Department of Culture, Society and Justice

University of Idaho anthropology professors Renae Campbell and Mark Warner lead a public archaeology dig on the grounds of the Old U.S. Assay Office in downtown Boise June 2-13, 2025. The dig, part of the University of Idaho's Archaeological Field School, was open to the public to observe and participate in hands-on activities. The project aims to make archaeology more accessible and interesting to the public, showcasing Idaho's history and allowing community members to engage with the process.

Explore justice, culture and social change

In University of Idaho’s Department of Culture, Society and Justice (CSJ), you’ll examine the complex dynamics that shape human interactions, social systems and justice frameworks through critical inquiry and interdisciplinary study. Programs in this department will empower you to become an informed citizen and ethical leader prepared to address contemporary social challenges.

You’ll learn from dedicated scholars and practitioners who will immerse you in hands-on research, service learning and community partnerships. Whether you aspire to work in criminal justice, social services, advocacy or pursue graduate studies, CSJ provides the foundational experience needed to succeed in diverse career paths.

Academic programs

Undergraduate degrees

Graduate degrees

Certificates

Minors

Find your program

Explore CSJ degrees and certificates.

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Real-world learning opportunities

In CSJ, your education extends beyond the classroom. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning through internships, research projects and community engagement. You’ll collaborate with faculty on social justice initiatives, gain fieldwork experience and participate in outreach programs that create real-world impact.

Through internships and senior practicums, you’ll apply classroom knowledge in professional settings while developing practical skills and building career experience. CSJ offers diverse internship opportunities in government agencies, advocacy organizations, research institutions, social service programs and more.

Students can earn three (3) internship credits by completing 90 hours (6 hours per week) of supervised work with an approved organization. Internship placements are tailored to your academic and career goals, providing hands-on experience in criminology, sociology and anthropology.

Beyond internships, you can expand your education through experiential learning programs that provide valuable insights, networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of justice and society in action.

Discover student opportunities made for you

Criminology internship and fieldwork program

Gain hands-on experience in criminology by interning with law enforcement agencies, legal organizations, rehabilitation programs and more. Open to both seated and online criminology students, this program allows you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while earning academic credit. You may also fulfill capstone or elective requirements through CRIM 4620 Senior Practicum. Schedule a meeting with your internship advisor to learn more.

Criminology internship organizations:

  • Local and state law enforcement
  • Moscow Police Cadet Program
  • Federal law enforcement
  • Correctional agencies (jails and prisons)
  • Addiction and recovery non-profits
  • Probation and parole
  • Rehabilitation programs
  • Prisoner re-entry
  • Private law firms
  • Legal Aid
  • Prosecutor’s offices
  • Drug courts
  • Violence prevention programs
  • Civilian investigatory agencies
  • At-risk youth mentoring projects

Internship application and acceptance

Admission to the criminology internship program is competitive and not guaranteed. Many internships require a background check and acceptance is based on multiple factors, including GPA, academic standing and program capacity. Students must secure placement with a sponsoring organization before enrolling in CRIM 4620 Senior Practicum or CRIM 4980 Internship.

How to apply

Once you submit the application, please email the criminology internship coordinator, Joseph De Angelis, to schedule a meeting to discuss your interests.  The internship coordinator will talk with you about the internship requirements, help you identify possible internship opportunities that match your career interests and answer any questions you may have about the internship program.

  1. Complete and submit the criminology internship application form
  2. Schedule a meeting with Joseph De Angelis, criminology internship coordinator, to discuss available opportunities, internship requirements and career interests.

Application deadlines

To ensure priority consideration, submit your internship application by the Friday of week 10 in the semester before your intended internship.

  • Spring internships — Apply by week 10 of the fall semester
  • Summer internships — Apply by week 10 of the spring semester
  • Fall internships — Apply by week 10 of the summer session

Late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, but enrollment is not guaranteed.

Sociology and anthropology internships

Sociology and anthropology students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience while earning academic credit through internships. Undergraduate and graduate students can earn up to six (6) internship credits in sociology (SOC 4980) or anthropology (ANTH 4980/ANTH 5980).

If you are interested in applied sociology, the SOC 4620 Senior Practicum offers a three-credit, hands-on learning experience that fulfills capstone requirements. Anthropology students interested in a Senior Practicum experience should consult their advisor to confirm eligibility.

All students must submit an online application and schedule a meeting with Leontina Hormel, internship advisor, to explore opportunities and discuss placement options.

Sociology and anthropology internship organizations:

  • Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse (ATVP)
  • Center for Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD)
  • Friends of the Clearwater (FOC)
  • Housing Initiatives on the Palouse
  • Humane Society of the Palouse (HSoP)
  • Inland Oasis
  • Latah Recovery Center (LRC)
  • Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI)
  • Sojourners Alliance
  • Student-initiated opportunities in Moscow and beyond
 Experiential learning opportunities

Criminology Club

Looking to connect with peers, explore criminology and get involved with activities related to your field? Join the Criminology Club at U of I! Contact Steve Yoder, faculty advisor, to learn more.

Idaho Criminology Abroad (SOC 4640)

Gain a global perspective on crime, law and justice through Idaho Criminology Abroad, an intensive eight-day study abroad experience in London, Amsterdam or Chile. Explore topics such as comparative perspective on policing, vice, counterterrorism, courts, transnational crime and intergovernmental cooperation. Contact Brian Wolf, faculty advisor, to learn more about this experience.

Moscow Citizen’s Police Academy (SOC 4150)

Gain firsthand experience in law enforcement through the Moscow Citizen’s Police Academy, a course designed to introduce you to the realities of policing and criminal justice systems. Learn from law enforcement professionals and faculty as you explore topics such as police history, patrol procedures, traffic and drug enforcement, criminal investigations, use of force, firearms training and emergency vehicle operations. Contact Faculty Advisor Joseph De Angelis, for more information.

Inside-Out Prison Education Program

The program creates a unique learning environment by bringing traditional college students and incarcerated students together in a correctional facility. This transformative experience fosters meaningful dialogue, critical thinking and deeper understanding across social divides. Students engage in discussions about justice, citizenship and society, gaining new perspectives on crime, rehabilitation and systemic change. Contact program coordinator Omi Hodwitz, to learn more.

Alfred W. Bowers Laboratory of Anthropology

The anthropology lab provides students with hands-on experience in archaeological fieldwork, artifact conservation and cultural heritage research. Students can collaborate with faculty on projects ranging from excavations to archival analysis and participate in community outreach initiatives to share historical findings with the public.

Careers in culture, society and justice

As a graduate from CSJ, you can pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including:

  • Law enforcement and criminal justice
  • Social work and community services
  • Public policy and advocacy
  • Research and data analysis
  • Nonprofit and non-governmental organization leadership

Explore career services

Incarcerated and Moscow-campus students discuss international crime at Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino as part of the Inside Out class taught by Associate Professor Omi Hodwitz. Many of these students participate in the new Prison Education Initiative.

Join our community

Be part of a department that values critical thinking, social responsibility and a commitment to justice. With opportunities to engage in meaningful research and community projects, you’ll graduate with the skills and experiences needed to create positive change.

Meet with an advisor

Meet our people

You’ll learn from faculty who bring knowledge from diverse fields, offering you the opportunity to collaborate on research that addresses challenges like inequality, crime prevention and community resilience.

Department of Culture, Society and Justice

Kristine Levan
Department chair, associate professor
Phinney Hall 101
klevan@uidaho.edu

Deborah Husa
Administrative and financial specialist
Phinney Hall 101
208-885-6751
dhusa@uidaho.edu

Dianne Baumann
Assistant professor
Student Health 312
dianneb@uidaho.edu

Renae Campbell
Terry Abraham and Priscilla Wegars Endowed Assistant Professor of Asian American Historical Archaeology, director, Asian American Comparative Collection (AACC)
303 Student Health and 016A CLASS Annex (AACC)
208-885-7075
rjcampbell@uidaho.edu

Joseph De Angelis
Associate professor
Phinney Hall 317
208-885-6705
jtdeangelis@uidaho.edu

Katrina Eichner
Assistant professor
Student Health 316
208-885-6736
katrinae@uidaho.edu

Matthew Grindal
Assistant professor
Phinney Hall 115
208-885-0932
mgrindal@uidaho.edu

Emily Hull
Collections manager, NAGPRA coordinator
CLASS Annex (Bowers Lab)
emilyhull@uidaho.edu

Kristin Haltinner
Professor of sociology, director of equity and justice certificate
Phinney Hall 107
khaltinner@uidaho.edu

Omi Hodwitz
Associate professor
Phinney Hall 318
208-885-2976
omi@uidaho.edu

Leontina Hormel
Professor
Phinney Hall 104
208-885-6735
lhormel@uidaho.edu

Katharine E. Kolpan
Assistant professor
Student Health 322
208-885-6752
kkolpan@uidaho.edu

Crissy Phillips Oliver
Program coordinator
IRIC Room 311
coliver@uidaho.edu

Dilshani Sarathchandra
Associate professor
Phinney Hall 114
208-885-6664
dilshanis@uidaho.edu

Philip Stevens
Associate professor of anthropology, director of American Indian studies
Student Health 301
pstevens@uidaho.edu

Deborah Thorne
Professor
Phinney Hall 314
dthorne@uidaho.edu

Mark Warner
Professor
Student Health 302
208-885-5954
mwarner@uidaho.edu

Brian Wolf
Professor
Phinney Hall 310
208-885-6777
bwolf@uidaho.edu

Next steps