Faculty in the School of Criminal Justice and elsewhere on the campus regularly consult with the State Police and conduct joint research projects with the help of forensic science students. Through its career development and internship offices, the School of Criminal Justice provides internship opportunities for forensic science students. Internships consist of a one semester placement in a federal, state or municipal forensic science laboratory. Participating laboratories are located in nearly every state. This opportunity provides students with a chance to learn firsthand how a crime lab works and how scientific analysis is carried out on physical evidence.
Many interns carry out research projects under the auspices of laboratory personnel.
Academic credit towards the Masters degree is awarded for successful completion of the internship placement. Located on the banks of the Red Cedar River, the nation's first landgrant university is situated on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Lansing, the state capitol, is only two miles from the campus and provides ready access to public agencies and businesses for students who seek research and practicum sites. With a population of 400,000 the metropolitan Lansing area offers diverse cultural and recreational activities. The Great Lakes, Detroit, and Ontario are all within 90 miles, and housing is attractive and affordable.