting. You’ll work with staff on reviews and documentation such as progress, management, and disciplinary reports.

Read also: Your Guide to Forensic Science Internships
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department Undergraduate Internships - Social Work and Criminal Justice Tracks: HCJPD offers forensic psychology internships for undergraduate students in Texas who want to support youth in the criminal justice system through community-based outreach and intervention.
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Internships - Forensic Science: Connecticut’s DESPP offers forensic science internships through its Division of Scientific Services, giving you hands-on experience in state-level forensic investigations.
Behavioral Health Internships at Minnesota Department of Corrections: Sponsored by Minnesota’s Mental Health, Sex Offender Treatment, and Substance Abuse Programs, the Behavioral Health internships offer opportunities across multiple locations.
FBI Internships: The FBI offers internship opportunities, including the Honors Internship Program assigned to the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU).

Finding Internship Opportunities

Securing a forensic psychology internship requires proactive effort. Here are some strategies to maximize your chances:

Consult Professors: Speak with your professors. They may have some information on locations that work with the program already and may be able to point you in the right direction. They also may have some contacts within the field that they may be able to put you in contact with.
Network with Peers: Check with other students. See if there are any students who have previously done internships within your major or in majors that are closely related. Students are directly involved in the process and are working in the positions so they tend to have a pretty good idea and can give some solid advice on what to look for or where to go.
Direct Inquiry: If you see a department that you would like to work with, inquire into whether they have a program established. If not, see if you can create an opportunity that your program will accept and that would be beneficial to both you and the organization.
University Research Labs: While you are waiting to find an internship placement, see if your university/college offers any type of research labs.
Online Resources: Explore online job boards, professional organizations, and university career services websites for internship postings.
Professional Organizations: Explore professional organizations. Look for people that may have gone to your institution and don't be afraid to reach out to other academic areas if you can't find what you are looking for.

Application Tips

A strong application is crucial for landing a competitive internship:

Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Express your interest in the specific internship and explain how your skills and goals align with the organization's mission.
Seek Letters of Recommendation: Request letters from professors or mentors who can speak to your abilities and potential.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your research interests and career aspirations.
Background Checks: Be prepared to undergo a thorough background check, especially for internships with law enforcement agencies.

Expectations and Making the Most of the Experience

Before accepting an internship, clarify expectations with the supervisor:

Define Roles: Make sure that you discuss what your expectations from the position are upfront so that they can determine if it would not only be a good fit for you, but for them as well. Sometimes you may not get to do everything you want, but if you know what the expectations are upfront, you are better prepared.
Learning Goals: Understand the internship's objectives and how they align with your academic and career goals.
Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor at all times, demonstrating respect for colleagues and clients.
Initiative: Take initiative to learn new skills and contribute to the team's efforts.
Networking: Build relationships with professionals in the field, attending conferences or workshops when possible.
Reflection: Regularly reflect on your experiences, identifying areas for growth and learning.

A Supervisor's Perspective

Kristen R., an Intern Supervisor, shares valuable insights: "Remember, your job as an intern is not to just fetch coffee or carry papers around (unless your field focuses in those areas)."

Dr. Kristen Beyer, the Social/Behavioral Science Research Coordinator for the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC), emphasizes the importance of research skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, creativity, and initiative. The NCAVC internship is often described by students as "an opportunity of a lifetime." Most interns report growing professionally and personally while having their world expanded by their experiences.

Personal Experiences

Dr. Jason Keller, the spring 2006 Psi Chi/FBI NCAVC Internship Grant recipient, says that the NCAVC deadlines for internship application are approximately nine months prior to the actual internship due to the background check process.

Grace, an FBI intern, shares, "I’m getting to help on real cases, I’m doing real investigative work in conjunction with the special agents, the task force officers, the professional staff. And it’s been such an amazing opportunity to see the results of my efforts."

Joshua, also an FBI intern, says, "I’ve been working with bank statements, working with forensic accountants, and doing a lot of things actually that apply to my major and I’ve really been able to use what I learned at school and apply it here."

Laura, an FBI intern working on the cyber squad, says, "I think the most fulfilling experience I’ve had is watching cases go from the very beginning to the very end."

Ashley, another FBI intern, says, "what I did not expect was just how much of a family it feels like."

Myisha, an FBI intern, says, "Because of the internship, I’ve learned so much. The FBI is kind of like this huge entity that is so mysterious, but no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors."

tags: #forensic #psychology #internships #for #undergraduates