Bridging the Gap from the Classroom to the Workforce

• In Event: Community-based Learning in Criminal Justice Classes

Abstract

The field of criminal justice attracts numerous students at the undergraduate level for many reasons: personal goals, family history, and is at times based on unrealistic expectations based on television shows and other external influences. Traditional venues such as sworn positions are viable options, but many students find outcomes limiting and not what they envision for their professional lives. This presentation provides the benefits of a "Criminal Justice Careers" class formulated specifically to highlight the myriad of criminal justice career options available to students. The presentation will explain how the class introduces students to criminal justice career opportunities and helps them develop a greater understanding of their career goals. We will explain how this type of class enables students to critically evaluate different criminal justice agencies as they relate to social change, and the connection they make to the communities they serve. Data from three years of course evaluations and follow-up from past students will be discussed.

Authors

• Emmanuel P. Barthe, University of Nevada, Reno

• Lauren Anderson, University of Nevada, Reno