15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Texas
An internship is one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between the classroom and professional work. Internships allow you to enhance your profile and resume, improve your employability odds, and gain practical experience in a field of your choice. Beyond the resume boost, internships give you the chance to build meaningful professional networks and develop both technical and soft skills that employers seek.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship during college can reshape your career trajectory as employers prefer candidates with work experience. Internships demonstrate initiative, practical knowledge, and adaptability to workplace environments, making graduates significantly more competitive in the job market. They help you apply the theories and concepts learned in the classroom to projects, deepening understanding in a way that coursework alone cannot achieve. Working alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and professionals exposes you to invaluable mentoring relationships and industry contacts that can open doors after the internship ends. An internship is also a low-risk way to discover whether a chosen field is the right fit before making a full-time commitment, allowing you to pivot if needed while still in school. Whether the goal is to land a top industry job, get into a competitive Ph.D. program, or simply figure out the next step, pursuing STEM internships is a good move.
We've combed through the options to bring you a focused list of the 15 best internships for undergraduates in Texas, spanning biomedical research, aerospace, computing, engineering, and more.
1. NASA OSTEM Internship – Johnson Space Center
Location: NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: Paid; stipend based on academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; over 2,000 students placed annually
Dates: Summer, Fall, and Spring cohorts available
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22; Spring: September
Eligibility: College students who are at least 16 years old; U.S. citizens; minimum GPA is 3.0/4.0
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) runs one of the most recognized paid internship programs in the country, placing you at NASA centers and facilities nationwide - including the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. You will work with research scientists, engineers, and other professionals on projects that contribute to NASA's mission in human spaceflight, from International Space Station operations to next-generation vehicle development. The program emphasizes hands-on, mentored work experiences that build career readiness, professional, and technical skills.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size/cohort size: Between 10–25%; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort, with options for Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 8–12 weeks, for 10–20 hours/week
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, fully remote eight-week experience where you work alongside founders of high-growth start-ups and NGOs. If you are pursuing a STEM field, you will explore topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, software engineering, health technology, and environmental science. During the program, your hands-on activities will include coding software prototypes, building machine learning models, analyzing real-world data, and pitching your final deliverables to your team. A unique feature of this program is its dual-mentorship structure, pairing you directly with a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach for weekly guidance. By completing these real-world projects, you will learn critical skills in technical application, complex problem-solving, time management, and professional communication. Apply now!
3. CPRIT CURE Summer Undergraduate Program - MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $7,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; large cohorts
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Rising sophomores through rising fifth-year seniors
The CPRIT CURE Summer Undergraduate Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the most prestigious research internships for undergraduates in the U.S., designed specifically for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in cancer research. This 10-week, full-time program pairs you with faculty mentors across multiple disciplines for laboratory research in cancer science. Approximately 85% of program time is spent on research, with the remaining 15% devoted to academic and professional development programming, including scientific lectures, seminars, and career development events. You present your research at the CATALYST end-of-summer poster symposium.
4. Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) – UT Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Stipend: Visiting students: $6,500; UT Austin students: $7,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 10–25 students
Dates: June 3 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates majoring in engineering, geosciences, math, or natural sciences; have taken at least 45 hours of credit at their current institution; minimum 3.25 GPA; not be a freshman or a senior graduating in spring or summer; U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) is a premier research program hosted by the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering (UT PGE) at the University of Texas at Austin. It is designed for high-achieving undergraduate students from across the country who are interested in pursuing graduate-level research in energy and subsurface engineering. You will work with faculty mentors on projects involving energy systems, subsurface engineering, and computational modeling. Past projects have included carbon capture modeling, hydrogen storage simulation, and subsurface data analytics. You also collaborate with researchers and graduate students while learning about current challenges in energy engineering.
5. Cyberinfrastructure Research for Societal Advancement REU – UT Austin
Location: Texas Advanced Computing Center, University of Texas at Austin
Stipend: $6,300 + housing and $700 meal support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 10 students
Dates: May 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates enrolled in a degree program at a U.S. college or university; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 18+ by the start of the program
The Cyberinfrastructure Research for Social Change at the University of Texas at Austin is a prestigious, NSF-funded summer program hosted by the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC). It is designed to immerse students in high-performance computing (HPC) and data science, addressing real-world societal challenges. You will work on projects involving high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and large-scale data analysis. The program includes workshops on research communication, graduate school preparation, and technical skill development. You present your research at the end of the internship through reports or symposium presentations.
6. Texas A&M Electrical and Computer Engineering REU
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 8–15 students
Dates: Late May – Late July
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related STEM fields; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; have completed at least freshman year (30+ credit hours) by the end of Spring; minimum 3.0 GPA; must not graduate before December of next year
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at Texas A&M University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering department offers you the opportunity to work on advanced engineering projects. Research topics include smart energy systems, nanoscale devices, microelectronics, and signal processing. You work closely with faculty and graduate mentors while participating in laboratory research. The program also includes seminars on research ethics, graduate school preparation, and professional development. At the end of the internship, students present their work at a research symposium attended by faculty and peers.
7. CASFER Summer REU – Texas Tech University
Location: Texas Tech University and partner institutions
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 16 students
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Undergraduates pursuing engineering, environmental science, chemistry, or related STEM majors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The CASFER (Center for Advancing Sustainable and Distributed Fertilizer Production) Summer REU is a prestigious research program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It brings together a multidisciplinary cohort to work on the "Nitrogen Circular Economy," focused on sustainable fertilizer production. You participate in interdisciplinary research exploring ways to improve fertilizer manufacturing and agricultural sustainability. You also work alongside faculty researchers and graduate students on engineering, chemistry, and environmental science projects. The program emphasizes collaboration and encourages you to contribute to solutions addressing global food production challenges. You attend seminars and professional development workshops throughout the internship.
8. UTD REU Summer Program - Software Dependability Centric Research and Application
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10 students
Dates: May 22 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or incoming seniors enrolled at accredited institutions; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The UTD REU Summer Program in Software Dependability Centric Research and Application is an NSF-funded initiative designed to provide undergraduates with hands-on research experience in software reliability, security, and safety. During the program, you will work with faculty mentors in the Computer Science Department on research projects related to software reliability, cybersecurity, testing methods, and dependable computing systems. You collaborate closely with graduate students and researchers while gaining practical experience in designing and evaluating dependable software systems. In addition to hands-on research, the internship includes professional development activities such as workshops on technical writing and research presentations.
9. NSF REU: 3D Printing of NextGen Multifunctional Batteries - Texas A&M / UTEP
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, and/or UTEP, El Paso, TX
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 8 students
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 22
Eligibility: Undergraduates in engineering, chemistry, materials science, or related fields; minimum 3.25 GPA; U.S. nationals
This program focuses on the intersection of additive manufacturing, materials science, and energy storage, specifically targeting the development of batteries that can bear mechanical loads or conform to complex shapes. Research themes include the development of 3D-printed battery electrodes, structural electrolytes, multiphysics modeling, and full cell assembly and characterization. The program also features industry and national laboratory engagement, including tours of NASA Johnson Space Center and the KULR battery development facility in Houston. Enrichment activities include the Aggies Invent design event, graduate school preparation seminars, and technical writing workshops.
10. Texas A&M Mathematics REU
Location: Texas A&M University
Stipend: $4,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 10–12 students
Dates: May 27 – July 18
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; completion of Linear Algebra and Introduction to Proofs is generally required; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Texas A&M University Department of Mathematics hosts an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) that provides students with the opportunity to conduct high-level research alongside faculty mentors. Research areas covered by the program are computational biology, algebraic geometry, and mathematical modeling. You will work in small teams under faculty guidance to explore theoretical and applied mathematical problems. Throughout the program, students attend lectures, workshops, and collaborative research sessions designed to strengthen problem-solving skills. At the end of the internship, students present their findings at a research symposium and may contribute to academic publications.
11. UTHealth Houston BIG-TCR Undergraduate Summer Internship
Location: UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 12 students
Dates: June 3 – August 12
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students pursuing (bio)chemistry, physics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, and bioengineering
The BIG-TCR Undergraduate Summer Internship at UTHealth Houston is a prestigious, 10-week program focused on Biomedical Informatics, Genomics, and Translational Cancer Research. Funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), it provides students with hands-on research experience and professional development. You will work in laboratories focusing on translational cancer research and biomedical innovation. You learn laboratory techniques, research methodology, and data interpretation while working alongside scientists and medical researchers. The program typically includes seminars on medical research careers and opportunities to present research findings.
12. Rice University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 15–25 fellows
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who do not have prior research experience; first-generation and limited-income students; returning Rice undergraduates
The Rice University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) lets you dive into paid STEM research without prior lab experience. Because the fellowship covers all disciplines, you can explore any STEM topic, including biosciences, engineering, physics, and computer science. Over 10 weeks, you will conduct supervised research with a faculty mentor, attend professional development workshops, and participate in small-group graduate advising sessions. You will also complete written assignments and present your final work at a summer research symposium. The program uniquely prioritizes first-generation and under-resourced students by offering a generous stipend.
13. Toyota North America STEM Co-op & Internship Program
Location: Toyota North America Headquarters, Plano, TX
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; large cohorts
Dates: Summer: Early June – Mid-August (12 weeks); Spring: January – May (12–14 weeks); Fall: August/September – December (12–14 weeks)
Application Deadline: Summer: Mid-January – March 15; Spring: September – October (prior year); Fall: March – April
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduates majoring in STEM disciplines (Engineering, CS, Math, Analytics) or related technical fields; minimum 2.7 GPA; authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship; 18+ years old
The Toyota North America STEM Co-op & Internship Program is a premier professional development pipeline designed to transition undergraduate students into full-time roles within the automotive and mobility industry. Opportunities span across mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, computer science, data science, and more. You will take ownership of projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute innovative ideas. The company also provides professional development opportunities, networking events, student engagement activities, and mentorship through its business partnering groups.
14. Texas Instruments STEM Internship
Location: Texas: Dallas (Global HQ), Richardson, Sherman, and Sugar Land
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 800–1,200+ interns globally per year
Dates: Summer: Early June – August (~10–12 weeks); Spring: January – May (~16–20 weeks); Fall: August – December (~16–20 weeks); Co-op: 5 to 8 months (variable start dates)
Application Deadline: Summer: Typically January 5 (Rolling; most hiring occurs August – November); Spring: September – October; Fall: April – May
Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s in EE, CE, CS, MechE, ChemE, IE, Physics, or related STEM field; minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative GPA; permanent U.S. work authorization is generally required for Texas-based intern roles
Texas Instruments (TI) offers a robust internship and co-op program for undergraduates in Texas at its headquarters and facilities in Dallas, focusing primarily on engineering and manufacturing. Available roles include AI Solutions Engineering, Data Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, and more. AI Solutions Engineering interns, for example, help design AI-enabled solutions using neural networks, LLMs, and machine learning algorithms. TI invests in your development through mentorship, workshops, and training sessions, and the collaborative work culture encourages youth to actively participate in discussions and project meetings.
15. UT Dallas Physics REU
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~8–12 students
Dates: May 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Must be current undergraduate students; Physics or related STEM majors; Minimum GPA (usually 3.0+)
The UT Dallas Physics REU brings undergraduate students from Texas and around the country to participate in 10 weeks of research, professional training, and enrichment experiences in the Department of Physics. Research areas include atomic, molecular, and optical physics, biophysics, cosmology and gravitation, plasma physics, and space physics. The program also includes seminars on ethics, technical writing workshops, GRE preparation, and field trips to local industrial labs. You are mentored by UTD faculty, with the program's key objective being to instill excitement about research careers and build both independent and collaborative research skills.
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