12 Environmental Science Internships for College Students
Internships are an excellent way for college students to boost their résumés, gain practical experience, and get a feel for working in their field of interest. If you aim to make a meaningful impact on the planet, environmental science internships for college students can make a big difference.
For students interested in the environment, climate, conservation, or sustainability, internships can open doors to impactful careers while helping you build valuable skills and connections. You’ll get to apply what you’ve learned in class to problems and explore what kind of work you enjoy most.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 12 environmental science internships for college students. Whether you want to explore lab research, fieldwork, or policy, there’s something on this list for you.
Location: Virtual/in-person at a DEVELOP location
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Spring: Jan 27–April 4 | Summer: June 2–Aug 8 | Fall: Sept 15–Nov 21
Application deadline: Spring: October 4 | Summer: February 28 | Fall: Jun 13
Eligibility: Current or recent undergraduates who will be at least 18 by the start of the program, have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (cumulative or most recent), and are U.S. citizens (for in-person opportunities)
Stipend: Paid on an hourly basis depending on current level of education, applicant classification, and locality
The NASA DEVELOP program offers a unique opportunity for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals to explore the applications of Earth science. Over a 10-week term, teams work on feasibility studies that leverage NASA Earth observation data to address challenges in climate, disasters, agriculture, ecological conservation, and public health. You’ll gain experience in remote sensing, GIS, science communication, and research while working under the mentorship of science advisors and DEVELOP Fellows. Each team partners with organizations seeking science-based decision-making tools, so you’ll have to produce professional deliverables, including presentations, reports, and videos to communicate your findings.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application deadline: Exact deadlines vary by cohort but are typically Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: College students and young professionals
Stipend: $2,490
The Ladder University Internship Program offers a flexible, 8-week opportunity for ambitious college students and young professionals to gain real-world experience by working with high-growth start-ups. The program spans diverse industries including technology, media, AI/machine learning, finance, fashion, health tech, environmental science, and more.
You’ll be matched with companies based on your interests and career goals—including environmental science, sustainability, and climate tech—to contribute to meaningful, project-based work. You’ll also receive mentorship through weekly meetings with startup supervisors, building practical skills and professional networks.
3. Earth and Planetary Science Interdisciplinary Internship at Carnegie Science (EPIIC)
Location: Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory, Washington, D.C.
Acceptance rate: ~2.6%
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program. Applications from students with limited research opportunities (like students at community colleges and liberal arts schools) and students with no prior research experience are encouraged.
Stipend: $6,000
The EPIIC internship is a full-time, paid summer internship that introduces undergraduates to cutting-edge research. You’ll join active research groups and work on original projects in diverse fields, such as astronomy, geophysics, isotope geochemistry, cosmochemistry, high-pressure mineral physics, astrobiology, and experimental petrology. You’ll receive individual mentorship, attend weekly seminars, participate in communication workshops, and engage in activities designed to simulate graduate-level research life. You’ll also present your findings in a conference-style setting, with the opportunity to submit abstracts for national scientific meetings like AGU or AAS.
4. National Geographic Society Internships
Location: Mostly remote with one week in Washington, D.C.
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: January 24 – February 28
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an accredited college/university who are authorized to work in the United States
Stipend: Stipend provided
The National Geographic Society offers environmental science internships for college students that provide professional development through projects. As an intern, you'll work on assignments ranging from supporting community engagement initiatives and developing educational resources to assisting in conservation storytelling and data analysis. Beyond your day-to-day responsibilities, the program includes opportunities to connect with National Geographic staff, Explorers, educators, and storytellers through events and mentorship, providing insights into various environmental science and conservation career paths.
5. William M. Lapenta Student Summer Internship Program
Location: Various locations
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Late May and early August
Application deadline: Typically early to mid-December
Eligibility: Enrolled undergraduates (sophomore or junior) and graduate students.
Stipend: $6,000 (tentative)
This 10-week environmental science internship allows you to explore the intersection of research, modeling, and decision-making with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists and experts. You’ll contribute to projects that improve weather and climate forecasts, develop decision-support tools, or enhance public communication of environmental data. You can work on ecosystem modeling, population dynamics, ocean circulation models, air quality systems, or even the integration of social science into forecasting. In addition to your project work, you’ll attend lectures, skill-building workshops, and networking sessions with NOAA staff and fellow interns from other agencies.
6. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pathway Internships
Location: Various locations nationwide
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Varies by internship
Application deadline: Varies by internship; most summer internship opportunities are advertised in March, April, and May
Eligibility: Students enrolled half-time or more at an accredited college/university who are U.S. citizens.
Stipend: Salaries range from the GS-02 to GS-07 level
If you're a college student interested in environmental science and considering a career in public service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers paid internships worth considering. Internships span technical and administrative roles, are available year-round and during the summer, and can range from a single semester to multiple years. These internships are located nationwide, including at the EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., regional offices, labs, and research centers. In addition to gaining professional experience in the environmental sector, you’ll earn a salary based on federal pay scales and build familiarity with the structure and processes of public-sector environmental work.
7. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Internship Program
Location: Remote/various EDF offices across the U.S.
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 10–12 weeks in fall, spring, and summer cycles
Application deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Current and recent undergraduate and graduate students. Specific qualifications may vary by position
Stipend: Paid; compensation varies by position—some internships offer $18 to $20/hour while others provide a stipend of $7,000 to $10,000
The EDF Internship Program provides environmental science internships for college students that give you a chance to work on pressing environmental issues. EDF internships are structured around project-based work, so you can develop specific skills and work toward tangible goals. Depending on your background and interests, you might contribute to scientific research, policy analysis, environmental law, or advocacy initiatives. As an EDF intern, you’ll be part of a cohort and participate in various professional development opportunities. These include a weekly speaker series, workshops, social events, and a lunch with EDF’s president. Each intern is paired with a mentor—an EDF staff member who helps you navigate the organization’s work.
8. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internships
Location: Remote/in-person at Edgewater, Maryland
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Year-round, the majority of internships take place in the summer (10-16 weeks)
Application deadline: February 15 for summer internships; the deadline for spring, winter, and fall internships varies by opportunity
Eligibility: Currently enrolled or recent undergraduate and graduate students
Stipend: Minimum stipend of $650 per week
As a SERC intern, you'll gain experience in environmental science through research or public engagement projects that align with your academic and professional interests. You'll work with a mentor on independent projects in marine ecology, environmental chemistry, molecular ecology, or education and science communication. You’ll also participate in seminars, networking events, and professional development sessions. At the end of your term, you’ll share your findings with the community. Interested students are encouraged to look at the Internship Topics page before applying.
9. Student Conservation Association (SCA) Internships
Location: Various locations across the United States
Acceptance rate: Varies by internship; typically selective
Dates: Varies by internship
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents who will be at least 17 by the start of the program
Stipend: Both paid and unpaid positions are available
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) offers a range of internships that place you at the intersection of conservation practice and professional development. As an SCA intern, you’ll work alongside professionals in areas like biodiversity protection, climate resilience, environmental education, and cultural preservation. These internships will help you build skills while contributing to long-term environmental stewardship. Depending on your placement, you might track wildlife populations, restore habitats, engage local communities in sustainability efforts, or even help preserve historic sites on public lands.
10. National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Location: Various institutions across the United States and internationally
Acceptance rate: Varies by program, but typically 2–10%
Dates: 8–10 weeks, typically during the summer months
Application deadline: Varies by program but typically between January and March
Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. nationals
Stipend: Stipend varies by program
The NSF REU program offers college students the chance to engage in research across a wide range of disciplines, including environmental science. As an REU student, you'll work with researchers and faculty at a host institution, contributing to active projects while developing your research skills. Programs are offered at various sites, each focusing on a specific research theme. You’ll conduct real scientific work and gain insight into academic and career paths in STEM. To apply, you must contact REU Sites directly—NSF provides funding, but each host institution handles selection separately.
11. Scientists in Parks Program
Location: Various locations within the National Park System
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Summer: May – September; Winter: October – April
Application deadline: Summer: January 19; Winter: typically in May
Eligibility: U.S. citizen who will be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
Stipend: Stipend provided
The Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program connects college students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals with meaningful conservation experiences across the U.S. National Park System. These internships allow you to contribute to environmental stewardship—whether through surveying cactus populations at Saguaro National Park, monitoring nesting sea turtles in Padre Island, or restoring coral reefs in American Samoa. SIP roles are diverse, from field ecology and data analysis to geoscience and environmental education. You’ll work with National Park Service staff, gaining mentorship, interdisciplinary research experience, and professional development opportunities like virtual trainings and potential conference presentations. SIP members also serve as AmeriCorps Members, receiving benefits such as a living allowance, loan deferment, and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon completing their service.
12. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) Summer Student Fellowship
Location: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Falmouth, Massachusetts
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: 10–12 weeks from May to mid-June
Application deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed their junior year. Students studying science or engineering are preferred.
Stipend: $700/week (tentative)
The WHOI Summer Student Fellowship offers upper-level undergraduates the chance to conduct independent ocean science or engineering research under the guidance of a WHOI scientist or senior technical staff member. You’ll collaborate with mentors to design a project that delivers meaningful results within a summer. Research topics span disciplines including physical oceanography, marine chemistry, biology, geology, geophysics, and marine policy. The program includes professional development through a speaker series, seminars, and an ocean sampling cruise aboard the R/V Tioga, where you’ll gain experience with oceanographic instruments and data collection methods. You’ll also present your work through oral and written reports and receive mentorship from scientists and current graduate students in the MIT-WHOI Joint Program.