13 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Mississippi
If you are an undergraduate student, an internship can help you strengthen your resume and build experience that supports your future career plans. Internships allow you to gain practical exposure to a field you are interested in while developing skills that are useful in professional environments. They can improve your employability by showing that you have worked on projects and understand how workplaces function.
For students interested in STEM, internships are a way to explore research, technology, and problem-solving outside the classroom. Many students search for STEM internships to learn more about possible career paths and to gain technical experience early in their academic journey.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship in college helps you apply concepts from your coursework to tasks and projects. You may gain experience with tools, research methods, or technologies that are commonly used in STEM careers. Internships also help you develop workplace skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Working with professionals in the field can give you guidance and a clearer idea of how different STEM roles operate. Employers often look for candidates who already have experience when hiring for entry-level roles.
Since there are many programs available, it can be challenging to decide which ones are worth exploring. To make this easier, we reviewed different opportunities and narrowed them down to 13 STEM internships for undergraduates in Mississippi.
1. Mississippi INBRE Scholars Program
Location: The University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg Campus (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: $6,500 award (paid hourly at $18.06) + housing and meals provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Nine-week program (June 1 – July 31; Orientation June 1–2; Conference July 23)
Application Deadline: March 1 (11:59 PM CST)
Eligibility: You must be an undergraduate student, 18 years or older, a Mississippi resident, and a U.S. citizen. You must be currently enrolled at a qualifying Mississippi higher education institution. Research Scholars must have completed two science courses with labs by program start; Applied Health Scholars must have earned at least 30 credit hours.
The Mississippi INBRE Scholars Program offers a competitive nine-week, full-time summer research experience at USM’s Hattiesburg campus through two tracks: Applied Health Scholars and Research Scholars. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor, conducting hands-on research in disciplines such as biological sciences, chemistry, polymer science, and data science, among others. Throughout the program, you will participate in professional development lectures, explore post-graduation academic and career pathways, and receive structured peer and faculty mentoring. You’ll develop a research abstract and present a research poster at the Mississippi IDeA/EPSCoR Conference. The program provides immersive training in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific communication while offering financial support, housing, and meals.
2. Ladder Internships University Internship
Location: Remote (work from anywhere globally)
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program (financial aid available); unpaid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); typically 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduate students, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective, remote startup internship designed for ambitious students seeking real-world experience. You are matched with a high-growth startup—often in industries such as tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, or consulting—and work on meaningful projects that directly impact the company. Throughout the internship, you collaborate closely with a startup manager and receive additional mentorship from a dedicated Ladder Coach. You contribute to deliverables, gain exposure to entrepreneurial environments, and present your final work to company leadership. The program emphasizes professional communication, problem-solving, and startup strategy, giving you hands-on experience in fast-paced, innovation-driven teams. Apply now!
3. Nanoengineering Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) – University of Mississippi
Location: Oxford, Mississippi (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: $6,000 stipend + 10-week housing and meal plan + travel assistance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – July 31 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Apply through the NSF ETAP portal (deadline varies; applications accepted while funding decision pending)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students from any STEM background
The Nanoengineering Summer REU at Ole Miss provides a 10-week research experience focused on nanoengineering and interdisciplinary STEM research. You will work closely with a faculty Principal Investigator, conducting original research in state-of-the-art laboratories while developing core skills in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. In addition to hands-on lab work, you’ll participate in weekly seminars, mini-courses, and professional development activities designed to prepare you for graduate school and advanced STEM careers. A unique feature of the program is student-led STEM outreach, where you’ll help plan and execute a Nanoengineering Research Day for middle and high school students. The experience is complemented by structured social events and community-building activities, fostering collaboration, scientific identity, and peer mentorship throughout the summer.
4. UM STEM Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) – University of Mississippi
Location: Oxford, Mississippi (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: $5,000 stipend (students arrange and cover their own housing)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – July 24 (9 weeks, 40 hours/week)
Application Deadline: March 26
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at 2-year community colleges or 4-year colleges/universities. Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
The UM STEM REU program offers a nine-week research experience for undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in research, academia, or advanced STEM fields. You are matched with a specific research project and work closely with faculty mentors and research teams in cutting-edge STEM disciplines. In addition to laboratory or project-based research, you’ll attend mandatory weekly guest lectures designed to expand your understanding beyond your immediate research focus. The program emphasizes the development of scientific presentation, communication, and professional networking skills. During the final week, you will deliver a 15-minute presentation summarizing your research findings, strengthening your ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and confidently.
5. NSF-REU: Food, Energy, and Water Security (FEWS) – Mississippi State University (Department of Chemistry)
Location: Mississippi State, Mississippi (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 stipend + 10 weeks of on-campus housing and meal plan + travel assistance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – July 31 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least their freshman year but have not yet graduated. Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Open to students from chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, environmental science, and related fields.
The FEWS REU at Mississippi State University is a 10-week, NSF-funded interdisciplinary research program focused on addressing global challenges in food, energy, and water security. You will work closely with a faculty mentor on hands-on research projects in renewable energy, environmental chemistry, sustainable materials, catalysis, or water purification, among others. Throughout the summer, you’ll gain practical laboratory experience using advanced instrumentation such as GC–MS, spectroscopic methods, microscopy, and mass spectrometry while developing skills in data analysis and scientific problem-solving. In addition to research, you’ll participate in professional development workshops, outreach activities, and social events designed to strengthen communication skills and build a scientific community. The program prepares you for graduate study and STEM careers by combining cutting-edge research with structured mentorship and collaborative learning.
6. NSF REU in Optoelectronic Materials – Mississippi State University (Department of Chemical Engineering)
Location: Mississippi State, Mississippi (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: $6,000 stipend + 10-week housing and meal plan + travel assistance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 30 – August 4 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 24
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a STEM background who have completed at least their freshman year, have not yet graduated, and are from eligible EPSCoR states/territories.
This is a 10-week, NSF-supported interdisciplinary research program focused on developing advanced materials capable of harvesting and manipulating light for energy and technology applications. You’ll work under the mentorship of faculty in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry on projects involving nanomaterial synthesis, soft material self-assembly, molecular modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and computational quantum chemistry. The program emphasizes both experimental and computational approaches to understanding and optimizing material properties for real-world applications. In addition to laboratory and research training, you’ll participate in professional development sessions, outreach initiatives, field trips, and team-building activities. The experience prepares you for graduate study and research careers in materials science, renewable energy, and advanced chemical technologies.
7. NSF REU: Ecology and Management for Resilient and Adapted Forests – Mississippi State University (Department of Forestry)
Location: Mississippi State, Mississippi (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: $700/week stipend + free on-campus housing + $150/week meal allowance + up to $500 travel support + $925 research allowance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – July 21 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Not specified (via NSF Education & Training Application)
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old, entering or returning to an undergraduate degree program in the fall, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
This 10-week NSF-funded REU in the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University provides research experience focused on forest ecology, climate resilience, and sustainable forest management. You will work closely with faculty mentors to design and conduct a research project addressing real-world challenges in forestry, including strengthening forests as climate change solutions. In addition to field and laboratory research, you’ll participate in orientation sessions, professional development workshops, and seminars that build skills in scientific writing, data analysis, communication, and research ethics. The program also fosters community through social activities and academic engagement, culminating in a presentation at the Mississippi State University Undergraduate Research Symposium. Through immersive mentorship and applied research, you’ll develop independence as a science-literate researcher prepared for graduate study or careers in environmental and forest sciences.
8. REU Program in Sensing and Assembly Based on Non-Covalent Interactions
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States (hosted by University of Southern Mississippi)
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 stipend; housing provided; travel support up to $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; current undergraduate student who has completed at least the first year of college and has not yet graduated; majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field; minimum GPA of 2.75.
In this 10-week summer research program, you will work in a faculty research group on projects related to sensing technologies and molecular assembly in chemistry and biochemistry. You’ll conduct hands-on laboratory research while learning experimental methods used in areas such as macromolecule assembly, detection techniques, and synthesis of bioactive molecules. Throughout the program, you’ll interact with faculty mentors and collaborate with other undergraduate researchers as part of an active research environment. The experience also includes professional development sessions focused on research communication and career preparation. You will participate in a structured research process that involves planning experiments, analyzing results, and discussing findings with mentors. At the end of the program, you will present your work at a research symposium, where participants share their projects with peers and faculty.
9. NASA OSTEM Internship Program
Location: Various locations across the United States (at NASA centers and facilities; some virtual options available) - Stennis Space Center, Hancock County, Mississippi (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (stipend varies by role and session)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; varies by project and center
Dates: Offered in multiple sessions each year (including summer and fall sessions)
Application Deadline: May 22 (Fall session)
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen; enrolled as a full-time or part-time college student (undergraduate through graduate level); must be at least 16 years old at the time of application
In this internship program, you’ll work on projects related to science, engineering, technology, business, or other fields that support NASA’s missions. You will collaborate with mentors who are scientists, engineers, and professionals across different disciplines while gaining exposure to ongoing research or operational work. Depending on the project, you may contribute to technical research, data analysis, program management tasks, or technology development. The experience typically takes place at a NASA center or facility, where you’ll interact with teams working on current initiatives in space exploration and aeronautics. Throughout the internship, you’ll learn how large research and engineering organizations operate and how interdisciplinary teams coordinate projects. The program also provides opportunities to develop technical and professional skills through mentorship and real project involvement.
10. EarthRISE Developers Academy (Virtual Component)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Paid; housing and living expenses are not covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
In this virtual internship with NASA, you will work in small interdisciplinary teams using Earth observation data to address environmental and geospatial challenges. You’ll review relevant research, analyze remote sensing and GIS data, and contribute to application-focused solutions for partner organizations. Throughout the term, you’ll receive guidance from project coordinators, science advisors, and mentors while collaborating with teammates on structured research tasks. The projects may focus on topics such as invasive species monitoring, water quality, or drought analysis. You will also participate in team activities and professional development sessions where you’ll interact with scientists and professionals in the field. By the end of the internship, you will help prepare presentations, technical reports, and project outputs that communicate your team’s findings to different audiences.
11. BELL Summer Internship Program
Location: Remote & in-person — hosted by Berkeley Early Learning Lab
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (small stipends may be offered in some cases)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Early June – late July (approximately 8–9 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students (including international students)
In this internship, you will assist with research on cognitive and language development while working alongside graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and lab staff. You may help with tasks such as collecting data, preparing study materials, recruiting and testing participants, and analyzing research data related to child development studies. The program includes weekly lab meetings and reading groups where you discuss research and receive feedback on ongoing work. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate on projects conducted both in the lab and at local children’s museums. Throughout the internship, you will learn about behavioral research methods such as eye-tracking, looking-time studies, and observational techniques. Workshops and mentoring sessions provide additional exposure to research tools and the process of conducting developmental psychology research.
12. Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Academic year (fall–spring)
Application Deadline: Typically, during the late summer application cycle
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and a high school graduate enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university
Through this virtual internship, you will work on a specific project proposed by a U.S. federal agency, often including offices within the United States Department of State or other participating agencies. You’ll collaborate remotely with two assigned mentors who guide your progress and provide feedback throughout the project. Depending on the assignment, you may conduct research, create digital content, analyze policy topics, or assist with communications and data-related tasks. Because the program runs during the academic year, you will gain experience managing ongoing professional responsibilities alongside your coursework. The fully virtual format allows you to work with teams located in different regions while developing remote collaboration skills. Over the course of the internship, you’ll also build experience in research, writing, and project coordination within a federal agency context.
13. Ford Motor Company – Ford Summer Intern Program
Location: Remote roles available
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; not specified
Dates: 10–12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by role; typically opens in the fall and closes by early spring
Eligibility: Current undergraduate or graduate students pursuing relevant majors; must have U.S. work authorization
The Ford Summer Intern Program is a full-time, paid internship designed to give you experience within a global automotive and mobility company. Over 10–12 weeks, you’ll work on real, business-critical projects in areas such as engineering, marketing, finance, supply chain, product development, and technology. Most roles are based in Southeast Michigan with a hybrid schedule, though select remote opportunities are available. In addition to project work, you will participate in orientation sessions, professional development workshops, and networking events with company leaders and fellow interns. High-performing interns may be considered for full-time opportunities, including pathways into programs such as the Ford College Graduate program after completing their degree.
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