15 Internships for College Students in Houston
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 10 min read
If you’re a college student looking to gain practical experience before entering the workforce, internships are well worth considering. College internships allow you to apply classroom learnings to industry settings, develop professional skills, and explore potential career paths. They also help you strengthen your resume, build confidence, and create valuable connections with professionals and mentors. As an intern, you may work on independent projects, assist with research or fieldwork, collaborate with teams, and gain exposure to your chosen field.
What internships are available for college students in Houston?
Houston offers various internship opportunities for college students across healthcare, energy, engineering, business, research, public policy, technology, and more. Home to major corporations, leading medical and research institutions, and universities within the University of Texas system, the city provides many options for career-focused learning.
To help you get started, we’ve found 15 internships for college students in Houston that offer valuable professional experience and career development opportunities.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
Location: Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas
Stipend: $5,400 stipend for nine weeks of research
Dates: June 1-July 31
Application deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Designed for undergraduate students studying science, math, or related fields
The SMART (Summer Undergraduate Research Training) Program at Baylor College of Medicine offers undergraduate students an intensive summer research experience in the biomedical sciences. Through this program, you will work with faculty mentors on ongoing research projects, gaining experience in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific inquiry. The program also includes professional development workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen your academic and career readiness. By the end of the program, you will have built valuable research skills, expanded your understanding of biomedical careers, and gained exposure to a rigorous research environment within a leading medical institution.
Location: Houston, TX (in-office)
Cost: $15 per hour (paid internship)
Program dates: 10 weeks (early June to early August)
Application deadline: November 21
Eligibility: Usually for juniors, seniors, or recent graduates with prior journalism experience from college publications or newsrooms. Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license, have access to reliable transportation, be able to secure housing in Houston, and work from the Chronicle’s office at least three days per week.
The Houston Chronicle Paid Summer Internship offers you the chance to gain real-world newsroom experience at one of Texas’s leading newspapers. As an intern, you will work closely with professional editors, reporters, and visual journalists to report and write timely, accurate stories for both digital and print platforms. You will contribute to real stories by covering breaking news, monitoring local and national news sources, social media, and Google Trends to identify developing stories, and contributing to live blogs and follow-up coverage as news unfolds. The role also involves collaborating with editors, photographers, and the audience team to produce fast, accurate, and engaging journalism.
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid internship
Dates: May–August
Application deadline: May 20
Eligibility: Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, having completed at least two semesters
The Port Houston Internship Program gives college students hands-on exposure to the workings of a large-scale maritime and logistics hub. During the internship, you will contribute to ongoing projects and support daily operations across various departments, gaining insight into how ports facilitate international trade and drive regional development. The program focuses on building practical, career-ready skills while introducing you to complex infrastructure, logistics, and supply chain processes. With mentorship from industry professionals, the experience helps you explore career options in fields such as business, engineering, operations, environmental services, and public administration, offering meaningful professional growth in a fast-paced, real-world setting.
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital campus
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: May 26–July 31
Application deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Designed for undergraduate (college) students interested in biomedical and translational research
The Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) Program at Houston Methodist Academic Institute provides college students with an immersive, hands-on research experience in biomedical and translational science. As an intern, you will work with faculty mentors on research projects, learning laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication skills. The program also includes professional development workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities to prepare you for future academic and career paths in science and medicine. It concludes with a research symposium, where you present your findings through a poster presentation, giving you valuable experience in sharing scientific work and contributing to the broader research community.
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Paid summer internship
Dates: 11 weeks in length during the summer
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduates interested in gaining experience in the energy industry.
The Enterprise Products Internship Program offers college students paid, summer work experience at one of the leading midstream energy companies headquartered in Houston, Texas. As an intern, you’ll learn from energy professionals in areas such as accounting, commercial operations, engineering, information technology, and supply chain, gaining practical skills. The 11-week program is designed to enhance your workplace abilities and deepen your understanding of how a major energy infrastructure company operates, helping you prepare for future careers in business, engineering, finance, or technology.
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $13,351 stipend
Dates: June 1–August 7
Application deadline: December 12
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least 50 semester hours of college credit.
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Summer Intern Program is a highly competitive, paid research opportunity for undergraduate students interested in planetary science and space research. You will work alongside scientists at the Lunar and Planetary Institute and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, contributing to research in areas such as planetary geology, astrobiology, remote sensing, and space missions. You will be paired with a research mentor, gain hands-on experience in scientific investigation and data analysis, and participate in seminars, workshops, and professional development activities. The program offers a generous stipend to support living and travel expenses and provides early exposure to NASA-related research environments, making it an excellent pathway for students considering careers in space science and research.
Location: Multiple global locations, including Houston, Texas
Stipend: $22–$44 per hour (paid internship)
Program dates: May 1-31
Application deadline: November 24
Eligibility: Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program (typically in Engineering, Technology, STEM, or related fields) or be a recent graduate (depending on the specific internship)
The Baker Hughes Early Careers Internship Program offers you the opportunity to gain experience with a global leader in energy technology by working on projects that contribute to the future of the energy industry. As an intern, you will build your professional foundation by observing core business processes, systems, and practices while working closely with experienced engineers, technologists, and business teams. You will support ongoing engineering and technology projects through research, data analysis, design work, documentation, and problem-solving, while also contributing to software, coding, or technical development tasks.
Location: Virtual and in-person opportunities available in Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Most interns get stipends based on their academic level and session length
Dates: The exact dates vary for each internship—Spring: Mid-January – early May | Summer: Late May/early June – August | Fall: Late August/early September – mid-December/January
Application deadline: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates
The NASA Internship Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals. Through this program, you will apply classroom learning to practical challenges in areas such as science, engineering, technology, research, and even non-STEM fields like communications and business. You will receive mentorship from experienced professionals, develop technical and professional skills, and gain insight into how a major scientific organization operates. Most internships are paid and are offered during spring, summer, and fall sessions, making this program a valuable pathway for undergraduates looking to explore careers in STEM and related fields while contributing to NASA’s missions.
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: Free. None
Dates: June-September
Application deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled in a college or university (in computer science, engineering, data science, or related areas)
The Computational Biomedicine Lab (CBL) Summer Internship at the University of Houston offers up to 20 undergraduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to real-world biomedical problems. As an intern, you will work on ongoing research projects, assist with coding and data analysis, and help design and test experiments under the guidance of experienced researchers and graduate students. The program allows you to develop practical technical skills, learn how academic research is conducted, and collaborate in a supportive lab environment.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid internship
Dates: June 1-August 7
Application deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates
The DACCPM Summer Research Program is a research and laboratory training opportunity for high school and college students interested in biomedical and clinical research. During the program, you will work in laboratory settings while learning essential lab safety practices and techniques for collecting, analyzing, and presenting scientific data. You will collaborate closely with a faculty mentor on an active research project and conduct a literature review to support your work. Research areas may include topics such as chemotherapy-induced pain, opioids, perioperative immune function, and cancer recurrence. The program concludes with a research symposium, where you present your findings to faculty, peers, and researchers, helping you build strong research and scientific communication skills.
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid internship
Dates: Not specified
Application deadline: August 12 (Opening date)
Eligibility: Be enrolled in a college or university (or be a recent graduate)
The City of Houston Pathways College Internship Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain professional experience within City of Houston departments. Through this program, you will work on meaningful projects related to your field of study, allowing you to apply academic knowledge to real-world government and public service settings. You will gain exposure to how municipal departments operate, develop workplace and professional skills, and explore career paths in local government. The program also supports academic growth by allowing eligible students to earn course credit, making it a valuable opportunity for college students interested in public service, administration, policy, or related fields.
Location: Greater Houston area
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship
Dates: 15 weeks
Application deadline: Varies as per seasons
Eligibility: Open to University of Houston undergraduate students, especially juniors and seniors, though sophomores may apply as well.
The Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs is a part-time internship opportunity for undergraduate students across all majors who want to gain experience in public service and civic engagement. Through CHIP, you will be placed with local government offices, nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, or public-policy-focused companies around the greater Houston area. You will work roughly 8 hours per week during a semester while earning academic credit through the university. The program includes regular class meetings, professional mentorship, and structured assignments such as journals and term papers that help you connect your internship work to real-world policy and governance issues.
Location: Greater Houston area (Houston, TX)
Cost/Stipend: The cost depends on the number of credits and is charged according to the University of Houston’s regular tuition and fees, which may change each academic year.
Dates: January–May for spring and August–December for fall
Application deadline: July 21
Eligibility: Be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Houston.
The International Affairs Internship Program at the University of Houston allows undergraduate students to combine academic learning with hands-on experience in globally focused organizations. You will intern with institutions involved in international relations, policy, or cross-cultural work in the Houston area, gaining exposure to global issues. The experience emphasizes professional skill development, including research, writing, and critical thinking, while helping you understand how international affairs operate beyond the classroom. By earning academic credit alongside your internship, the program supports both career exploration and academic growth for students interested in global and public-sector pathways.
Location: Houston, Texas
Cost/Stipend: The cost depends on the number of credits and is charged according to the University of Houston’s regular tuition and fees, which may change each academic year.
Dates: January through May
Application deadline: October 1
Eligibility: A currently enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Houston.
The Public Law Internship at the University of Houston offers undergraduate students interested in law and public service the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real legal and policy-focused settings. Through this internship, you will work with government agencies, courts, nonprofit organizations, or public-interest offices, where you will observe legal processes and assist with research and administrative tasks. The program helps you develop critical skills such as legal research, writing, and professional communication while allowing you to explore potential pathways to law school. By earning academic credit alongside practical experience, the Public Law Internship provides a strong foundation for students preparing for legal education and careers in public law.
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 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.
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