15 Forensic Science Internships for Undergraduates

If you are a college student passionate about uncovering the science behind criminal investigations, forensic science internships can be a solid stepping stone. Internships in forensic science bridge classroom learning with investigations, allowing you to build essential lab and workplace skills and learn about industry practices. As an intern, you will get a firsthand look at how scientific analysis supports justice and public safety.

Many of these opportunities combine training with mentorship from seasoned professionals. You can make meaningful connections with experts within laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and research institutions. You will also gain insights into graduate school and professional paths you can explore in the future.

To help you shortlist the right options, we have compiled a list of 15 forensic science internships for undergraduates. 

15 Forensic Science Internships for Undergraduates

1. U.S. Department of Justice Computer Forensic Science Internship

Location: U.S. Department field offices nationwide

Cost/Stipend: None; work-study credit may be available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive

Dates: Academic-year and summer opportunities available; commitment of eight weeks to six months

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Undergraduate students and graduate students enrolled at least part-time; applicants must be U.S. citizens.

The U.S. Department of Justice offers volunteer internships in its Criminal Division, including opportunities focused on computer forensic science and related investigative work. As an intern, you will assist DOJ personnel with research, data analysis, and technical case preparation that supports active investigations and litigation. You may help process electronic evidence, prepare visual exhibits, organize digital materials, or analyze forensic data connected to criminal cases. The experience can provide you with practical exposure to the intersection of technology, law, and forensic science within a federal agency environment. To qualify for the applied role, you will have to undergo a background check and drug screening due to the sensitive nature of the work.

2. Ladder’s University Internship Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies; financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: Vary by cohort; multiple cohorts each year, scheduled in the summer, fall, spring, and winter

Application deadline: Varies by cohort: January deadline for spring cohorts; May deadlines for summer cohorts; September deadline for the fall cohort; November deadline for winter sessions

Eligibility: Undergraduates, gap-year students, and high school students who can commit to 10–20 hours/week over an 8–12 week duration

Ladder’s University Internship Program connects undergraduate students with early-stage startups for roughly eight weeks of hands-on, project-based experience. Opportunities are available across a wide range of industries—from technology and environmental science to forensic science and public policy. As an intern, you will spend 10–15 hours every week on your deliverables and meet regularly with supervisors and a Ladder Coach, who will offer guidance throughout the program. The program allows you to work on real projects that align with your academic and career goals. The internship culminates in a final presentation of your work to the company. Apply now!

3. NCIS Honors Internship Program 

Location: NCIS headquarters and field offices

Stipend: Paid according to federal pay grades

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Spring Internship: January – May/June | Summer Internship: May/June – August | Fall Internship: August – December; a minimum commitment of 10 weeks required

Application deadline: Spring: August 1 | Summer: November 30 | Fall: April 30

Eligibility: Students who are enrolled at least half-time in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and have U.S. citizenship

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Honors Internship Program allows undergraduate and graduate students to explore the investigative and forensic operations of federal law enforcement. Over the course of 10 weeks or more, you will work alongside NCIS agents and analysts on assignments related to national security, intelligence, cybercrime, and forensic support. This paid forensic science internship for undergraduates places you within different units based on your academic background and interests. You can request placement within the Office of Forensic Support, where you may learn about evidence collection, trajectory reconstruction, and bloodstain pattern analysis. 

4. FBI Honors Internship Program

Location: FBI headquarters and field offices in the U.S.

Stipend: Paid

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive

Dates: June – August

Application deadline: Typically, October; applications open in August.

Eligibility: Students entering junior or senior year, or enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, JD, or Ph.D. program; applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at a U.S.-accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA (maintained throughout the process). Applicants must clear a background investigation and qualify for Top Secret security clearance.

The FBI Honors Internship Program is a paid summer opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in working directly with federal law enforcement professionals across the country. Over the course of the program, you will be placed in an FBI field office or at headquarters and assist with analytical, operational, or technical projects tied to national security, intelligence, or criminal investigations. You can indicate your preference for working within the Laboratory Division, where you will apply chemistry or biology knowledge to real forensic analyses. This forensic science internship for undergraduates offers opportunities to observe or assist with active investigations and gain an understanding of how scientific methods are used in law enforcement.

5. Houston Forensic Science Center Internship Program

Location: Houston Forensic Science Center, Houston, TX

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by department and term

Dates: 10–12 weeks in summer; flexible scheduling available in fall and spring

Application deadline: Summer: February 28 | Fall: July 31 | Spring: October 31

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students, ages 18 and up, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

The Houston Forensic Science Center Internship Program offers students 10–12 week, unpaid forensic science internships within one of the largest full-service forensic laboratories in the country. You will be matched to divisions such as Biology/DNA, Toxicology, Seized Drugs, Latent Prints, or administrative units like IT, Finance, and Legal Affairs based on the Center’s ongoing needs. Although you will not conduct independent casework, you will assist with research, quality assurance, and operational projects that support real forensic functions. The program will also allow you to observe the daily operations of a professional forensic lab, build technical and analytical skills, and interact with experienced practitioners across multiple disciplines.

6. Baltimore City Police Department Forensic Science Internships

Location: Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore, MD

Cost/Stipend: None; academic credit available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer internships running for 10–12 weeks each

Application deadline: Fall: June 9 | Spring: September 1 | Summer: February 1

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA and at least two completed semesters of college coursework

The Baltimore City Police Department’s Forensic Science & Evidence Services Division offers students the opportunity to gain direct exposure to the workings of a major metropolitan crime lab. As an intern, you will engage in various areas of forensic science, including crime scene investigation, laboratory operations, and evidence management. You will be expected to work on-site during regular business hours, collaborating with law enforcement professionals on real operational projects. Some placements in this forensic science internship for undergraduates may also extend to administrative or policy-focused divisions such as the Police Commissioner’s Office or Special Events. 

7. Forensic Science Internship @ Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)

Location: ATF, Beltsville, MD, or Atlanta, GA

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited slots available

Dates: Summer (start/end dates vary)

Application deadline: Window for requesting applications: September 1 – November 1 | Completed applications due: November 15

Eligibility: Students enrolled in a college program in forensic science or a related discipline with U.S. citizenship

The ATF’s Forensic Science Internship provides undergraduate students studying forensic or related sciences with hands-on experience in a federal crime laboratory. You will contribute to ongoing research, help prepare materials for scientific conferences, and potentially co-author papers for publication. The internship spans major forensic disciplines, including DNA analysis, explosives and fire debris chemistry, latent print identification, and firearms and toolmark examination. During the internship, you will receive mentorship from experienced federal scientists who will guide your technical development and help you learn about forensic methodologies. These unpaid summer positions can also qualify for academic credit, depending on your institution’s policies. 

8. Virginia Department of Forensic Science Internship Program

Location: Four regional laboratories across Virginia

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; determined by laboratory capacity

Dates: Vary by laboratory and workload

Application deadline: No deadline, but you should apply at least one semester prior to the desired internship term.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students in science majors and graduate students in forensic science programs (FEPAC-accredited preferred)

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science occasionally offers unpaid, project-based internships across its four regional laboratories, with opportunities listed depending on workload and staff availability. Designed primarily for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in forensic or natural science programs, these forensic science internships focus on applied research and laboratory support rather than shadowing. You may assist with scientific projects that contribute directly to the Department’s mission of supporting the state’s criminal justice system. As placements are limited, priority is given to students from FEPAC-accredited programs. 

9. Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office Internship

Location: Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, San Antonio, TX

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; two students/semester

Dates: Not specified

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Senior-level undergraduate students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions and majoring in forensic science, biology, criminal justice, anthropology, nursing, or related fields

The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office Internship immerses upper-level undergraduates in the medicolegal death investigation process under the supervision of experienced investigators. As an intern, you will assist with tasks like documenting death reports, participating in scene investigations, reviewing case photographs, and preparing summaries for official use. You may also help identify decedents, support next-of-kin notifications, and coordinate with law enforcement or hospital personnel. The internship is centered around active participation rather than observation, giving you firsthand exposure to how death investigations are managed from scene to report.

10. Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) Internship Program

Location: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences at the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited spots

Dates: Last week in May to the second week in August (exact dates vary); commitment of 10 weeks

Application deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution in good standing; exact specifications may vary

HCIFS’s internship program is designed to expose students to multiple disciplines within forensic science and death investigation. You can choose to explore areas such as forensic anthropology, toxicology, firearms identification, DNA analysis, pathology, entomology, and imaging while working alongside credentialed professionals. You will be mentored by experienced scientists throughout the program. You may also complete a research project and present it at the end of the term. Each internship provides direct exposure to both laboratory and fieldwork settings, such as autopsies, evidence recovery, or data interpretation, depending on your assigned division.

11. KBI Forensic Science Laboratory Internship Program

Location: Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Topeka, KS

Stipend: Paid positions available; amount not specified

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spots

Dates: Summer, Fall, and Spring internships; dates vary

Application deadline: Summer Internship: January 1 | Fall Internship: April 1 | Spring Internship: September 1

Eligibility: Upper-level students (junior, senior, or graduate student) enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; applicants must meet degree and section-specific requirements.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Forensic Science Laboratory Internship Program gives undergraduate and graduate students hands-on research and technical experience in an accredited forensic laboratory environment. You will be expected to complete at least 180 hours per semester while contributing to real laboratory projects such as method validation, performance verification, and data analysis. You will collaborate closely with forensic scientists and gain exposure to lab procedures across various disciplines, depending on your placement and the lab’s resources. The program includes paid positions, supervision, and regular evaluations to ensure academic and professional development. You will maintain daily logs, submit written reports, and may present a final project.

12. Westchester County Division of Forensic Sciences Internship & Shadowing Program

Location: Westchester County Division of Forensic Sciences, Valhalla, NY

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited; preference given to Westchester County residents and Tri-State area students

Dates: Winter Intersession and Summer internships available 

Application deadline: Varies; applications are open twice annually on September 1 and March 1

Eligibility: College students who are in their junior year or above, enrolled in a forensic science or related lab science program, and reside in NY or attend school in the Tri-State area

The Westchester County Division of Forensic Sciences provides a limited number of internships and shadowing opportunities for students pursuing forensic science or related laboratory studies. As an intern, you will observe casework in disciplines like forensic biology (DNA), trace evidence, chemistry, and forensic imaging. The internship is designed to give you a realistic look at how physical evidence is processed, analyzed, and documented within a professional crime laboratory. All work is supervised by qualified forensic scientists, ensuring you gain accurate insights into daily laboratory operations.

13. FACTS Summer Scholar Program

Location: Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University, San Marcos, TX

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: May 26 – June 12

Application deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or a related field who have familiarity with osteology and own a means of transportation while in San Marcos

The Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State (FACTS) offers a Summer Scholar Program that allows college students to participate in specialized workshops focused on human osteology, skeletal recovery, and forensic identification. As a participant, you will engage in intensive field and lab-based learning, including hands-on experience processing and curating skeletal remains for the Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection. You may also receive tuition waivers for workshops and choose to extend your stay to assist with daily operations, data management, and donation program tasks. You will reside in San Marcos during the session and arrange your own transport.

14. Department of Forensic Sciences Internship Program

Location: DFS, Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited positions available

Dates: Summer: June 2 – August 8 | Fall: September 8 – December 5 | Spring: January 12 – May 1

Application deadline: Summer: March 7 | Fall: July 11 | Spring: November 7

Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors/seniors or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (3.5 for the advanced track) who are studying or have completed courses in biology, chemistry, forensic science, public health, IT, criminal justice, law, or related fields

The Department of Forensic Sciences in Washington, D.C., provides unpaid internship opportunities across multiple disciplines, including forensic science, public health, criminal justice, and law. Depending on your background, you may assist scientists with laboratory work, support administrative teams to enhance workflow, or collaborate with the General Counsel’s office on forensic legal research. The program is organized into three tracks: Programmatic, Research, and STEM—each designed for students at different academic levels, from high school to doctoral study. As an intern, you will gain practical federal work experience under the supervision of professionals. You will also contribute to projects that align with both DFS goals and your learning objectives.

15. CFSRE Forensic Science Internship Program

Location: Hybrid (two weeks virtual and four weeks in-person) at Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE), Horsham, PA

Cost: $3,000; no stipend, but academic credit can be arranged

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: Session 1: May 19 – June 27 | Session 2: June 23 – August 1

Application deadline: April 1

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students or recent grads (within 12 months) in forensic or natural sciences; background check clearance is required.

This CFSRE internship blends online instruction with in-lab experience in forensic biology, toxicology, or chemistry. The six-week program begins with two weeks of virtual modules covering foundational principles before transitioning to a four-week, in-person lab internship. You will work under chain-of-custody procedures, analyze mock evidence, engage in data interpretation, and draft forensic reports similar to those used in real casework. Depending on your specialization, your tasks may include DNA profiling, toxic substance identification, or chemical analysis of seized drugs. The internship also integrates professional preparation activities such as resume workshops and mock interview sessions.

One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. In the past, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.

Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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