The Department of Administration of Justice at UH Hilo prepares students to be innovative leaders in the field of justice. Our students have diverse goals: some want to police crime; some want to shape public policies; some want to advocate for communities. Our graduates go on to work in public agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Toward these ends, our courses encourage students to think critically about issues of justice, both in the criminal justice system and society at large.

Our Degrees and Campus

Career Opportunities

Because the scope of study for Administration of Justice majors is wide-ranging, students have many potential career paths after graduation, including traditional jobs in policing, corrections, courts, probation, and parole, as well as career opportunities in nonprofit organizations, human services, policy analysis, law, environmental enforcement, international aid organizations, homeland security, defense, and intelligence. Many Administration of Justice students also go on to graduate programs in public policy and administration, law, criminal justice, security studies, and public affairs.

Opportunities for Students

Internships

The Administration of Justice Department sponsors a number of hands-on activities to broaden and deepen the students’ knowledge of administration of justice. Among these are a variety of internships in state and local agencies on Hawaii Island as well as legislative internships at the state and federal level. Administration of Justice students who demonstrate mastery of the subject matter, professional competence, and responsibility are eligible to participate in these internship programs. Through the internship programs students gain a unique experience in administration of justice and related fields that supplements their coursework and may enhance their post-graduation employment prospects.

Legislative Internship

Students are placed in a semester-long legislative internship position. For this upcoming term, students will be place in the Honolulu office of Hawaii State Representative Greggor Ilagan. Legislative interns conduct research on legislation and policy issues, handle constituent affairs, receive visitors to the office, and are involved in a wide variety of legislative matters. It is an amazing opportunity to gain real-world experience and build valuable career skills. The student(s) selected for the position will work full-time on Oahu while earning 15 academic credit hours (AJ 481 WI/GCC). They will also receive funding to help with expenses. Learn about previous student intern Kari Sochor and her educational journey through the Legislative Internship at the University of Hawaii Foundation.

Hawaii Police Department Kalounui Internship

The Hawaiʻi Police Department Kalounui Internship Program provides students with a meaningful opportunity to explore careers in law enforcement and public service. Through placements with various divisions and units within the Hawaiʻi Police Department, students work alongside HPD employees to gain practical experience in administrative, investigative, and support roles. This internship allows students to connect academic learning with real-world operations, develop professional skills, and better understand the inner workings of a modern police department. The program strengthens community partnerships and supports students in preparing for future careers in the criminal justice field.

Administration of Justice Club

The Administration of Justice Club at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo strives to inspire and prepare students for careers in the justice system by promoting academic excellence, ethical leadership, and civic engagement. Through educational events, career development opportunities, and partnerships with local agencies and organizations, the club provides a supportive environment for students to deepen their understanding of justice, law, and public service while contributing positively to the campus and broader Hawaiʻi Island community.