We continually find ways to expand learning into active application and opportunities to hone real-world skills that are critical to success in life after graduation.

Internships and Research Externships

We provide opportunities for students to work with community agencies and organizations such as federal agencies (such as ATF, FBI, HSI), local police departments (such as KCMO PD, Lenexa PD, Overland Park PD, WYCO PAL, KCMO PAL), courts (such as Jackson County Victim Assistance Unit, Johnson County Victim Assistance Unit, MO Attorney General's Office, and Jackson County CASA), and non-profits (such as Mattie Rhodes, Healing House, Journey to New Life, NewHouse, and Synergy).

This allows students to develop skills in data collection and analysis, research application, and collaborative leadership.

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Mock Trial

Every year universities from across the country compete as part of the national American Mock Trial Association (AMTA).

Join the UMKC team

Student Academy with the FBI

Attend unique seminars offered as a partnership between UMKC and the Kansas City Field Division of the FBI.

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Community-Engaged Learning

The UMKC CJC Department fosters inclusive and interactive courses through community-engaged learning projects.

This includes research, projects, and volunteer service with a wide range of community partners. Courses that incorporate collaborative community partnerships include: Advocacy and Crisis Intervention, Human Trafficking, Research Methods, Justice Oriented Career Mapping and Developing, and Storytelling as Justice. Our courses are designed to help you grow in your knowledge, skills, and application of justice related principles. A few highlights include: 

• Writing, filming, and editing a documentary: Breaking Barriers: Survivor Voices in Kansas City.
• Summarizing and presenting research: Understanding Violence in Kansas City.
• Developing and launching a digital archive: The Kansas City Community Resilience Archive.
• Designing and executing volunteer service projects, including
  • Helping with community donation drives
  • Putting together a field day for kids at a Police Athletic League
  • Hosting Re-Entry simulations