Program · Interdisciplinary

Law and Criminal Justice Fellows Program

TypeInterdisciplinary

Designed for students interested in law, public safety, and/or criminal justice.

Pursue Justice. Practice Ethical Leadership. 

The Criminal Justice Academic Fellows Program at Guilford College connects classroom learning with experiential opportunities, ethical leadership and professional preparation.

As a Fellow, you’ll move through selected Criminal Justice courses with a cohort of peers while exploring law, policy, ethics and the institutions that shape the justice system. The program enhances your major rather than adding a separate curriculum.

Through the Guilford Ethical Leadership Certificate, applied research, an internship and a senior capstone, you’ll build the knowledge, judgment and experience to prepare for a career or graduate study. Opportunities may include courtroom observations, agency engagement, professional panels and peer mentorship.

Accelerated Pathway to Elon Law

Students interested in a legal career can pursue Guilford’s accelerated 3+2.5 pathway with Elon University School of Law. After three years at Guilford, qualified students may apply to Elon Law and, if admitted, begin law school in what would have been their fourth undergraduate year.

Eligible first-year law courses can transfer back to Guilford to complete your bachelor’s degree, allowing you to earn both your Guilford degree and Juris Doctor in five and a half years—compared with the traditional seven-year path. Admission to Elon Law is competitive and requires a separate application, LSAT score and meeting Elon Law’s academic standards.

College Catalog

For more information about the Honors Program, visit the online, searchable College Catalog. In addition to the Undergraduate Catalog, information includes academic department and major information as well as academic regulations and resources; admission standards and requirements; and tuition, fees and financial aid information.

Internship Ideas

Sheriff, police, crime scene investigation, public defender, superior court, law enforcement, law firms

Alumni Careers and Graduate Schools

Local state and federal law enforcement, law school, corrections, public policy administration

About the Criminal Justice Academic Fellows Program

Opportunities

  • Explore the justice system through courtroom observations and agency engagement.

  • Connect with practitioners and alumni through panels and professional conversations.

  • Complete the Guilford Ethical Leadership Certificate.

  • Conduct applied research and gain experience through an internship.

  • Participate in cohort activities and peer mentorship.

  • Present your capstone or applied work at a Fellows showcase or equivalent event.

  • Prepare for employment or graduate school.

Eligibility

The program is designed for students interested in criminal justice, ethical leadership and hands-on learning. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete an application and interview. Admissions coordinates invitations, application instructions and deadlines.

Fellows are expected to:

  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing.

  • Complete the designated course pathway as scheduling permits.

  • Earn the Guilford Ethical Leadership Certificate.

  • Participate in cohort experiences and maintain a Fellows portfolio.

  • Complete the major’s internship and capstone requirements.

  • Participate in a Fellows showcase or equivalent culminating event.

Hands-on Learning

Connect what you learn with how the justice system works. Experiences may include observing court proceedings, engaging with agencies and discussing professional decisions with practitioners.

Research coursework and an internship help you investigate criminal justice questions and apply your knowledge. Your senior capstone brings together law, ethics, leadership, research and professional experience, while your Fellows portfolio documents your growth.

Contact Us

For questions about coursework and the Law & Criminal Justice Fellows experience:

Will Pizio
Charles A. Dana Professor of Justice and Policy Studies
wpizio@guilford.edu
336.316.2418

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