15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Michigan
Internships can make a difference during college. When you step out of the classroom and into a lab, office, field site, or tech team, you start building practical skills that don’t always show up on a transcript. You strengthen your resume, test whether a career path is actually right for you, and gain mentors who can later write strong recommendation letters. If you’re in a STEM major, internships are even more important because employers and graduate schools expect practical experience.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship in college helps you move from theory to application, which is exactly what employers and graduate admissions committees look for. When you work on research questions, engineering challenges, or public health projects, you’re developing problem-solving skills in context. You also build technical skills, whether that’s lab techniques, data analysis, GIS mapping, coding, or research writing, that make you more employable. Many internships include mentorship, networking events, or symposium presentations, which help you grow professionally. Finally, if you’re considering graduate school (PhD, MD/PhD, MS), internships show that you can handle advanced academic work.
In this list, we’ve narrowed down 15 of the most reputable STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan. Some are highly selective and research-heavy, while others are industry-facing or public service-oriented. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer idea of which STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan align with your goals.
1. University of Michigan’s Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP)
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 45 students
Dates: May 23 – July 30
Application Deadline: January 28
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients with a 3.0+ GPA on a 4.0 scale; entering junior or senior year (not graduating before December and at a school other than the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor)
SROP is a structured, faculty-mentored research program designed for undergraduates preparing for graduate study, particularly those underrepresented in their fields. You will work full-time on a research project under a University of Michigan faculty member while attending enrichment workshops and professional development sessions. The program emphasizes preparation for research-based graduate programs. You’ll also present your findings at the SROP Research Symposium, which gives you formal presentation experience. If you’re serious about a PhD or academic career, this is one of the more rigorous STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan to consider.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (around 10%); 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
In the Ladder University Internship Program, you spend eight weeks working remotely with a high-growth startup on real-world STEM projects spanning deep tech, artificial intelligence, software engineering, health tech, and environmental science. During your placement, you will actively contribute to the company by analyzing data, coding technical prototypes, testing new methods, and ultimately presenting your final deliverables directly to leadership. Throughout this hands-on experience, you will naturally develop strong analytical abilities and practical critical thinking skills. What makes this program unique is its dual-mentorship model, providing you with personalized guidance from both an industry mentor and a dedicated Ladder Coach. By the end of the program, you will also have significantly improved your time management and professional communication, leaving you well-prepared for a future STEM career. Apply now!
3. Pharmacology Undergraduate Summer Research Program
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 10–15 students per specific department
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 18
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA who have completed at least two semesters
This 10-week immersive research program places you inside a pharmacology laboratory at the University of Michigan. You’ll work on a dedicated biomedical research project under faculty supervision, gaining exposure to graduate-level lab methods. The program includes structured mentorship and a seminar series tailored for fellows. You also participate in events like the regional pharmacology colloquium and Rackham Graduate School open house. For students aiming at biomedical research careers, this stands out among STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan because of its strong academic integration.
4. Cancer Research Summer Internship Program (CaRSIP)
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $5,500 stipend + $500 travel stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective 20–25 students
Dates: May 20 – July 29
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or full-time U.S.-enrolled undergraduates with valid U.S. work authorization (or EAD), a 3.0+ GPA, full-time sophomore or junior standing, and not previously participated
CaRSIP is a 10-week intensive research experience focused on cancer biology at the University of Michigan Medical School. You’ll be paired with faculty mentors at the Rogel Cancer Center and contribute to ongoing cancer research projects. The program includes seminars, professional development workshops, and a culminating research symposium. You gain exposure to laboratory methods and research culture that closely mirrors graduate training. If you’re exploring MD/PhD or PhD pathways, this is one of the more academically focused STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan.
5. Michigan Sea Grant Environmental Internship
Location: Across Michigan (throughout the Great Lakes region)
Stipend: $9,000 + up to $1,000 additional travel funding
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~10–15 students
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Enrolled undergraduate students at any accredited Michigan college or university
The Michigan Sea Grant (MISG) Environmental Internship is a prestigious program designed to provide Michigan undergraduate students with hands-on experience in Great Lakes stewardship, research, and policy. You can either propose your own project with an organization or select from pre-submitted opportunities, and host organizations include state agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses. Your work may involve environmental monitoring, policy research, or sustainability initiatives. Among STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan, this one is particularly strong if you’re interested in environmental science, conservation, or public policy.
6. University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center Summer Internship
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $5,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 5 students
Dates: 10–12 weeks between May and July
Application Deadline: Typically, February
Eligibility: Upper-level undergraduates or graduate students
The University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center (IPC) offers a prestigious summer internship program designed for students interested in research and practice-based injury prevention. You will work within a CDC-funded public health center on projects related to injury prevention, such as teen driving safety, mental health, or suicide prevention. Tasks may include literature reviews, data analysis, toolkit preparation, and project evaluation. You can rank project preferences when applying. Only five students are selected, making this a relatively small and focused internship experience. If public health research interests you, this is one of the more targeted STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan.
7. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Summer Internship Program
Location: Various, Michigan. Most positions are located at the Lansing Headquarters (Constitution Hall) or one of the 10 District Offices (e.g., Detroit, Grand Rapids, Marquette, Warren); hybrid/remote options vary by division
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 60–100+ students
Dates: 12–15 weeks between May and August
Application Deadline: Late February – Early March
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduates (at any accredited college/university) in good academic standing. Must be pursuing a degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Science, Geology, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or Public Policy)
The EGLE Summer Internship Program is a professional development initiative designed to integrate undergraduate and graduate students into the daily operations of Michigan's primary environmental regulatory agency. It offers a roughly 15-week summer placement where you work on environmental issues across water, air, land, and energy divisions. Your tasks could include GIS mapping, lake sampling, landfill monitoring, researching PFAS, or drafting environmental reports. Roles vary from lab work to field sampling and policy research, and projects are matched to your academic background. If you’re looking for applied environmental STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan, this one offers broad exposure to state-level environmental work.
8. Ford Motor Company’s Summer Internship Program
Location: Primarily Dearborn & Detroit, MI
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 450–550 interns
Dates: 10 to 12 weeks between May and August
Application Deadline: Typically, January
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate students; at least a sophomore at the time of the internship; minimum 3.0 GPA; pursuing a degree relevant to the specific "Skill Team" (Engineering, CS, Business, etc.)
Ford Motor Company’s Summer Internship Program is a premier professional experience designed to pipeline high-performing students into their Ford College Graduate (FCG) full-time program. This 10–12 week internship places you on a team within a major global automaker where you may work in engineering, design, marketing, or finance. Interns participate in a one-week orientation and then join full-time teams on active projects. You gain insight into how large-scale product development and operations function. If you’re exploring corporate or automotive engineering careers, this industry-facing option complements more research-oriented STEM internships for undergraduates in Michigan.
9. University of Michigan – ITS Summer Internship Program
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: $20/hour (undergrad, first year); $21/hour (undergrad, returning)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~60 students
Dates: May – Early August
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Currently enrolled U.S. college students authorized to work full-time (40 hours/week), able to commute to Ann Arbor twice weekly, and CPT/OPT application if you are an international student
The ITS Summer Internship provides a full-time, 14-week opportunity within the University of Michigan’s Information and Technology Services division. You will be assigned to a departmental project that can be technical or non-technical, depending on your background. A mentor guides your work and supports your professional development throughout the program, and weekly sessions focus on project management, leadership, and career planning. You also collaborate on a cohort-wide initiative, which simulates cross-functional teamwork. This experience is valuable if you are building IT, systems, or enterprise technology skills.
10. Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program
Location: Dearborn, MI
Stipend: $3,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 50 students
Dates: 8–12 weeks between May and August
Application Deadline: Typically, January/February
Eligibility: Current UM-Dearborn undergraduates graduating in December or later; first-time participants
The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a campus-wide initiative that pairs students with faculty mentors to conduct intensive research across all four colleges (Arts, Sciences, and Letters; Business; Education, Health, and Human Services; and Engineering and Computer Science). You will dedicate approximately 15–20 hours per week to a research project within your discipline. The program also includes professional development programming to strengthen research and presentation skills, and you conclude the experience by presenting your findings at the SURE Showcase. For early-stage undergraduates, this can be an accessible entry into research-oriented STEM internships in Michigan.
11. REU InSPIRES Program
Location: Houghton, Michigan (Michigan Technological University campus) & the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC)
Stipend: $5,600 + up to $700 travel allowance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 10 students
Dates: May 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 25
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Permanent Residents; currently enrolled in a 2-year, 4-year, Community, or Tribal college; pursuing a STEM-related field (e.g., Chemistry, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, or Environmental Engineering)
The REU InSPIRES program at Michigan Tech is an eight-week summer internship where you dive into hands-on engineering research. You will explore practical topics like semiconductors, integrated circuits, wastewater management, copper recovery, and sustainability. During the program, you will conduct daily lab research, visit the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for water management education, tour local electronics companies, and enjoy team-building activities like canoeing. The program seamlessly blends highly technical research with cultural and environmental immersion. By the end, you will learn technical lab skills, improve your problem-solving abilities, and gain professional networking experience for your future career.
12. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)
Location: Michigan Technological University (Houghton, Michigan)
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: Summer Semester (Typically May through August)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Current Michigan Tech undergraduates (from any school or college) who have at least one semester remaining after the summer term. Applicants must identify a Michigan Tech faculty mentor and collaboratively propose a research project
This program offers you a paid opportunity to pursue hands-on discovery, covering all STEM disciplines offered at the university, from civil engineering and physics to computational biology. Over the 10-week summer term, you will conduct an independent research project, operate state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation, analyze complex datasets, and collaborate with a faculty mentor. By engaging in these specific activities, you will build highly practical skills in experimental design, technical problem-solving, and professional scientific communication. Ultimately, this fellowship allows you to apply classroom theories to real-world problems, giving you a distinct competitive edge for graduate school or the workforce.
13. Michigan State University – BRUSH Summer Research Program
Location: Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
Stipend: $5,700 stipend, plus provided room and board on campus
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small cohort sizes
Dates: May 18 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Undergraduates pursuing biomedical and research-related careers; must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, or Guam
The MSU BRUSH program is a paid summer internship designed to help you build an identity in science, specifically focusing on students from underrepresented backgrounds. You will explore biomedical topics, including heart conditions, lung diseases, blood disorders, and the health impacts of environmental pollutants. Your summer will involve conducting mentored lab research, practicing presentations at weekly "Data & Dining" dinners, taking social field trips to the Great Lakes, and presenting a research poster at a national conference. Along the way, you will learn practical skills like how to understand primary scientific literature, formulate testable hypotheses, statistically analyze data, and confidently communicate your findings.
14. Wayne State University – Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in Molecular Medicine
Location: Detroit, Michigan (Wayne State University School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics)
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 6–8 students per year
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Current college sophomores or juniors who have a minimum 3.0 GPA
This program gives you a chance to try real-life science research. You will study cell cycle regulation, chromosome structure, gene regulation, molecular neurobiology, cell development, cancer biology, genetic engineering, cardiovascular genetics, computational biology, and molecular evolution. During the summer, your main activities will be working in a faculty lab, attending weekly research talks, and presenting your final results at a symposium. The program pairs you directly with both scientists and doctors to solve actual human disease problems. By the end, you will learn practical lab techniques, how to run experiments, and how to confidently explain your science to others.
15. University of Michigan – UM-SMART Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Location: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Stipend: $4,700 + up to $500 for transportation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 6–8 students per year
Dates: May 26 – August 2
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Current undergraduates who have completed their sophomore year by June 1; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; completed a physiology, biology, biochemistry, or organic chemistry course (preferably with lab); have at least 100 hours of research lab experience by June 1; 3.2 CGPA
The UM-SMART program at the University of Michigan is a 10-week summer experience that focuses on basic medical science topics to better understand human health and diseases. Your main activities will include working full-time in a science lab with a professor, shadowing doctors to see what they do, studying for your medical school entrance exams (MCAT), and sharing your final project at a research fair. What makes this program truly unique is that you get a "Big Sib" student mentor to guide you and an exclusive invitation to a special medical research retreat. By the end, you will have developed exceptional practical lab skills.
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