15 Data Science Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 11 min read
If you’re interested in data science, internships can help you explore how data is used to solve problems across industries like healthcare, finance, aerospace, technology, and scientific research. These opportunities allow you to work in professional and research settings while building skills in programming, statistical analysis, data visualization, and computational thinking. They also provide exposure to how teams use data to guide research, product development, and decision-making.
Why should I do a data science internship in college?
Data science internships allow you to apply technical and analytical skills to projects involving large datasets, modeling, and research workflows. You might analyze data, build machine learning models, support business analytics, contribute to scientific research, or create tools and visualizations while working with engineers, researchers, and technical teams. Over time, these experiences can help you strengthen quantitative skills, explore different applications of data science, and prepare for future careers or graduate study in computational fields.
To help with your search, below is a list of 15 data science internships for undergraduates.
If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple eight-week internships throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap-year students who can work 10–20 hrs/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internships University Internship is an eight-week virtual program where undergraduate students collaborate with startups and established companies on project-based assignments. In data-focused roles, you may work on tasks such as data analysis, market research, product analytics, and strategy development using real business datasets. Interns contribute to deliverables that can be included in a professional portfolio while gaining exposure to startup workflows and analytical decision-making. The program includes dual mentorship from a company supervisor and a Ladder Coach who provides structured guidance and feedback throughout the internship. Through this experience, you develop practical analytical skills while engaging with founders, industry professionals, and innovation-focused teams.
Location: Various NASA facilities in the U.S. + remote opportunities
Cost/Stipend: Available; amount varies based on course duration and academic level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by placement
Dates: Varies depending on cohort and placement
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Eligibility: Full-time or part-time college student (undergraduate through graduate-level); 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; 16 years old at time of application
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship allows undergraduate students the opportunity to work alongside researchers, engineers, and technical staff at NASA on mission-related projects. In data science–related roles, you may analyze scientific datasets, support modeling and simulation work, or develop data tools connected to areas such as space exploration, Earth science, or aerospace systems. You will receive mentorship from NASA professionals while gaining exposure to research workflows used across different NASA centers and laboratories. The program is offered in multiple sessions each year and may be part-time or full-time depending on the project and location. Through hands-on contributions to real research initiatives, you will build technical, analytical, and collaborative skills in a large-scale scientific environment.
Location: Multiple locations
Stipend: Sophomore: $25.50/hour | Junior: $27.00/hour | Senior: $28.00/hour | Master’s Degree: $33.00/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 18 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 22/23
Eligibility: Current undergrad (sophomore+) or master's students (undergrad degree after May 2024); GPA ≥3.0; permanent US work authorization
The Johnson & Johnson Technology (JJT) Summer Intern Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work on data-driven projects within a global healthcare technology environment. In data science–related roles, you may focus on data engineering and analytics, decision science, or machine learning initiatives that support digital health technologies, medical devices, and enterprise healthcare systems. You will work with large datasets to build predictive models, develop data pipelines, create visualizations, and generate insights that support product development and data-informed decision-making. You’ll collaborate with technical teams and stakeholders while gaining exposure to enterprise tools, cloud platforms, and real-world healthcare data workflows. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with applied analytics and AI in a regulated healthcare and MedTech environment.
Location: NIH main campus, Bethesda, MD
Cost/Stipend: Paid according to the NIH Intramural Research Training Award stipends
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 to 12 weeks from June (start dates and internship durations are flexible)
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited U.S. college, university, or professional school; 18 years old. Check more details here
The National Library of Medicine Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program is an 8–12 week summer research internship focused on computational health, biomedical data science, and informatics. As a scholar, you’ll work on real research projects in the biological sciences while receiving one-on-one mentorship from researchers at the National Institutes of Health. Projects often involve analyzing biomedical datasets, developing computational models, or applying data science techniques to health and biological research questions. Alongside research work, you will participate in seminars, professional development workshops, and training focused on scientific communication. The program concludes with formal presentations of your research at NLM’s Summer Poster Day and the NIH-wide Summer Poster Day.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $5,600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 5 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Undergraduate students can apply (graduating college seniors are not eligible)
The University of Chicago Data Science Institute DSI Summer Lab is an 8-week paid research program where undergraduate students work on applied data science projects across fields such as computer science, public policy, climate and energy, and biomedical research. You are paired with experienced mentors and embedded within research teams, gaining hands-on experience with data analysis, computational methods, and collaborative problem-solving. The program emphasizes research methodologies, applied computing practices, and clear communication of technical findings. Throughout the summer, you’ll present regular research updates and produce a final research video showcased at an end-of-summer symposium modeled after an academic conference. In addition to research work, the program includes professional development activities and a speaker series featuring leading data science researchers.
Location: Microsoft offices at Redmond, WA, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Paid opportunity; stipend unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive admissions
Dates: 12 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: First- and/or second-year college students
The Microsoft Explore Microsoft Program is a 12-week summer internship designed for first- and second-year undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in software development and related technical fields such as computer science, data science, or electrical engineering. During the program, you will experience the core stages of the product development cycle, design, build, and quality, while working in a collaborative pod with other Explore interns. The internship combines hands-on coding tasks with structured learning sessions that introduce industry-standard software engineering practices. You’ll also receive mentorship from Microsoft professionals while participating in community-building and networking activities across the company. The program is intended to give early-stage college students exposure to technical roles and the broader technology development environment.
Location: U.S. CMS institution sites
Cost/Stipend: $600 stipend for 40 hours per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution who have completed at least one year as matriculating students; at least 18 years old
The US CMS Collaboration Undergraduate Research Internship is a 10-week paid program that connects undergraduates with mentors from U.S. institutions participating in the Compact Muon Solenoid Experiment at CERN. During the internship, you’ll work on projects in physics, computing, data science, or instrumentation while analyzing particle physics data from the Large Hadron Collider. You will apply computational tools and statistical methods under the guidance of university faculty, national laboratory scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced graduate students. The program is open to students majoring in physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, and related STEM fields. The experience concludes with a research report and a virtual presentation of your work.
Location: Various U.S. and international locations
Cost/Stipend: Free, stipend varies by position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies based on position and location
Application Deadline: Rolling, typically closes around March
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
The Google Internship offers undergraduate students hands-on experience working on real data-driven challenges within one of the world’s largest technology companies. As a data-focused intern, you may work with teams involved in big data analytics, machine learning, and data engineering, applying programming and statistical methods to analyze large-scale datasets that impact products used by millions of users. You will collaborate closely with engineers, analysts, and product teams to develop insights and present findings to internal stakeholders. The program is highly competitive and emphasizes strong foundations in programming, data analysis, and problem-solving. Through mentorship and team-based projects, you’ll gain exposure to how large technology companies use data science to guide product development and decision-making.
Location: Various locations across the globe
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend will be provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Based on the position
Application Deadline: Based on the position
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
Internships at IBM provide undergraduate students with opportunities to work on data-driven projects across artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation. Data science–focused roles may include positions like Data Scientist Intern, Development – AI/Data Science Intern, and Data Scientist Intern within AI Analytics & Automation or Client Innovation Centers. In these roles, you may work with large datasets, build predictive models, apply machine learning techniques, and use tools such as Python, SQL, and data visualization platforms to analyze and interpret data. You will typically collaborate with engineers, researchers, and business teams to support real projects connected to enterprise technology and client solutions. The internships provide exposure to IBM’s applied research and industry-scale data systems while helping you build practical analytical and programming skills.
Location: Various locations
Cost/Stipend: Might be paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or research-based degrees in math, statistics, sciences, engineering, computer science, or other quantitative fields. There might be some prerequisites for roles that you can check here
Data & Analytics internships at JPMorgan Chase allow undergraduate students to work at the intersection of data science, financial research, and large-scale technology systems. As an intern, you may apply techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, or time-series analysis to solve complex financial and operational problems. The projects often involve working with large financial datasets to build predictive models, develop analytics tools, or support decision-making across risk analysis, customer insights, and market research. You work with data scientists, engineers, and business teams while learning to build solutions using modern technologies and agile development practices. The program also includes mentorship, technical training, and speaker sessions with industry leaders, with strong performers often considered for full-time roles.
Location: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) locations across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Stipend based on educational level and locality. Check details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by AFRL site and project
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Enrolled or accepted at an educational institution, taking at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for the semester immediately preceding the internship session. At least 16 years of age (18 years for California students)
The Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work on research projects within a federal laboratory environment, including placements focused on data science and computational analysis. In the Data Science Track, you may work with large datasets, build analytical models, run simulations, or apply machine learning and statistical techniques to support research in aerospace systems, defense technologies, and advanced engineering. You’ll work directly with AFRL scientists and engineers while contributing to ongoing mission-driven research initiatives. The program typically involves writing technical reports and, in some cases, presenting research findings at the end of the internship. Through this experience, you’ll gain exposure to applied research, data-driven problem-solving, and the role of analytics in national research and technology development.
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer: May – August (12 weeks); Semester internships: 4–6 months, varies by semester
Application Deadline: Summer applications run from December to February; Part-time semester deadline varies by semester
Eligibility: Full-time students enrolled at a nationally accredited university or college with at least one semester of school remaining
The Airbnb USA Internship Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work on data-driven projects related to travel platforms, customer insights, and product optimization. As a data-focused intern, you may analyze large datasets to support market research, user behavior analysis, A/B testing, and recommendation systems that enhance the platform experience for guests and hosts. You will collaborate closely with engineers, product managers, and data scientists to build analytics dashboards, predictive models, and experimentation frameworks. Many projects focus on real product challenges, such as improving review systems, pricing insights, or search and discovery features, allowing interns to contribute directly to live products. The program emphasizes mentorship, hands-on technical work, and exposure to how data science informs decision-making within a global travel technology platform.
Location: Various locations
Cost/Stipend: No information
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10–12 weeks, late May or early June to late July or early August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Exceptional students at every level (high school, undergraduate, graduate)
The MITRE Corporation Intern & Co-op Program allows undergraduate students to work on mission-driven research and technology projects alongside experienced scientists and engineers. In data science–related roles, you may contribute to projects involving data analytics, machine learning, modeling, or large-scale data systems that support government and public-sector initiatives. You are embedded in active project teams and work directly with senior staff on real sponsor programs, rather than on observational assignments. The program also includes MITRE’s structured Learning Track, featuring technical talks, mentorship, networking events, and project showcases. Through this experience, you gain exposure to applied research environments while developing technical and professional skills.
Location: DOE labs across the U.S.
Stipend: $650/week stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Check dates here
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Check dates here
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate student at an accredited institution; GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; Must be 18 years or older
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program places undergraduate students and recent graduates at laboratories operated by the U.S. Department of Energy for hands-on research across STEM fields. You may work with large scientific datasets, apply statistical analysis, develop computational models, or support machine learning and high-performance computing projects tied to energy, climate, and physics research. You will conduct a defined research project under the mentorship of a DOE scientist while using advanced instruments and national laboratory computing resources. The program takes place across multiple DOE national laboratories and emphasizes collaborative research, technical skill development, and exposure to large-scale scientific workflows. By the end of the internship, you will have gained experience working in a national research environment while building analytical and computational skills.
Location: Partner organizations in New York
Cost/Stipend: Paid opportunities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 2 months; Anticipated start date for most companies is June 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Full-time University of Rochester students in good standing at the time of the internship experience
The Data Science Internship Program at the University of Rochester is a paid summer opportunity supported by the New York State Center of Excellence in Data Science. Through this program, undergraduate and graduate students work with partner startups and small businesses across New York State to solve real-world data challenges. You will apply techniques learned in coursework, such as data analysis, modeling, and visualization, to support company projects involving business intelligence, analytics, or data-driven product development. The two-month internship may be conducted on-site, remotely, or in a hybrid format, depending on the host organization. By collaborating with industry partners, students gain practical experience applying data science methods to real operational and business problems.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.