15 Internships for College Students in Oklahoma
If you are a college student in Oklahoma and want hands-on experience, an internship is a practical way to build your skills and strengthen your resume. Internships can help you gain experience in fields such as business, healthcare, engineering, technology, government, and research. You can contribute to real projects while learning how workplaces operate and what employers expect from entry-level professionals. At the same time, you’ll develop technical skills such as data analysis, lab work, coding, writing, and project support, along with professional skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Why should I do an internship in college?
An internship allows you to apply what you learn in class to real-world work, which helps you build both confidence and experience. It strengthens your resume by showing initiative, practical skills, and the ability to handle professional tasks, which are qualities valued by employers and graduate programs. You may also contribute to reports, presentations, research, or project deliverables that give you concrete achievements to include in applications. Working closely with supervisors, mentors, or team members can also help you build professional connections and earn strong recommendations for the future. Many internships also help you explore different career paths, improve your communication and problem-solving skills, and gain a clearer idea of what kind of work suits you best.
In this blog, you will find 15 internships for college students in Oklahoma that can help you explore your interests and prepare for future career opportunities.
If you’re specifically interested in summer programs, check out a list of summer internships in Oklahoma here!
1. Oklahoma State Government Internship Program
Location: Oklahoma (various state agencies across cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa)
Cost/Stipend: Paid and unpaid roles available (varies by department)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by agency; multiple openings each cycle
Dates: Year-round (part-time during semester or full-time in summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by department)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in Oklahoma institutions or eligible programs
In this internship, you’ll work with Oklahoma state agencies in areas such as public administration, IT, finance, engineering, or environmental services. You will assist with real government projects, which helps you understand how public sector organizations operate. You may work on research, data analysis, policy support, or administrative tasks, depending on your placement. You’ll also gain exposure to government processes and decision-making. Throughout the internship, you will develop professional skills such as communication, organization, and teamwork.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote ( you can work from anywhere in the world).
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 8-12 weeks, committing 10-20 hours/week
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program that connects participants with startups and nonprofits worldwide across a range of industries. During the program, you will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need of the startup they are working with. You collaborate closely with a manager from the organization, gaining exposure to professional workflows and expectations in a remote setting. You’ll present their work at the end of their internship.
3. National Archives Voluntary Internship Program
Location: United States (multiple locations, including regional archives; some roles may be partially remote but require on-site presence)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; can be completed for academic credit or volunteer hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; multiple roles across departments
Dates: Summer: Late May/early June – August (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 3 (Summer cycle)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (also open to high school and graduate students aged 18+); Must be U.S. citizens and pass a background check
In this internship, you will work with the National Archives on projects related to history, records management, and public programs. You may explore areas such as archival processing, digitization, exhibits, communications, or information technology based on your interests. This internship gives you practical experience in organizing historical records, working with digital archives, and supporting public-facing archival initiatives. You will work between 10 and 40 hours per week in a professional setting, with at least half your time spent on-site.
4. Tulsa Domestic Violence Court Project Internship
Location: Tulsa County Courthouse, Tulsa, OK
Cost/Stipend: Not specified (typically unpaid; may vary by term)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small team-based placement
Dates: Summer (with potential continuation beyond summer)
Application Deadline: Not specified (apply early; varies by cycle)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in fields such as Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Criminal Justice, or related areas
In this internship, you’ll work on a real-world court data system used to track compliance in domestic violence cases. You will assist in developing and improving a database platform that supports judicial decision-making and court operations. This internship gives you practical experience in database development, system design, testing features, and building reporting tools in a real-world legal setting. You may also collaborate with court staff to refine system functionality, gaining insight into how technology supports the justice system.
5. Oklahoma Hall of Fame — Archives & Collections Internship
Location: Oklahoma City, OK (Gaylord-Pickens Museum)
Cost/Stipend: Paid | $1,200 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | selection based on application materials
Dates: May 18 – July 24 | ~10-week program
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, and graduate students in History, Museum Studies, Art History, Library & Information Studies, or related fields
The Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives & Collections Internship gives you hands-on experience working with historical records and artifacts in a museum setting. You will receive training in professional museum standards and industry-specific software used for collections management. This internship gives you practical experience in archival organization, preservation practices, collections management, and working with museum documentation systems. You may also assist with organizing materials and supporting preservation efforts while collaborating with museum staff.
6. Knocking Turtle Village and Venue Internship
Location: Lexington, OK (12571 US Highway 77)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified | Likely an unpaid opportunity
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | small team environment
Dates: Not specified | part-time, ongoing with flexible scheduling
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: LIS undergraduate students interested in property management, digital tools, and community engagement
The Knocking Turtle Village and Venue Internship gives you hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a small property management and event business. You will work on tasks such as website design, social media marketing, and data organization, building practical digital and business skills. This internship gives you practical experience in managing booking platforms, developing content strategies, user experience analysis, and community engagement. You may also support on-site venue operations and attend events, helping you understand how property management and event coordination work together.
7. Library and Information Studies (LIS) Internship — Stellic Rollout Support
Location: University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (Hybrid: Zoom sessions + on-campus workshops)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | selection based on application and fit
Dates: Not specified | ongoing with flexible academic scheduling
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a Library and Information Studies (LIS) program with strong communication and technical skills
The LIS Internship – Stellic Rollout Support at the University of Oklahoma gives you hands-on experience in student engagement and academic advising support. You will learn to use the Stellic platform and guide students in planning their academic pathways effectively. This internship gives you practical experience in delivering presentations, leading workshops, providing one-on-one student support, and working with academic planning technology. You may also host Zoom sessions and participate in training to build your communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
8. Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center (CNMCC) Internship
Location: Lawton, OK (701 NW Ferris Ave)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | selection based on interest and application
Dates: Not specified | flexible (in-person, remote, or hybrid options available)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Not explicitly stated | open to students interested in museum work, archives, and cultural preservation
The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center Internship gives you hands-on experience working with collections that preserve Comanche history, culture, and art. You will assist with tasks such as digitizing materials, cataloging collections, and supporting administrative work in a museum setting. This internship gives you practical experience in archival processes, collections management, exhibit preparation, and museum research. You may also contribute to exhibit planning by assisting with research and layout design, gaining exposure to both collections work and public-facing museum operations.
9. Wichita Tribal History Center Photograph Archive Digitization Internship
Location: Anadarko, OK (Wichita Tribal History Center) | option to work from the University of Oklahoma, Norman campus if commuting is not feasible
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | selection based on experience and application
Dates: Spring | part-time (10 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current University of Oklahoma undergraduate students | must commit to a consistent weekly schedule
The Wichita Tribal History Center Photograph Archive Digitization Internship allows you to gain hands-on experience in archival digitization and cultural preservation while working with a tribal history collection. In this role, you’ll support the digitization of photographic materials by scanning images, creating and maintaining digital catalogs, and organizing physical photographs using archival-grade standards. Throughout the internship, you’ll develop technical skills in metadata creation, digital file management, and archival organization, while working with historically significant materials that document the heritage of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. You’ll also gain experience in maintaining structured digital archives and ensuring long-term accessibility of cultural records. This internship is a strong option if you’re interested in archives, digital preservation, and working with culturally significant collections in a professional setting.
10. Wichita Tribal History Center Library Establishment Internship
Location: Anadarko, OK (Wichita Tribal History Center) | some remote work possible (ou.edu)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | selection based on application and qualifications
Dates: Spring – July | part-time, schedule coordinated with staff
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current University of Oklahoma graduate students (MA or PhD) in LIS, public history, or related fields
The Wichita Tribal History Center Library Establishment Internship gives you the opportunity to help build a Tribal library from the ground up. You will research cataloging systems, evaluate library management software, and assist with planning the library’s layout and organizational structure. This internship gives you practical experience in library development, systems planning, vendor coordination, and creating community-focused information services. You may also support outreach efforts by developing promotional materials and contributing to programs like workshops and reading groups.
11. Special Collections Cataloging Intern — University of Tulsa (McFarlin Library)
Location: Tulsa, OK (McFarlin Library, University of Tulsa)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | selection based on interest and qualifications
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms | 10–15 hours per week
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: MLIS students or students in related programs interested in rare books and cataloging
The Special Collections Cataloging Internship at the University of Tulsa gives you hands-on experience working with rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials. You will learn to create detailed catalog records using standards such as RDA, MARC21, and Library of Congress Classification to make materials accessible to researchers. This internship gives you practical experience in cataloging, classification, provenance research, and using library systems like OCLC WorldShare and Aeon. You may also collaborate with preservation staff and apply controlled vocabularies and metadata standards in real-world settings.
12. Special Collections Digitization Intern — University of Tulsa (McFarlin Library)
Location: Tulsa, OK (McFarlin Library, University of Tulsa)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | selection based on interest and relevant experience
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms | 10–15 hours per week
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: MLIS students or students in a related program interested in digitization and special collections work
The Special Collections Digitization Internship at the University of Tulsa gives you hands-on experience working with rare materials and making them accessible to researchers around the world. You will use digitization tools such as automated book scanners and help prepare historical materials for digital platforms. This internship gives you practical experience in scanning workflows, image editing, digital preservation, and handling rare books and manuscripts according to archival standards. You may also support patron requests by scanning materials and using software like Photoshop to meet different needs. It is a strong option if you want to build technical skills in special collections and digitization.
13. Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA) — Smithsonian Institution
Location: Washington, D.C. (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History)
Cost/Stipend: Funded | Stipends provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective | ~12–14 research interns + limited collections/archives positions
Dates: Summer 2026 | typically 4-week research program (with ~8-week collections/archives internships)
Application Deadline: Typically early March (varies each year slightly)
Eligibility: Graduate students (or recent graduates) in anthropology, museum studies, archives, LIS, or related fields enrolled at a U.S. university
The Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA) at the Smithsonian Institution gives you an intensive training experience centered on museum-based anthropological research. You will take part in workshops, seminars, and hands-on work with Smithsonian collections while learning to analyze artifacts, archival materials, and visual sources. This program gives you practical experience in museum research methods, collections work, archival systems, and presenting original research in a professional setting. Depending on the track, you may work on your own research project or support collections and archives work alongside Smithsonian professionals.
14. Office of the Curator — Supreme Court of the United States Internship (Fall)
Location: Washington, D.C. (Supreme Court of the United States)
Cost/Stipend: Paid | stipend provided through the Supreme Court Internship Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | highly competitive national applicant pool
Dates: Fall | ~16 weeks (tentative; full-time preferred, ~8 hours/day, 5 days/week)
Application Deadline: June 5 (tentative; applications open mid-May via USAJobs)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least two semesters | must be U.S. citizens
The Office of the Curator Internship at the Supreme Court of the United States gives you hands-on experience preserving the history of the nation’s highest court through museum and archival work. You will contribute to collections management, digital assets, and visitor programs while helping catalog artifacts and organize archival materials. This internship gives you practical experience in museum operations, public interpretation, and working with historical collections in a government setting. You will also interact with visitors through tours, courtroom lectures, and visitor desk duties, which help you build public speaking and interpersonal skills.
15. Oklahoma Historical Society — Collections Volunteer/Intern (Cataloging)
Location: Oklahoma City, OK (800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid | volunteer/internship position
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified | selection based on application and background check
Dates: Not specified | flexible scheduling based on department needs
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students interested in museum collections, cataloging, and archival work | must complete a background check
The Oklahoma Historical Society Collections Cataloging Internship gives you hands-on experience working with historical artifacts in a museum collections setting. You will help create database records, photograph objects, write descriptions, label artifacts, and prepare materials for storage. This internship gives you practical experience in artifact cataloging, provenance research, database work, and museum documentation standards. You may also support inventories, exhibit preparation, and record updates, which help you understand how collections are organized and made accessible to the public. It is a strong option if you want to build skills in research, attention to detail, and collections management.
Image source - The University of Oaklahoma logo