12 Forensic Science Internships for College Students
If you're studying forensic science or a related field and looking to gain work experience, internships at forensic laboratories offer invaluable opportunities to develop your skills and deepen your understanding of the criminal justice system. Many agencies, including state departments and federal organizations, provide a range of internship programs—some paid, some unpaid—that allow you to work alongside professionals on meaningful projects.
Here’s a list of 12 forensic science internships for college students in the USA, ranging from research-heavy programs to practical placements in crime labs and government agencies. These programs not only enhance your resume but also help you explore different forensic disciplines, from DNA analysis to crime scene investigation and digital forensics. Whether you’re a graduate student seeking specialized training or an undergraduate trying to get your foot in the door, there’s likely an internship that fits your academic goals and career aspirations.
1. Department of Forensic Sciences Internship Program (Washington, D.C.)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; limited availability
Program Dates: • Summer: June 2 – August 8 (Apply by March 7) | Fall : September 8 – December 5 (Apply by July 11) | Spring: January 12 – May 1 (Apply by November 7)
Application Deadline: Varies by term (see above)
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors/seniors or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (3.5 for advanced track); majors may include biology, chemistry, forensic science, public health, IT, criminal justice, or law.
Whether you’re studying forensic science, public health, criminal justice, or legal studies, the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) offers a competitive opportunity to get experience assisting experts in the field. As an intern, you could be supporting forensic scientists in the lab, working with administrative teams to streamline operations, or conducting legal research under the guidance of the General Counsel. This program is designed to match your background and interests across three distinct tracks, including options for law students and aspiring scientists.
2. Ladder’s University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid available)
Acceptance Rate: 10% acceptance
Program Dates: Summer II Cohort: July 14 – early September
Application Deadline: June 23
Eligibility: Open to college students and recent graduates
If you’re looking to apply your skills in a real-world setting with a startup, Ladder University internship program will connect you with early-stage companies for hands-on, project-based work in fields ranging from environmental science and mental health to software engineering and forensic science. Interns meet weekly with a dedicated supervisor and spend 10–15 hours a week collaborating on challenges relevant to their career goals. Ladder coaches will suggest projects that match your interests, but the final decision is yours, giving you both structure and autonomy throughout the experience.
3. CFSRE Forensic Science Internship Program
Location: Horsham, Pennsylvania (hybrid: 2 weeks virtual, 4 weeks in-person)
Cost: $3,000; academic credit may be arranged
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited lab-based cohort
Program Dates: Session 1: May 19 – June 27; Session 2: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate/graduate students or recent grads (within 12 months) in forensic or natural sciences; background check required
The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) offers mock casework and real forensic lab procedures in one of three specialization areas: Biology, Toxicology, or Chemistry. The program begins with two weeks of virtual prep, followed by an in-person lab component where you'll work under chain of custody, conduct validation studies, and practice report writing and courtroom testimony. Depending on your track, you might analyze DNA from crime scene evidence, test biological samples for toxic substances, or identify illicit drugs using chemical instrumentation. Professional development, like resume building and mock interviews, is also part of the experience!
4. Houston Forensic Science Center Internship Program
Location: Houston, Texas
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by department and term
Program 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: Open to undergraduate and graduate students (18+)
This internship at the Houston Forensic Science Center offers college and graduate students structured exposure to work across several forensic and administrative departments. Interns may be assigned to units such as Biology/DNA, Toxicology, Seized Drugs, Latent Prints, or support areas like IT, Finance, Legal, and Media Relations, depending on the Center’s current needs. While the internship does not involve casework, you will work closely with professionals, contribute to ongoing projects, and gain experience in a forensic lab.
5. FBI Honors Internship Program
Location: FBI Headquarters and Field Offices Nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; large national cohort
Program Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: Opens August; typically closes October
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at a U.S.-accredited institution; Must be entering junior or senior year, or enrolled in a graduate, JD, or PhD program; Minimum 3.0 GPA (maintained throughout the process); Must pass a background investigation and qualify for Top Secret security clearance
The FBI Honors Internship Program provides a structured, full-time summer experience for undergraduate and graduate students interested in national security, law enforcement, and public service. You will be placed at field offices or FBI headquarters across the country and work on substantive projects ranging from crime data analysis and inter-agency information systems to operations support and compliance auditing. This internship serves as a potential pipeline to post-graduation employment at the Bureau!
6. NCIS Honors Internship Program
Location: NCIS Headquarters and Field Offices (191 locations across 41+ countries)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; national cohort, exact size not specified
Program Dates: (May/June–August); 10-week minimum
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled at least half-time in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program; Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
At the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Honors Internship Program, you will get the opportunity to explore careers in federal law enforcement through hands-on experience in national security, intelligence, cybercrime, and forensic investigation. Over the course of at least 10 weeks, you will work alongside NCIS professionals at headquarters or in the field, with placements tailored to your academic backgrounds and interests. Students interested in forensic science may request placement with the Office of Forensic Support, which specializes in areas such as crime scene reconstruction, blood spatter analysis, and trajectory examination.
7. Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office Internship
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 2 students per semester; highly competitive
Program Dates: Summer (flexible within term)
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Must be a senior undergraduate student; Enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution; Majoring in forensic science, biology, criminal justice, anthropology, nursing, or related fields
This internship offers upper-level undergraduate students exposure to medicolegal investigations. Interns shadow professionals and assist with tasks such as drafting death reports, attending scene investigations, reviewing photographs, and preparing investigative summaries. The role also involves supporting next-of-kin notifications, communication with hospitals and law enforcement, and helping to identify descendants. The internship is designed to introduce students to real-world casework under the guidance of trained mentors within a 24/7 operational environment.
8. Baltimore City Police Department Forensic Science Internships
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; selective placement based on GPA and eligibility
Program Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms (10–12 weeks each)
Application Deadlines: Fall: June 9 ; Spring : September 1; Summer: February 1
Eligibility: Minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA; Completion of at least two semesters of college coursework; Open to undergraduate students interested in forensic science, public safety, or related fields
This internship offers college students the chance to gain practical experience in various divisions of the Baltimore City Police Department, including forensic laboratories, crime scene investigation, and evidence management. Select placements may also be available in non-forensic units such as the Police Commissioner’s Office and Special Events. Interns must work on-site during standard business hours and participate in projects alongside law enforcement professionals. This opportunity is geared toward students seeking insight into the daily workings of forensic operations and public safety services in a large urban setting.
9. Forensic Science Internship – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Location: Beltsville, MD or Atlanta, GA (ATF Forensic Science Laboratories)
Stipend: Unpaid; eligible for academic credit (pending university approval)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; limited slots available
Program Dates: Summer (exact start/end dates vary)
Application Deadline: Requests for applications accepted: September 1 – November 1,. Completed applications due: November 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens only; Must be enrolled in a college program in forensic science or a related discipline
ATF’s summer forensic science internships offer college students a rare behind-the-scenes experience inside one of the nation’s premier crime labs. You’ll work alongside federal forensic scientists at ATF laboratories, contributing to ongoing research and helping prepare technical reports or scientific conference presentations. Whether you're drawn to the intricacies of DNA analysis, explosives residue, or firearms identification, this internship gives you exposure to lab procedures in a federal setting. Students gain mentorship from forensic professionals who support them in developing work suitable for scientific publication or presentation.
10. Maryland State Police Internship Program
Location: Across Maryland, placements vary by bureau assignment
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Rolling applications; placement is selective and limited
Program Dates: Flexible; schedules accommodate academic calendars
Application Deadline: Rolling; apply via the MSP Student Intern and Volunteers in Police Support Programs form
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old; Open to high school students, college students, and recent graduates currently enrolled or recently graduated from an accredited academic institution
This internship with the Maryland State Police offers a window into both the behind-the-scenes and frontline workings of a state law enforcement agency. The program is structured to help you gain practical insight into the different branches of the department, including field operations, investigations, support services, and executive oversight. Interns support administrative and operational tasks, depending on placement, while learning how police units function across Maryland. Designed with academic flexibility in mind, the internship can fulfill school credit or community service requirements.
11. Westchester County Division of Forensic Sciences Internship & Shadowing Program
Location: Valhalla, NY
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited; preference given to Westchester County residents and Tri-State area students
Program Dates: Winter Intersession and Summer
Application Deadline: Varies; applications distributed twice annually
Eligibility: College students must be 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 internship and shadowing experiences to students interested in forensic science careers. You may apply for semester-based internships that involve observing work in forensic biology (DNA), chemistry, trace evidence, and forensic imaging. Interns gain an insider view of lab operations, learn about case evidence processing, and observe forensic workflows under the supervision of professionals. Westchester County residents are given priority, and applicants must be in good academic standing.
12. Virginia Department of Forensic Science Internship Program
Location: Four regional laboratories across Virginia
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly limited; competitive and based on laboratory capacity
Program Dates: Vary by laboratory and workload; students must apply at least one semester in advance
Application Deadline: At least one semester prior to the desired internship term
Eligibility: Graduate students in forensic science programs (FEPAC-accredited preferred); Other graduate forensic science students; undergraduate students in science majors (if space available)
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) supports the state’s criminal justice system by providing technical expertise. A limited number of unpaid, project-based internships are available at its four regional laboratories when workload permits. These internships are designed to offer meaningful experience and professional growth for interns while assisting DFS with ongoing projects. Applicants should contact the Laboratory Director at their preferred DFS regional lab with their request and materials well in advance of the semester they wish to intern.