Experiential Learning Programs

All undergraduate students in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences complete an experiential learning requirement as part of their degree programs within the college.  Most students complete this requirement by enrolling in an internship or co-op program within their academic major; however, some students complete a specialized research project under the direction of a faculty mentor to satisfy this requirement.  The academic programs in the college have been supervising internship programs for more than forty years and have an extensive network of placement sites available for students.

Alpha Phi Sigma - Alpha Tau Chapter

Alpha Tau is the local chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Alpha Tau's purpose is to recognize and promote academic excellence among undergraduate and graduate students. The local chapter was formed in 1998 and embraces the full spectrum of criminal justice students from criminal justice and forensic science to pre-law and the related social sciences.  Undergraduate students who have completed 60 credit hours and at least four criminal justice courses and who have at least a 3.5 cumulative QPR are eligible for membership. Graduate students who have a 3.5 cumulative QPR and who have completed at least 12 credit hours of graduate work, or 9 credit hours of graduate work, and at least 3 additional undergraduate credit hours, are eligible for membership. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Alpha Tau co-advisors, Mirlinda Ndrecka or Vesna Markovic, or by visiting the Alpha Phi Sigma website.

The Co-op Program

The department participates in the cooperative education program (Co-op), which enables students to combine their education with practical, paid work experience in their career field. For further details contact the Co-op coordinator in the Henry C. College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences.

Student Branch of the Connecticut Valley Chapter of SFPE

The Student Branch of the Connecticut Valley Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers is the professional society on campus for fire science students. The Student Branch works closely with the Fire Science Club to provide programs and field trips with a strong technical basis.

The Criminal Justice Club

The American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA) is a national professional and preprofessional organization with goals that include improved technology, training, and service for the benefit of the criminal justice system. UNH's local student chapter of ACJA is the Psi Omega chapter. This club offers students a variety of activities including community service as well as the opportunity to meet and work with practitioners in the field. Students also meet others with similar interests and are eligible to participate in regional and national programs and activities. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the club's co-faculty advisors, Dr. Fadia M. Narchet or Dr. Dan Maxwell.

Legal Society

The Legal Society includes students from throughout the University interested in law and legal issues.  The society promotes discussion of legal topics through numerous speakers, programs, special events, field trips, and regular meetings.  Recent events have included a delegation of Russian jurists speaking about law in Russia, a speaker from the ACLU on the Constitution, the Deputy Chief Judge of the Connecticut Superior Court speaking about the juvenile justice system, and a panel discussion of the Jena 6 controversy.  Annual programs for students interested in law school include panels presentations by law school admissions counselors, travel to New York City to the Law School Forum (over 100 law schools represented), and LSAT practice tests on campus.  The society also sponsors the UNH Mock Trial Team which participates in the American College Mock Trial Association competition.  Additional information may be obtained by contacting the faculty advisor, Prof. Donna Decker Morris.

Fire Science Club

The Fire Science Club is the campus student activities organization for those with interests in fire science and related fields. This very active group organizes field trips, fire safety and substance abuse programs, and other activities, both on and off campus, throughout the school year. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Parker Gallo or by using the club's email.

The Forensic Science and Chemistry Club

The Forensic Science and Chemistry Club is a Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The club is open to all students, and all chemistry majors and forensic science majors are encouraged to join. Club activities include field trips, community and university service projects, films, group discussions, and social activities.  Additional information may be obtained by contacting the club's president Kori Jennings or by using the club's email.