15 Dermatology Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 27 minutes ago
- 10 min read
If you’re an undergraduate in biology, pre-med, or a related field and want to see how dermatology works in practice, an internship can be a good place to start. You’ll get to observe how doctors approach different skin conditions and how lab teams study them at a molecular level. It’s also a practical way to figure out whether you want to continue toward medical school, lab research, or another health field.
Most dermatology internships for undergraduates are short-term and take place in hospitals, medical schools, or research centers. Some will have you shadow doctors during patient consultations, while others focus on research tasks like preparing samples, reviewing medical literature, or assisting with lab experiments.Â
With that, here is a list of 15 dermatology internships for undergraduates! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Dermatology Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free for selected fellows; scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 2–3 funded fellows
Dates: 3-month summer research experience
Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and medical students working with Penn Dermatology faculty.
ECuRE: Early Cutaneous Research Experiences is a dermatology internship for undergraduates and medical students. As an intern, you will explore research opportunities in the cutaneous sciences under the mentorship of a Penn Dermatology faculty member. Past summer programs have covered skin and hair disorders, stem cell regulation, cutting-edge technological advances, and other topics. You will also learn about research ethics and data management to support your project. The program helps you explore careers in science and medicine while building professional networks.
Location: Rochester, MN; Scottsdale, AZ; Jacksonville, FL
Stipend: $6,000 (paid biweekly)
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Deadline: February 3
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; 180 students across three campuses
Eligibility: Open to current second- or third-year U.S. college students with a 3.0+ GPA, serious interest in a research career (PhD/M.D./PhD).
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a 10-week summer program organised by the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences for undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers and becoming scientists. As a SURF fellow, you will work on a research project at a medical center under the guidance of your assigned mentor, enhancing your hands-on experience and technical skills. You can explore various dermatology-related biomedical research areas, including biochemistry and molecular biology, immunology, molecular pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, as well as clinical and translational sciences. At the end of the program, you will present your research at the Summer Research Poster Session.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type | Financial aid available
Application deadline: Cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summerÂ
Eligibility: Students who can work for 5-10 hours/week, for 8 weeks | Open to high schoolers, undergraduates, and gap-year students
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week virtual internship where you work on projects with start-ups and corporate businesses. Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program focuses on applied learning through assignments guided by start-up founders and supervisors with experience at places like Harvard Business School, McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft. You’ll develop problem-solving and project management skills, gain insight into entrepreneurial practices, and receive weekly mentorship from your manager and a Ladder Coach. The program ends with a final project presentation to strengthen your resume and professional portfolio.
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $4,700 + housing, food, and travel support
Dates: May 27 – August 3
Deadline: January 24
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohort size not published
Eligibility: Open to U.S. sophomores, juniors, or seniors, 100+ hours of basic science research experience, 3.2+ GPA, U.S. citizen/permanent resident.
The UM-SMART program at the University of Michigan aims to provide undergraduate students with research opportunities in human health and disease, ultimately preparing them for careers in MD/PhD, PhD, or MD programs. The majority of the program experience involves working in basic research labs under the supervision of a research faculty member. Students interested in dermatology may focus on research projects related to skin, hair, or nail health. Additionally, you can shadow physicians, participate in MCAT preparation, attend career seminars, conduct a mock interview, and network with MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) fellows. All participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their research presentations and posters at a research symposium on campus.
Location: Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Not specified
Dates: 8-week summer program
Deadline: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Eligibility: Open to Randolph-Macon College undergraduates. Students from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Summer Internship Program is a dermatology internship for undergraduates organised by the Tara Miller Melanoma Center, which is a part of the University of Pennsylvania. The 8-week internship aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore melanoma and other skin cancers, laying a foundation for careers in oncology or biomedical sciences. As an intern, you can expect to gain in-depth insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of melanoma. You will also work in a research lab, shadow physicians, conduct research in human biobanking and clinical trials, perform clinical data entry and management, and attend conferences and seminars, among other immersive experiences.
Location: New York City, NY
Stipend: $6,000 + free housing + up to $500 travel support
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Deadline: Typically early February
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohort size not disclosed
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates who have completed at least two semesters and have at least one remaining before graduation
The Advancing Cornell Career Experiences for Science Students (ACCESS) Summer Internship Program gives you hands-on research experience in a lab at Weill Cornell Medicine or the Sloan Kettering Institute. You work under a faculty mentor on a project in areas like biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, or molecular biology. If you’re interested in dermatology, you can choose a related research focus. You also take part in seminars on biomedical research, career paths, and professional development. The program includes a journal club where you discuss scientific papers and community-building events in New York City. At the end of the program, you present your work at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium and create a scientific poster for the closing ceremony.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500 for college students
Dates: 4-week summer program (dates vary)
Deadline: April 15
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Open to U.S.-based high school (junior/senior), college, or medical students
The 4-Week Summer Dermatology Research Program is a remote opportunity offered by the Department of Dermatology at Drexel University College of Medicine, in collaboration with UVtec, a UV protective licensing company. The program focuses on clinical dermatology research, sustainability in dermatology, and business and cost considerations in dermatology. You will work on mentored group research projects with your team, comprising fellow high school, college, and medical students. You will meet your team virtually throughout the program and participate in online or in-person research presentations during the final week of the program. All participants will obtain a certificate of completion, and many may have the chance to publish their research and present it at dermatology meetings.
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: $150 application fee; financial aid may be available
Dates: 5-day program in JuneÂ
Deadline: April 30
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; 100 participants
Eligibility: Open to premedical and postbaccalaureate students, especially from underserved or under-resourced communities
AAD's Pathways Program is a 5-day summer program designed to provide students with an introduction to careers in dermatology. As a participant, you will gain practical experience in dermatologic procedures and receive mentorship from board-certified dermatologists. Additionally, the program instructors will guide students in preparing for the MCAT and applying to medical school. During the five days, you will engage with practicing dermatologists, medical students, residents, and fellow participants, helping you build a professional network.
Location: Perrysburg and Fremont, OH
Cost: None
Dates: 10-week summer program, typically starting in May
Deadline: Rolling; early application encouraged
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specifiedÂ
Eligibility: Open to college and medical students with a GPA ≥ 3.0 and strong communication and teamwork skills
The MD Summer Internship is a 10-week dermatology internship for undergraduates and medical students at Mitchell Dermatology, established by board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell, MD, FAAD. Throughout the internship tenure, you will have the opportunity to be in a dynamic clinical setting and work closely with a dermatologist or physician assistant. You will observe their daily responsibilities and learn about a wide range of dermatologic conditions and treatments. The training period will also help you understand how the collaborative efforts of various healthcare professionals support and enhance patient care.
Location: Multiple U.S. sites
Stipend: Students are paid a stipend. Amount not specifiedÂ
Dates: Year-round; rolling start dates
Deadline: None specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Open to pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-PA, and post-bacc students
CareYaya Health Technologies is a healthcare services company that connects caregivers with senior adults requiring at-home wellness support. Their dermatology internship for undergraduates, organised in conjunction with dermatology and geriatric care clinics, is an effort to help pre-health students with hands-on experience in dermatology. As an intern, you will get to assist clinicians with observing, tracking, and documenting dermatologic concerns in older patients during home or clinic visits. The experience will enhance your understanding of skin conditions in the aging population, including eczema, ulcers, pressure ulcers, fungal infections, and skin cancers. Under supervision, you will also offer wound care follow-ups, caregiver education, skincare routines, and other non-invasive care.
Location: Seattle, WA
Stipend: None; for-credit research course
Dates: Offered every academic quarter
Deadline: Apply at least two weeks before the quarter starts
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Maximum 25 students per quarter
Eligibility: Open to UW undergraduates. Must secure a dermatology faculty mentor and register for course credit
Offered by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, DERM 499 gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in class to research in a lab setting. You work directly with UW faculty on a dermatology-related project, gaining experience in experimental design, data collection, and scientific analysis. As part of the course, you also review and summarize published research in your area of focus. By the end of the quarter, you present your work through a written or oral presentation. This could include a literature review, a clinical case summary, or a report on your research findings.
Location: Boston, MA
Stipend: $4,000 stipend + $1,000 food allowance + $400 travel allowance + free housing.
Dates: June 1 – August 9
Deadline: February 1
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates with a GPA ≥ 3.0, prior lab experience, and interest in biomedical PhD programs
The Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP) at Harvard Medical School is a 10-week research internship for undergraduates interested in biomedical science, including dermatology. You are matched with a faculty mentor and placed in a lab based on your interests. If you want to focus on dermatology, you can explore related areas like stem cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, or genetics. You attend sessions on science communication, career development, and responsible conduct of research. You also join peer mentoring events and present your work at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium.Â
Location: Princeton, NJ or New Brunswick, NJ
Stipend: Weekly pay + travel reimbursement + housing
Dates: 9-week summer program
Deadline: February 1
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohort size not disclosed
Eligibility: Rising sophomores or juniors enrolled full-time at Princeton University or Rutgers University
The Joint Ludwig Princeton and Rutgers Cancer Institute Summer Internship Program is a 9-week research experience for undergraduates interested in cancer biology. You work in a lab focused on the molecular causes of cancer development and progression. If you want dermatology-related experience, you may be placed in a lab studying skin cancer. During the program, you attend lectures by cancer researchers, tour research facilities, and take part in molecular tumor board meetings. These meetings show how lab discoveries connect to patient care. You build research skills and learn how cancer research translates into clinical decisions.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $3,000 for full-time research
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Deadline: January 10
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; cohort size not published
Eligibility: Open to U.S. undergraduates in good academic standing. Sophomores and juniors are prioritized; first-years may apply.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, a part of Drexel University College of Medicine, is a 9-week program designed to help undergraduates explore biomedical research. You will explore various disciplines, including the biochemistry of health and disease, molecular and cell biology and genetics, microbiology and immunology, and pharmacology and physiology, all of which are relevant to dermatology research. You will work on a research project in your assigned laboratory under the guidance of faculty and members. At the end of the program, all SURF fellows will present their research work to students and faculty at Drexel University and may also be invited to Discovery Day in the fall for research poster presentations.Â
Location: New Haven, CT
Stipend: $4,000 + $1,000 food + $400 travel + free housing
Dates: Eight weeks in June–JulyÂ
Deadline: February 1
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; cohort size not published
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduates in good academic standing with an interest in PhD-level research careers
The Yale Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program offers undergraduates the chance to conduct full-time research in Yale’s state-of-the-art labs. You are matched with a faculty mentor, postdoctoral associate, or advanced graduate student based on your academic interests. If you’re interested in dermatology, you may be placed in labs working on skin biology, immunology, cancer biology, or molecular pathways relevant to dermatologic research. Throughout the program, you attend workshops on science communication, graduate school preparation, and responsible conduct of research. You also participate in panel discussions and peer mentoring events that help you explore research careers and build professional connections.Â
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.
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 Harvard College graduate. 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.
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