15 Internships for College Students in Arizona
If you are an undergraduate interested in hands-on learning, an internship can be a worthwhile way to gain experience in research, engineering, healthcare, business, technology, or public service. Internships can help you contribute to real projects in laboratories, companies, startups, hospitals, nonprofits, and government offices. In these roles, you build technical skills such as data analysis, programming, lab techniques, and project support while also developing professional skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
If you’re interested in summer internships in specific subjects, check out a list of psychology summer internships here & law internships here.
Why should I do an internship in Arizona?
Arizona is an excellent location for undergraduate internships due to its mix of major universities, research institutions, and rapidly growing tech and healthcare sectors. This economic landscape provides you with a wide range of hands-on opportunities across various fields, from biomedical research and policy analysis to corporate finance and wildlife conservation.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 internships for college students in Arizona.
Quick Look
15 internships total spanning neuroscience, cancer research, biomedical science, wildlife conservation, corporate finance, environmental science, legislative work, and startup-based remote work, hosted at organizations including Mayo Clinic, Barrow Neurological Institute, TGen, American Express, Arizona State University, and the University of Arizona
The strongest disclosed stipends are Mayo Clinic SURF ($6,000), Biosphere 2 REU ($6,000), ASU SURI ($5,000), and the Flinn Summer Research Internship ($4,000); hourly roles include American Express ($24 to $63 per hour) and Arizona Game and Fish ($16.50 per hour)
Several programs are restricted to Arizona residents or students attending Arizona institutions, including Helios Scholars at TGen (must have attended an Arizona high school or currently attend an Arizona college) and the Arizona Legislative Internships (ASU, NAU, or UofA students only)
Most research programs require a minimum GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 and target rising juniors or seniors; Barrow Neurological Institute and the Biosphere 2 REU are the most accessible in terms of year-of-study, welcoming students from any undergraduate level
The most time-sensitive deadlines are Arizona Legislative Internships (September 19, for a January start) and STEP-UP at UA Cancer Center (January 16), so students interested in these should begin preparing materials well before the application windows open
1. Barrow Neurological Institute Summer Undergraduate Internship Program
Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: Arizona minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~40–45 students
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from any college or university, nationally or internationally; must be 18+ years old; eligible to work in the U.S.
In this internship, you work full-time in a neuroscience research lab under the mentorship of scientists at a leading neurological institute. You participate in research projects related to areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, neurotrauma, and neuroimaging, using advanced technologies and laboratory techniques. You also attend weekly seminars and workshops that introduce you to current research and career pathways in neuroscience. Throughout the program, you collaborate with researchers and contribute to ongoing studies, which helps you build technical and analytical skills. You complete a research project and present your work at a final symposium as a poster or oral presentation.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; 100 % financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts throughout the year, including summer, winter, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week remote placement that pairs you directly with fast-growing startups. You can explore diverse fields, including AI, software engineering, finance, media, health tech, biotech, mental health, and environmental science. During your time, you will tackle practical activities like coding prototypes, analyzing market data, attending weekly mentor meetings, and pitching a final deliverable to company leaders. The program's unique features include a fully virtual format, direct startup matching instead of simulated case studies, and exclusive access to founders with FAANG backgrounds. By completing the work, you will learn hard technical skills relevant to your specific project. Moreover, you will build critical soft skills such as remote collaboration, professional communication, and self-directed time management. Apply now!
3. University of Arizona Cancer Center Undergraduate Summer Internship Program (USIP)
Location: University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
Stipend: Paid weekly, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort of undergraduate researchers
Dates: Summer (10-week full-time program; typically May–August)
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in any STEM discipline; minimum 3.0 GPA; enrolled college/university students not taking summer courses
In this internship, you work on a full-time cancer research project under the guidance of faculty mentors at a leading research center. You are matched with an experienced researcher and contribute to ongoing studies in areas such as cancer biology, clinical research, or public health. You participate in lab work, data collection, and analysis, which helps you understand how scientific research is conducted in real-world settings. You also attend professional development sessions, workshops, and networking events designed to prepare you for graduate study and research careers. Throughout the program, you collaborate with a cohort of students who share an interest in health sciences.
4. Student Transformative Experiences to Progress Undergraduate/Graduate Professionals (STEP-UP)
Location: University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~15 undergraduates per cohort
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors or seniors (or master’s students); minimum 2.75 GPA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this internship, you participate in a full-time research experience focused on cancer prevention and control under faculty mentorship. You work on research projects that may involve community-based studies, data analysis, or public health initiatives rather than traditional wet-lab work. You develop research skills such as qualitative and quantitative analysis, literature reviews, and data collection methods. You also complete training in responsible research practices and participate in workshops and journal discussions. Throughout the program, you engage with community outreach activities, which help you understand how research translates into real-world impact. By the end, you gain hands-on research experience and a strong foundation for careers in public health, medicine, or research.
5. College of Medicine Tucson Undergraduate Summer Research Program
Location: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, Tucson, AZ
Stipend: Typically $10+/hour for ~35 hours/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds; minimum ~3.0 GPA; must be enrolled in a college/university; U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a Social Security Number
In this internship, you work full-time in a biomedical research lab at the College of Medicine in Tucson. You participate in both basic and clinical research projects in areas such as cardiovascular science, neuroscience, pediatrics, and cell-based research. You assist with experiments, data collection, and analysis while working closely with faculty mentors and medical researchers. You also attend seminars, workshops, and discussions led by researchers and medical professionals, which help you understand current topics in biomedical science. Throughout the program, you collaborate with peers and mentors, which helps you build technical and analytical skills in a research environment.
6. College of Medicine Phoenix Flinn Summer Research Internship Program
Location: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~10–12 students per cohort
Dates: June 2 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 18
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students or recent graduates; minimum ~3.0 GPA (strongly recommended); must commit full-time for 10 weeks; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
In this internship, you work on a hypothesis-driven biomedical research project under the mentorship of faculty at a leading medical school. You are placed in a lab environment where you develop your own research question and conduct experiments or data analysis in areas such as translational medicine, neuroscience, or cardiology. You also participate in regular “Lunch and Learn” sessions with physician-scientists, medical students, and faculty, which help you understand career pathways in medicine and research. Throughout the program, you collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team and build technical skills in laboratory or computational methods. You complete a scientific paper or abstract and present your findings at a college-wide symposium.
7. Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Location: Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 180 students annually across all campuses
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising juniors (or students who have completed sophomore year); minimum 3.0 GPA; enrolled in a U.S. college/university; must be continuing students
In this internship, you work full-time on a biomedical research project under the mentorship of scientists at one of the leading medical research institutions in the U.S. You are placed in a lab where you either design your own project or contribute to ongoing research in areas such as neuroscience, immunology, biomedical engineering, or pharmacology. You work closely with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, which helps you understand how advanced research is conducted. You also attend weekly seminars and professional development sessions that introduce you to current topics in biomedical science and research careers. Throughout the program, you develop technical skills in laboratory methods, data analysis, and scientific thinking.
8. Helios Scholars at TGen
Location: Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ (with some placements in Flagstaff, AZ)
Stipend: $15.85/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 45 students per summer
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled full-time and continuing in Fall; must be eligible to work in the U.S.; must have attended an Arizona high school or currently attend a college/university in Arizona
In this internship, you work full-time on a biomedical research project under the mentorship of scientists at a leading genomics research institute. You contribute to research in areas such as cancer, neurological diseases, infectious diseases, or computational biology, depending on your placement. You assist with experimental design, data analysis, and research tasks, which helps you understand how translational research is conducted. You also attend seminars, workshops, and networking sessions that build your skills in scientific writing, communication, and career planning. Throughout the program, you collaborate with researchers and peers in a professional lab environment. At the end, you will present your research at a formal symposium.
9. Arizona State University Fulton Schools — Summer Research Initiative (SURI)
Location: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~40+ students per cohort
Dates: May 18 – July 17
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (typically rising juniors or seniors) or master’s students in engineering or related fields; must be enrolled in a college/university; must be eligible to work in the U.S. or hold an appropriate visa
In this internship, you work full-time on an engineering research project under the mentorship of faculty at a top research university. You contribute to projects across fields such as electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and sustainability, depending on your interests. You assist with research tasks, data analysis, and problem-solving, which helps you understand how engineering research is conducted at an advanced level. You also participate in networking events, workshops, and interactions with industry professionals, which expose you to career pathways in research and industry. Throughout the program, you collaborate with faculty and peers in a structured research environment.
10. Arizona State University Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Stipend: $4,000–$6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small cohorts of ~5–10 students per research site
Dates: Summer (typically ~10 weeks; varies by specific REU site)
Application Deadline: Varies by project/site (generally February–March)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; open to students across STEM disciplines; must not have graduated before the program begins
In this internship, you work on a full-time research project under the mentorship of faculty and researchers at Arizona State University. You are matched with a specific research project in fields such as engineering, environmental science, mathematics, or biomedical sciences. You contribute to ongoing research by assisting with experiments, data collection, and analysis, which helps you understand how academic research is conducted. You also collaborate with a small group of students and work closely with mentors, allowing you to develop technical and analytical skills. Throughout the program, you participate in seminars and professional development activities that introduce you to research careers and graduate study pathways.
11. Arizona Game and Fish Department Summer Internships
Location: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Multiple Locations, AZ
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by department needs
Dates: Starts May 18 (8–12 weeks; full-time)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s program related to wildlife biology or a similar field; recent graduates (within 1 year) may also apply; must be eligible to work in the U.S.; have a valid driver's license
In this internship, you work on wildlife conservation and management projects across different regions in Arizona. You assist with fieldwork tasks such as tracking animals, collecting ecological data, conducting habitat assessments, and supporting fish and wildlife monitoring programs. You may also work on activities like fish sampling, GPS data collection, and assisting with environmental surveys, which help you understand how conservation efforts are implemented. You collaborate with biologists and field professionals, gaining exposure to real-world wildlife management practices. Throughout the internship, you develop technical skills in field research, data collection, and environmental analysis.
12. American Express — Campus Undergraduate Summer Internship Program
Location: American Express, Phoenix, AZ (with hybrid work options)
Stipend: $24–$63/hour depending on role and location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies by department
Dates: 10-week program (Typically runs from June to August)
Application Deadline: Varies by role (Generally September – November for fall recruitment, or January – March for spring recruitment)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled full-time; expected graduation between December and June; permanent U.S. work authorization is required
In this internship, you work on a real business project within one of the company’s core divisions, such as finance, marketing, product, or risk management. You analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights that support decision-making across the organization. You collaborate with teams and present your findings, which helps you build communication and problem-solving skills in a corporate setting. You also gain exposure to how a global financial services company operates, including its products, customers, and strategy. Throughout the internship, you receive mentorship and professional development support, which helps you refine your career goals.
13. Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish Granting Support Internship
Location: Make-A-Wish Arizona, Parsons Wish House, Scottsdale, AZ
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1 position per semester
Dates: Fall: Late August – Early December | Spring: Early January – Late April | Summer: Mid May – Early August
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle (Fall: July; Spring: November; Summer: April)
Eligibility: Must be 18+ years old; currently enrolled undergraduate students; strong communication and organizational skills preferred; eligible to work in the U.S.
In this internship, you work directly with the Wish-Granting team to support the process of creating life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses. You assist with coordinating wish journeys, preparing documentation, and supporting communication between families, medical staff, and referral partners. You may also help with data entry, outreach to healthcare providers, and follow-ups with wish families to ensure all requirements are completed. You gain exposure to how nonprofit organizations operate while contributing to real-time wish planning and execution. Throughout the program, you develop professional skills such as communication, organization, and teamwork in a mission-driven environment.
14. Arizona Legislative Internships
Location: Arizona State Senate, House of Representatives, Governor’s Office, or Supreme Court, Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: $6,000, tuition/fee waiver, 12 undergraduate upper division credits or 9 graduate credits; up to $1,000 relocation reimbursement for non-Maricopa County students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 40–50 interns total
Dates: January 5 – May 8
Application Deadline: September 19
Eligibility: Degree-seeking undergraduate at ASU, NAU, or UofA; 3.0+ GPA; 75+ completed credits before start; all majors
In this internship, you work full-time at the Arizona State Capitol and participate directly in the legislative process. You may be placed in the House of Representatives, Senate, Governor’s Office, or Supreme Court, depending on your selection. You assist with tasks such as researching policy issues, writing bill summaries, tracking legislation, and preparing briefing materials for legislators. You also attend committee hearings, caucus meetings, and floor sessions, which help you understand how laws are made in real time. Throughout the program, you work closely with legislative staff and policymakers, which helps you build strong communication and analytical skills.
15. University of Arizona – Biosphere 2 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (B2 REU)
Location: Biosphere 2, Oracle, Arizona
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 10 students
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application Deadline: Open until all positions are filled
Eligibility: Enrolled in a degree program with at least one semester of college remaining after the experience, or a high school graduate accepted to an undergraduate institution who has not yet begun studies; majoring in hydrology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, biology, ecology, plant sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this program, you join a 10-week environmental and Earth systems science research experience centered on Biosphere 2, conducting an individual project under a faculty mentor that addresses interdisciplinary questions about the critical zone, ecosystem resilience, and how landscapes respond to environmental change. You work across the iconic enclosed biomes, the Landscape Evolution Observatory, campus laboratories, and field sites like the Santa Catalina Critical Zone Observatory, gaining hands-on methods that may include soil and water sampling, plant physiological measurements, microbial genomics, bioinformatics, atmospheric chemistry, observation, or computer modeling. You complete training in science communication and research ethics, present to public visitors, attend professional development workshops, and share findings at a formal University of Arizona research symposium.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. I'm not studying biology or medicine. Are there internships on this list that suit students from other fields?
Yes, several programs are open to non-STEM majors or broader academic backgrounds. The Arizona Legislative Internships are open to all majors at ASU, NAU, and UofA, and the work centers on policy research, bill tracking, and legislative support rather than science. The Make-A-Wish internship is open to any undergraduate with strong communication and organizational skills. American Express accepts students from finance, marketing, and product-focused programs. ASU's REU sites span disciplines including mathematics and computer science alongside the biological sciences, and the Ladder Internship Program places students across tech, finance, media, and health-adjacent fields regardless of major.
2. Several of these programs don't disclose their stipend amount. How do I find out what I'd actually be paid?
For programs that confirm pay exists without listing a figure, like the UA Cancer Center USIP and STEP-UP, the most reliable approach is to contact the program coordinator directly during the application process or ask at the interview stage. You can also check recent reviews from past participants on Glassdoor or LinkedIn, where stipend amounts are sometimes shared. If having a guaranteed amount upfront matters to you, Mayo Clinic SURF ($6,000), Biosphere 2 REU ($6,000), and ASU SURI ($5,000) are among the most transparent and competitive on this list.
3. A few programs, like the Arizona Legislative Internships, run in spring rather than summer. Are spring internships worth pursuing if I already have summer plans?
Spring internships at the legislative level can actually be more valuable than summer equivalents in the government sector, since the Arizona Legislature is in active session from January through May, meaning you observe and contribute to real lawmaking rather than working in a quieter off-session period. The tradeoff is that it requires a full-time commitment during the academic semester, which the program supports through 12 undergraduate credit hours and up to $1,000 in relocation support for non-local students. If policy, law, or public service is your area of interest, prioritizing this over a generic summer internship is often the stronger move.