15 Geology Summer Internships for Undergraduates

As an undergraduate studying geology, classroom learning and lab work give you a solid foundation—but nothing compares to the experience of working directly in the field. Internships at this stage allow you to apply what you’ve learned to practical projects, from analyzing rock samples to assisting with environmental surveys. This kind of hands-on training helps you decide whether you want to pursue careers in research, environmental consulting, mining, or other geology-related fields, while also giving you an edge when applying for graduate school or full-time roles.

Summer is the perfect time for these opportunities because you can dedicate yourself fully without the pressures of coursework. Many organizations schedule their fieldwork, research expeditions, and surveys during this season, making it the busiest and most practical time to gain experience. A summer internship not only strengthens your resume but also gives you a realistic sense of what a career in geology might look like day to day.

1. NASA Summer Undergraduate Program for Planetary Research

Location: Various NASA-affiliated institutions
Cost/Stipend: Monetary award provided; includes housing and travel allowances
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; competitive
Dates: 8 weeks in summer (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: Typically in early spring (check SUPPR site)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in planetary sciences, geology, or geophysics with a minimum 3.0 GPA. U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents preferred.

If you're an undergrad passionate about space and planetary science, this is your chance to contribute to NASA’s planetary geosciences research. You'll work full-time for 8 weeks under a NASA-affiliated mentor at institutions like JPL, participate in real-world missions, and gain insider access to enrichment activities. This internship isn’t just about observing—it’s about doing meaningful research, enhancing your academic path, and getting your foot into the space exploration world. It’s a great opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to NASA’s objectives.

2. Ladder University Internships 

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 high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Cost: Starting from $2,490; Financial aid available

Ladder Internships offers a competitive internship program designed for driven high school students eager to gain real-world experience. Participants are matched with fast-growing start-ups across diverse fields—ranging from technology, AI/ML, and health tech to marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Students can browse available opportunities directly through the application form. These start-ups are typically dynamic companies with over a million dollars in funding. Throughout this 8-week virtual program, interns collaborate closely with both a company mentor and a dedicated Ladder Coach, working on impactful projects and presenting their outcomes to the start-up team.

3. Geoscience and Petrotechnical Internship

Location: Global (including U.S. offices; check for specific role locations)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (stipend varies by location and duration)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; placement depends on academic match and availability
Dates: Rolling; internship length ranges from a few months to a full year
Application Deadline: Varies by role and location; check website for current openings
Eligibility: Must have completed at least 2 years of an undergraduate degree in geology, geophysics, computer science, telecommunications, or engineering | U.S. applicants must review supplemental eligibility requirements carefully

This paid internship offers a deep dive into the energy industry through real-world experience in geology, geophysics, petrophysics, and petroleum engineering. You’ll work on active projects that address real business and environmental challenges, collaborating with colleagues and clients to apply your skills in innovative ways. From learning the latest geoscience software to contributing to global operations, this internship helps you understand how your academic knowledge translates into meaningful industry impact. Placement is based on your background and interests, and internships are offered year-round across international and U.S. locations.

4. Harvard Forest Summer Research Program

Location: Harvard Forest, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Paid; includes housing and meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 20-30 students
Dates: May 27 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in ecological research

Spend your summer immersed in ecology and data science at Harvard’s world-renowned research forest. This 11-week residential program connects you with mentors and cutting-edge ecological networks such as the LTER and Smithsonian’s ForestGEO. You'll conduct original research, join collaborative teams, and present your findings—all while living in a research community focused on sustainability, biodiversity, and climate science. Ideal for those interested in environmental careers or grad school.

5. GeoCorps America

Location: Various U.S. public lands (e.g., national parks, forests)
Cost/Stipend: Paid short-term placements; amount varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by project
Dates: Summer (May–August); occasional off-season projects
Application Deadline: December (for summer projects)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aged 18–30 (up to 35 for veterans), with a high school diploma or GED

GeoCorps gives you the chance to work on public lands in areas such as geology, paleontology, hydrology, and environmental education. These internships aren’t just jobs—they’re adventure-science experiences, putting you in national forests and parks to do real fieldwork with government partners like the Forest Service or BLM. You'll gain professional skills, explore spectacular landscapes, and contribute to land conservation efforts. 

6. AGI Internships

Location: Alexandria, Virginia (and virtual options)
Cost/Stipend: Typically paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by position
Dates: Varies by internship offering
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school, college students or recent grads interested in geoscience fields

Through AGI internships, you'll be immersed in a range of geoscience topics, from policy to communications to research. As a major voice in the geoscience community, AGI connects you to professionals and resources across disciplines. You’ll be working on climate data projects, science communication strategies, and federal-level policy briefs. Whether you’re interested in pure science, education, or advocacy, this internship gives you a powerful professional and networking boost.

7. EarthScope Student Career Internship Program

Location: Remote or hybrid; EarthScope HQ and project locations
Cost/Stipend: Paid weekly stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies each year
Dates: Mid-May to early August (11 weeks)
Application Deadline: Check EarthScope site; usually early spring
Eligibility: Undergraduate/graduate students and recent grads; must be authorized to work in the U.S.

EarthScope offers paid internships that place you directly within national-scale geophysical research efforts. You'll be part of a nonprofit that supports cutting-edge science, education, and outreach. Interns work full-time on impactful projects — ranging from seismic data analysis to public science education — guided by a dedicated mentor. You’ll learn how nonprofit science organizations operate while gaining hands-on experience aligned with your academic background.

8. Geo Launchpad

Location: Colorado/New Mexico; field trips and remote components
Cost/Stipend: $720/week; housing included
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort; open to U.S. community college students
Dates: Late May – Early August (exact TBD)
Application Deadline: Opens in winter; check the Geo-Launchpad site
Eligibility: U.S. community college students, no prior research experience needed

Geo-Launchpad is your gateway to a career in geoscience, designed specifically for community college students. This paid internship is more than just a job — it’s a full experience, with professional development, mentorship, and field trips. You’ll work on real-world projects, attend skill-building workshops, and connect with scientists and peers across the country. With housing covered and a focus on equity and inclusion, Geo-Launchpad makes geoscience accessible and fun.

9. Research Experiences in Solid Earth Sciences for Students (RESESS)

Location: Host universities across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: $720/week + housing stipend; conference travel may be covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort
Dates: Early June – Mid August  (flexible)
Application Deadline: Typically January–February 
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as undergraduates

RESESS is a paid summer geophysics internship for undergraduates that combines cutting-edge research with professional development and community. You'll work on a research project under faculty mentorship, participate in career-building workshops, and build a support network through informal gatherings and mentorship circles. The program welcomes students at all experience levels. It includes opportunities for fieldwork and presenting your research at the world’s largest geophysics conference in December.

10. USGS Pathways Programs

Location: Various U.S. Geological Survey offices nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount varies by position)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by position and region
Dates: Year-round; summer internships usually posted December–February
Application Deadline: Rolling; check USAJOBS
Eligibility: High school through graduate students enrolled at least part-time in accredited institutions; includes technical/vocational program students

The USGS Pathways Internship Program offers paid federal internships to students at all levels — high school, college, or grad school. These internships are designed to align with your academic and career goals, offering real-world experience in federal service. Positions range from temporary summer work to multi-year career-track appointments. Successful interns may be eligible for permanent roles. You will gain hands-on experience in earth science, mapping, data analysis, and more, while learning how to navigate careers in public service and environmental research.

11.NSF Unidata Summer Internships

Location: UCAR/NSF Unidata, Boulder, Colorado
Cost/Stipend: Paid; amount typically announced during application season
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort
Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Usually February or March (check NSF Unidata site)
Eligibility: Upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in Earth science or related fields

NSF Unidata’s internship is designed for students interested in software development, data visualization, and geoscience education. You will collaborate with professional staff on impactful projects that support the Unidata community — from building scientific tools in Python or Java to designing education resources or exploring AI and cloud computing applications. The program provides mentorship, community engagement, and presentation opportunities, including at major scientific conferences. 

12. Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Programs

Location: U.S. National Parks, Monuments, and Historic Sites
Cost/Stipend: Paid; amount varies, often includes housing or housing stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; number of placements varies
Dates: Year-round (projects typically last 3 months); summer is most popular
Application Deadline: Fall–Winter for summer projects; rolling basis
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; undergrad and grad students, or recent graduates in geosciences or related fields

GIP internships place students and recent grads in U.S. National Parks to work on geoscience projects that support conservation, public education, and research. Projects range from mapping and paleontology to climate science and park interpretation. These positions give interns hands-on field experience, professional mentorship, and a unique setting to apply their skills while living and working in national parks. For anyone passionate about geoscience, public service, or outdoor education, GIP is a truly immersive and rewarding experience.

13. Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE)

Location: National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; includes stipend (exact amount varies by year)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~15–20 interns selected per year
Dates: 10-week summer program (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Typically early February (varies annually)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (must not have graduated before the program start); U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Strong interest in natural sciences (Earth Science, Biology, Anthropology)

The NHRE internship is a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program hosted at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Over 10 weeks, students work one-on-one with scientific mentors to conduct original research in Earth Science, Biology, or Anthropology. Interns gain hands-on experience in museum-based science, develop research skills, and contribute to real scientific discoveries. The program culminates in a final research symposium where students present their findings to peers, mentors, and museum staff.

14. GeoTenerife – VolcanoCamp Programme

Location: Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
Cost/Stipend: Paid program (students cover tuition/travel costs; limited scholarships may be available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed; small cohort for field-based learning
Dates: November 25 – December 2
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until spots are filled (early application recommended)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in geoscience or related fields; Interest in volcanology, field research, and hazard mitigation

GeoTenerife’s VolcanoCamp is an immersive, week-long training course focused on volcanic systems in the Canary Islands. Participants explore both Tenerife and La Palma, examining prehistoric and historic eruptions—including the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption—through guided fieldwork. Students learn to observe volcanic deposits systematically, infer eruptive styles, and evaluate eruption dynamics. The program blends hands-on geoscience training with applied hazard mitigation thinking. The course concludes with a synthesis and student presentations, fostering scientific communication skills. 

15. Department Of the Navy Summer Internship Program 

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (exact dates vary yearly)
Application Deadline: Closed for current cycle; typically opens several months in advance
Eligibility: High school and college students pursuing STEM fields | U.S. citizenship is likely required (as it's a Department of the Navy program)

This prestigious internship allows students to work alongside world-renowned scientists and engineers at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Department of the Navy and facilitated by The Washington Center, the program immerses participants in cutting-edge STEM research that directly contributes to national defense. You will engage in meaningful projects with global impact while also receiving training in professional communication, technical report writing, and networking. The experience is designed to build both technical expertise and career-readiness in the field of STEM. 

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