15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Virginia
Internships help you build practical skills, test out a field, and show future employers or graduate programs that you can apply what you’ve learned. By stepping into a professional environment, you’ll gain practical experience in a field of your choice. This experience enhances your resume and professional profile, showing hiring managers that you have tangible skills. Ultimately, having that exposure improves your employability odds after graduation. For college students in STEM, internship experience can be especially valuable because it gives you exposure to research labs, technical teams, industry workflows, and the kinds of problems professionals work on.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship in college can help you develop technical and professional skills at the same time, whether that means working with specialized lab methods, contributing to engineering projects, analyzing data, or improving how you communicate your findings. It also gives you something concrete to talk about in future applications, which can make your resume more competitive for jobs, research roles, and graduate school opportunities. Many of these internships also give you access to faculty mentors, scientists, engineers, or industry professionals, which can lead to stronger references and a better understanding of different career paths.
Virginia is a great place for STEM internships because its proximity to Washington, D.C. means there's a huge concentration of tech companies and government research hubs. This gives you plenty of chances to get experience in growing fields like engineering, cybersecurity, and data science. To help you find strong options, we compiled a list of the 15 best STEM internships for undergraduates in Virginia based on factors like mentorship, meaningful project work, credible host institutions, and the overall value of the experience.
1. University of Virginia School of Medicine – Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP)
Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 35 students
Dates: May 24 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students; U.S. citizens or permanent resident visa holders
This STEM internship for undergraduates in Virginia introduces you to biomedical research through full-time work on a faculty-mentored project tied to active questions in the life sciences. You will spend the summer learning how laboratory research is designed, carried out, and communicated in a professional academic setting. Alongside your research responsibilities, you attend lectures by scientists and physician-scientists, panel discussions on graduate training, and workshops focused on communicating scientific ideas clearly. You also receive regular access to mentorship and office hours, which adds value beyond the day-to-day lab experience. The program culminates in a formal research symposium where students present their work through an abstract and oral presentation.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The Ladder University Internship Program places students into early-stage teams where they contribute to active projects rather than simulated assignments. Depending on the host organization, the work may involve research, strategy, operations, product support, content, or analytical tasks that reflect real business needs. You are expected to manage defined deliverables while learning how smaller teams operate under fast-moving conditions and limited resources. One of the most distinctive parts of the experience is the Ladder Coach model, which adds one-on-one guidance throughout the internship. That mentorship often focuses on practical professional skills such as communication, prioritization, and problem-solving in collaborative settings. Many placements conclude with a final presentation, giving interns the chance to explain their process and defend their recommendations to stakeholders.
3. UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center – Cancer Research Summer Internship Program (CR-SIP)
Location: UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 8 undergraduate students
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; late May – late August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students (freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at time of application); cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this program, you will join a research group at the cancer center and contribute to projects that may connect to basic science, clinical investigation, translational work, or population-level questions. The STEM internship for undergraduates in Virginia is paired with professional development programming that helps you understand research careers and the broader landscape of cancer science. Scientific communication training is built into the program, giving you practice in discussing research clearly and professionally. You also benefit from peer and professional mentoring, which helps you navigate both the research process and possible next steps in the field. The program closes with an opportunity to present your work.
4. UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center – Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SuRE-C)
Location: UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 undergraduates
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; late May – late August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students; U.S. citizens or permanent resident visa holders; minimum 3.0 CGPA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
SuRE-C gives undergraduates an introduction to cancer research through mentored project work and broader exposure to the clinical and scientific dimensions of the field. You will work with mentors on research while learning about the challenges involved in cancer care and discovery. The program includes opportunities to engage with patients and better understand how research priorities connect to real medical needs. You also take part in workshops that focus on scientific communication across different audiences and settings. Professional development sessions further expand the experience by introducing you to research approaches and career paths in oncology. The summer concludes with a research symposium.
5. University of Virginia – Systems Bioengineering NSF REU
Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 10–12 students
Dates: May 26 – August 2
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; full-time undergraduate students returning in the Fall
This REU introduces students to systems bioengineering through research that draws on both experimentation and computational analysis. Projects can span topics from molecular and cellular systems to tissue- and population-level models, giving you exposure to research that is both quantitative and clinically relevant. Early workshop sessions help students build a foundation in systems modeling and analysis before they move more deeply into their research projects. You are also integrated into lab meetings, journal clubs, and day-to-day research culture, making the experience feel closer to a real research apprenticeship. You complete the program by presenting your findings publicly, and some may go on to share their work at a national biomedical engineering conference.
6. Mountain Lake Biological Station – Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
Location: Mountain Lake Biological Station, Pembroke
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 10 students
Dates: May 25 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents; must be returning to an undergraduate program after the summer
Mountain Lake’s STEM internship for undergraduates in Virginia centers on original field-based research in ecology, evolution, and behavior, with students taking an active role in shaping their own projects. In this program, you will help design the research plan, collect and analyze data, and interpret the results. The program places a strong emphasis on independence, while still providing close guidance from mentors working in related areas. Because the work takes place within a residential field-station community, you also benefit from constant interaction with scientists and peers outside formal research hours. Regular seminars on the conduct of biological research add perspective on how field science is practiced and communicated. The experience ends with written and oral presentations.
7. Virginia Tech Hume Center – Summer Internship Program
Location: Virginia Tech Hume Center, Blacksburg or Arlington
Stipend: Hourly pay; rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; roughly 30–60 students
Dates: 10 weeks from May to July
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; U.S. citizens
The Hume Center internship places students on research teams working on technical problems connected to national security and related applied challenges. Depending on the division, interns may engage with topics such as machine learning, cybersecurity, complex systems, remote sensing, communications, satellite resilience, or quantum-enabled problem solving. You will work under experienced technical mentors and participate in meetings and experiential learning activities that show you how collaborative research teams function. The STEM internship for undergraduates in Virginia also exposes interns to interdisciplinary problem-solving across engineering, computing, and data-driven domains.
8. Virginia Tech – Fralin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Stipend: $5,350
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 15 students
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Current Virginia Tech undergraduates considering a career in life sciences research; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Fralin SURF is designed to give undergraduates a research experience that mirrors the expectations and rhythm of graduate-level training in the life sciences. You will spend the summer conducting full-time research while also taking part in seminars and professional development activities that help contextualize your work. The structure encourages students to think not only about how to complete a project, but also about whether research is a long-term path they want to pursue. You work closely with faculty mentors and develop a stronger understanding of research culture, scientific inquiry, and academic progression. Periodic cohort activities and a final symposium add both community and presentation experience to the summer.
9. Virginia Tech – MAOP Undergraduate Summer Research Internship (SRI)
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 15–30 students per summer
Dates: May 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed 30 credit hours from any 2- or 4-year institution; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This internship connects participants with faculty mentors whose research aligns with their academic interests, allowing for a more intentional project match from the outset. You will spend the summer engaged in mentored research while attending seminars focused on research development, communication, and future academic pathways. The program includes graduate and professional school preparation, which helps frame the internship as part of a larger trajectory rather than an isolated summer experience. Communication training is also a clear priority, particularly through the short-form presentation component that challenges students to explain research concisely and effectively. A final symposium gives you the chance to present your work to faculty, peers, and community members.
10. Virginia Tech – Hokie Summer Scholars Program (HSSP)
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 19–25 students
Dates: Summer internship; late May through early July
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Undergraduates with financial need; Virginia residents, Pell-eligible (or high financial need), meeting GPA requirements, and maintaining steady academic progress.
HSSP blends research with academic coursework, creating a summer experience that is both intellectually rigorous and intentionally supportive. You will work on faculty-led research while taking classes that count toward degree progress, which makes the program different from a standalone internship model. The experience is designed to help you strengthen academic habits, build confidence, and become more connected to the university environment. You also receive guidance in areas such as time management, study strategies, and financial literacy, which can be especially useful for students still building their college routines. Because the experience is cohort-based, students develop peer relationships alongside their faculty connections.
11. Virginia Commonwealth University – Philips Institute Summer Research Program
Location: Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU, Richmond
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 5–10 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current second and third-year university students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This STEM internship for undergraduates in Virginia engages you in biomedical research through mentored lab work in areas such as cancer, infection, and immunology. You will be expected to engage with scientific literature, carry out research tasks in the lab, and discuss your findings in meetings, which helps you understand how research develops. The experience is designed not just to teach technical skills, but also to help students determine whether a research career genuinely fits their interests. You also gain practice in reading papers closely and communicating results in professional settings.
12. Virginia Commonwealth University – Mechanobiology REU
Location: VCU Biomedical Engineering Department, Richmond
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 10 students
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer between May and August
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program; U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents
The Mechanobiology REU places students in biomedical engineering projects that examine how mechanical forces influence biological systems. Research may involve computational analysis, experimental methods, or a combination of both, depending on the project and mentor. Weekly meetings introduce you to mechanobiology techniques and research ethics, helping you connect your project work to larger scientific and professional questions. A particularly distinctive element of this REU is its outreach component, which requires participants to engage with K–12 students or teachers during the summer. You also present your findings at the end of the program, reinforcing the communication side of engineering research.
13. Virginia Institute of Marine Science – Summer Intern Program (REU)
Location: VIMS, Gloucester Point
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 12 students per summer
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Students from any college or university; NSF-funded positions require U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents
VIMS offers a highly individualized marine science research experience in which students work closely with faculty mentors on projects shaped by their specific interests. Depending on the project, the work may involve field research, laboratory investigation, or a combination of both, exposing you to the range of methods used in marine and environmental science. You are expected to help develop a research prospectus, carry out the project, and produce both written and oral summaries of your findings. Weekly sessions introduce topics such as scientific writing, presentation skills, ethics, and graduate school preparation. Field trips add another dimension by showing you different coastal and estuarine environments while connecting research questions to real ecosystems.
14. Jefferson Lab – Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
Location: Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News
Stipend: $650/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 15–25 interns per term
Dates: Spring: Early January – Early May (16-weeks); Summer: Tuesday after Memorial Day – Early August (10-weeks); Fall: Early September – Mid-December (16-weeks)
Application Deadline: Spring: October 1; Summer: January 7; Fall: May 20
Eligibility: Currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited community college, two-year college, or four-year institution; completed at least one semester of college; U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents; maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all matriculated postsecondary coursework; at least 18 years old
SULI at Jefferson Lab places students in research projects connected to accelerator science, nuclear physics, engineering, computing, and mathematics. You will work under the guidance of scientists and engineers while contributing to the laboratory’s ongoing technical and scientific efforts. The STEM internship for undergraduates in Virginia is complemented by lectures, tours, and professional development activities that expose students to the culture and expectations of a national research laboratory. You are also expected to complete a range of research deliverables, including an abstract, a report, and a final poster presentation.
15. George Mason University – Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax; Some projects may be remote or hybrid
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 for 3 credits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 200–250 interns
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have not graduated before or during the internship; 15+ for remote/computer labs or 16+ for "wet labs" by the start date
ASSIP pairs students with faculty researchers for intensive project work across a very broad range of STEM fields. You will work with mentors while using advanced tools, methods, and technologies that reflect the demands of research settings. The experience also focuses on scientific writing, communication, and creative problem-solving, which are treated as central parts of the research process rather than secondary skills. Cohort events and discussion forums expose you to professionals from different fields and help you explore possible academic and career directions. In some cases, you may contribute to work that later appears in conferences or publications, which adds a meaningful dimension to the internship.
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