Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Experiential Learning

Police Academy students practice giving Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.

College Should Be More Than Just a Classroom Experience—At SEMO, It Is.

At Southeast Missouri State University, we believe in doing college differently. Learning doesn’t stop when you leave the lecture hall—it comes to life in the field, in the community, and across the world.

That’s why 100% of our Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Sociology students graduate with real-world experience. They don’t just learn theories—they apply them, making a real impact before they even earn their degree.

Social Work: Changing Lives Starts Here

Practicum

Your Competency Assessment in Practice (CAP) transforms learning into real-world social work skills. During a semester-long, 448-hour placement, you'll work directly with a social service agency that matches your professional goals. Our dedicated faculty guides you through this intensive 14-week experience, helping you build the practical expertise needed to make a meaningful difference in communities.
Explore Social Work
Student working to become a social worker in Missouri

Criminal Justice: Where Knowledge Meets Action

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL):

You’ve already built skills through job training and on-the-job experience—now, let’s turn that into credit toward your degree. Our CPL program helps working professionals get recognized for what they’ve already learned, so they can focus on advancing their careers.
Training for criminal justice programs in Missouri

Law Enforcement Certificate

If you’ve completed a Missouri Police Academy, federal or military training, or advanced law enforcement programs, you may be eligible to receive credit toward your degree. Graduate students with FBI National Academy training, federal/state special agent certification, or advanced criminal justice training can also apply for credit, accelerating their path to a master’s degree.c
Law Enforcement Certificate
Criminal Justice Law Enforcement

Internships

Step into the world of law enforcement, corrections, or legal services with hands-on internships that sharpen your skills and expand your network. Paid or unpaid Internships may be located on campus or off campus.
Internship for criminal justice degree Missouri

Travel Study

Expand your perspective by studying criminal justice systems across the U.S. or in other countries. Whether through faculty-led group experiences or independent travel projects, you’ll gain firsthand insight into how justice is served worldwide.
Explore Study Abroad Program
Study abroad for criminal justice jobs in Missouri

Directed Research

Dive deep into topics that spark your curiosity. Whether you're investigating crime trends, exploring policy impacts, or examining new strategies in criminal justice, your research can lead to real change—and even be presented at professional conferences.
Criminal Justice Research for students makes it the best degree for FBI

Sociology: Make a Difference Every Day

Directed Research

Conduct real research to better understand today's pressing social issues and the dynamics of individual choices that, collectively, form the “how” and “why” of human behavior and social activities.
Group of Sociology Students working together on directed research which provides Experiential Learning in Sociology

Find Your Why. Build Your Future.

At SEMO, we don’t just prepare you for a career—we help you discover your purpose. Whether you're fighting for justice, advocating for those in need, or leading change in your community, your journey starts here.

Are you ready to turn your purpose into action? Let’s make it happen—together.

 

Emilee Torres Criminal justice program major smiles at the camera wearing a black semo first gen shirt as she does an interview

Emilee Torres

SEMO has given me so many opportunities. Faculty in the Criminal Justice Department have been so great about helping to find students internships, including myself! The Criminal Justice Department has helped me feel fearless and confident to go into the field.
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Take the Next Step

Criminal Justice, Social Work & Sociology

Contact Us

Location

Office Location

Grauel 016

Mailing Location

One University Plaza, MS 7950
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701