15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Massachusetts
For STEM students, internships offer a chance to explore specific disciplines, from computational research and lab-based experiments to product engineering and field deployment, all while learning technical tools and methodologies that classrooms rarely let you practice. These experiences let you apply theory to real projects, produce tangible work for portfolios, and learn how teams solve real-life problems.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship noticeably increases employability by giving you hands-on technical experience, demonstrable problem-solving examples, and direct exposure to industry or research workflows that employers and grad programs respect. Internships also build transferable skills like project management, data literacy, scientific communication, and teamwork, which are valuable across sectors. Finally, they connect you with mentors and professional networks that can provide references, guide career decisions, and open doors to full-time roles or advanced study.
To help you find the right fit, we have narrowed down 15 STEM internships for undergraduates in Massachusetts.
If you want to see what STEM internships are available in other states, find a list of STEM internships in California here & Arizona here.
1. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Summer Research Program
Location: Lincoln Laboratory, Wood Street, Lexington, MA
Stipend: Stipends vary according to the qualification and internship, ranging from $24 - $43
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 200+
Dates: Varies by internship
Application Deadline: Varies according to internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate STEM students
The MIT Lincoln Laboratory Summer Research Program offers you a technical internship focused on solving problems of national security. You will work on projects involving advanced technology development, such as aerospace systems, cybersecurity, or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The program emphasizes hands-on research, allowing you to apply STEM theories to real-world challenges while receiving mentorship from laboratory staff. You will have the opportunity to participate in technical seminars, tour unique laboratory facilities, and network with fellow student researchers. Students conclude their experience by presenting their technical contributions to their respective groups and receiving professional feedback on their work.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual internship program designed for motivated high school students seeking hands-on startup experience. Participants are placed with high-growth start-ups across sectors such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and other emerging industries. You can explore all the options here on their application form. These companies are typically well-funded, with many having raised over $1 million on average. Throughout the 8-week program, interns collaborate on real-world projects under the guidance of company managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach, culminating in a final presentation of their work to the host organization.
3. Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP)
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $5,400, including travel, meals, and lodging
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: June 1 - July 31
Application Deadline: January 11
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at a U.S. four-year college in STEM fields with a minimum 3.2 GPA, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. and biomedical research.
The Broad Summer Research Program offers you a specialized research experience at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and computer science. You will work full-time on an independent research project under the guidance of a Broad scientist, contributing to areas like genomic medicine or infectious disease research. The program includes a comprehensive curriculum featuring scientific communication workshops, graduate school preparation, and seminars led by world-renowned faculty. You will participate in community-building activities and professional development sessions designed to foster a career in biomedical research. Students showcase their summer achievements during a final poster session, presenting their data to the broader scientific community.
4. MITRE Student Internships
Location: MITRE, Bedford, MA
Stipend: $46,500 - $58,000 - $69,500 Annual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: May - June
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Rising college juniors or seniors in engineering or computer science fields, including cybersecurity, showcasing academic excellence.
In this 10-12 week STEM internship for undergraduates in Massachusetts, you work on projects that address significant global challenges in defense, healthcare, and cybersecurity. You will join a technical team to perform tasks such as systems engineering, software development, or data analysis within a federally funded research and development center. The program facilitates direct collaboration with experienced professionals and government sponsors on initiatives that impact public safety and national security. You can expect to develop specialized technical skills through peer-to-peer learning and access to MITRE’s internal training resources. The internship often includes site visits and formal presentations in which you share your project outcomes with leadership and technical subject-matter experts.
5. WHOI Summer Student Fellowship
Location: Woods Hole Oceanic Institution, Woods Hole, MA
Stipend: $721 / week and a $720 travel allowance
Cohort size: 25-30 students
Dates: May to mid-June; 10-12 weeks
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed their junior year by the start of the fellowship
The WHOI Summer Student Fellowship offers you a research-intensive experience in ocean science and engineering at a premier marine research institution. You will undertake an independent research project with guidance and mentorship from a supervisor, from a WHOI scientific or senior technical staff member, exploring fields like physical oceanography or marine geology. The program includes weekly seminars delivered by staff and visiting scholars, providing a broad overview of current topics in oceanographic research. You will gain practical experience in data collection and analysis, often utilizing the institution’s advanced laboratory equipment and research vessels. The fellowship culminates in a written report and a public oral presentation, helping you refine your ability to communicate complex scientific findings.
6. Boston University - SURF
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA,
Stipend: $6000 stipend, a $500-600 supplies allowance for the lab, and up to $500 in travel expenses
Cohort size: 10 students
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and senior sophomores with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, conducting research in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Environmental Sciences.
The 10-week Boston University SURF program provides you with a focused laboratory experience designed to encourage interest in graduate research. You will engage in full-time experimental research in a BU faculty member's laboratory, working on specific projects in life sciences or environmental fields. The program incorporates weekly seminars on research ethics, graduate school admissions, and careers in science to provide a well-rounded professional perspective. You will benefit from close mentorship by faculty and graduate students, gaining hands-on proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques and data interpretation. At the end of the summer, you will present your research at a symposium, allowing you to practice articulating your scientific discoveries to a diverse academic audience.
7. UMass Chan Medical School – Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)
Location: UMass Chan Medical School, North Worcester, MA
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: May 24 - July 31
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 18+, continuously enrolled sophomores/juniors/seniors at a 2- or 4-year college (excluding graduating seniors before Fall), with a GPA of 3.0+ and good academic standing.
The UMass Chan Medical School Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a ten-week biomedical research internship in which undergraduate students work on research projects under the supervision of faculty investigators at UMass Chan Medical School. You spend the summer learning laboratory techniques, participating in active research, and developing an understanding of how biomedical research is conducted in an academic setting. Mentorship is a central part of the program, so you work closely with faculty and researchers while receiving guidance on academic and career pathways in science. You also participate in seminars, professional development sessions, and scientific communication training to strengthen your research and presentation skills. The program concludes with a research poster presentation, where students share the outcomes of their work with the broader academic community.
8. WPI Undergraduate Research - Data Science
Location: WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, Worcester, MA
Stipend: $8,400.00 stipend, $700.00 weekly participation stipend, $140.00 weekly meal allowance, and up to $700.00 reimbursement in travel expenses to and from WPI.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 - August 1
Application Deadline: January 29
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents enrolled (or accepted) in an undergraduate degree program
The WPI Undergraduate Research program in Data Science offers you a structured environment to explore the societal impacts of data-driven technologies. You will work in small teams on research projects that apply data science techniques to areas like healthcare, sustainability, or social justice. The program includes technical training in programming and statistical modeling, alongside workshops on the ethical implications of data usage. You will collaborate closely with WPI faculty and peers, participating in regular group meetings to discuss progress and troubleshoot technical hurdles. The program concludes with a formal research presentation, offering participants an opportunity to showcase their ability to analyze complex datasets and derive meaningful insights.
9. Harvard SHURP (Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program)
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: May 31 - August 8
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents enrolled full-time at a U.S. college with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least one semester remaining. They must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD
The Harvard SHURP program offers you a rigorous research experience within the Division of Medical Sciences at Harvard Medical School. You will be matched with a faculty laboratory to conduct research in areas such as neuroscience, immunology, or genetics, focusing on fundamental biological questions. This STEM internship for undergraduates in Massachusetts provides extensive professional development, including GRE preparation, scientific writing clinics, and lectures on current biomedical breakthroughs. You will engage in a vibrant community of scholars, attending social outings and networking events with Harvard faculty and current PhD students. The summer concludes with a research symposium where you present your results, strengthening your skills in scientific discourse and presentation.
10. Boston Children's Hospital - Summer Student Research Program
Location: Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Hourly rate varies according to qualifications
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: June 1 - August 31
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: A sophomore, junior, or senior currently enrolled in a university undergraduate program, and the applicant must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, supported by an unofficial transcript.
The Boston Children’s Hospital Summer Student Research Program offers you a clinical or bench research experience in a world-leading pediatric hospital. You will work on a specific project under the mentorship of a principal investigator, contributing to advancements in pediatric medicine or basic biological research. The program includes a lecture series featuring prominent physicians and scientists who discuss their career paths and latest research findings. You will observe the intersection of laboratory research and patient care, gaining insight into how scientific discoveries translate to clinical treatments. Students present their final projects at a poster session, allowing for professional interaction with the hospital’s extensive medical and scientific staff.
11. RTX Internships
Location: Locations across Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Intern/co-op who is enrolled in a Bachelor's or master's degree program and pursuing a major in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, plastics engineering, systems engineering, computer engineering, or applied mathematics with a 3.0 cumulative GPA
The RTX Internship program provides you with practical experience in the aerospace and defense industry through roles in engineering, technology, or mathematics. You will contribute to the design, testing, or manufacturing of advanced systems, such as radar technology or propulsion systems, within a professional corporate environment. The program emphasizes collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, allowing you to see how different engineering branches integrate to complete complex projects. You will have access to professional networking groups and executive speaker series that provide insights into the strategic goals of a global technology company. Interns typically conclude their term by presenting their project contributions to their department, highlighting the value added to the company's technical missions.
12. Massachusetts Life Science - Data Science Internship Program
Location: Massachusetts Life Science, Waltham, MA
Stipend: $20 per hour for interns pursuing or have completed their bachelor’s degree, or have comparable data science qualifications, and a total reimbursement of no more than $12,800 /intern.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: Rolling placements
Application Deadline: Not specified since rolling placements
Eligibility: Proficient in advanced analytics skills and technologies or data science skills/tools such as application software packages and libraries, database software, programming languages, and techniques.
The Massachusetts Life Science Data Science Internship Program offers you the chance to apply advanced analytical skills within the state’s thriving life sciences sector. You will be placed with a host company to work on projects involving data visualization, machine learning, or statistical programming to support drug discovery or medical device development. The program helps align academic learning with industry expectations by providing direct experience in commercial research and development settings. You will work on real-world datasets, gaining proficiency in industry-standard software and database management tools. This rolling placement program allows for flexible professional engagement, helping you build a network within the Massachusetts biotechnology and data science communities.
13. Mass General Hospital - Youth Neurology Education & Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Open to recent college graduates or currently enrolled students living or studying in Massachusetts who are interested in neurology, are legally authorized to work in the U.S., meet health requirements, and can commit full-time to the program duration.
The MGH Youth Neurology Education & Research Program offers you a focused introduction to the fields of neurology and neuroscience research. You will work alongside clinicians and researchers on projects related to brain health, neurological disorders, or neuroimaging. This STEM internship for undergraduates in Massachusetts program includes educational seminars that cover clinical neurology topics and provide guidance on pursuing medical or research careers. You will participate in laboratory meetings and may have the opportunity to observe clinical activities, providing a comprehensive view of how neurology is practiced and studied. The program culminates in a project presentation, where you share your summer findings with the MGH neurology community and receive feedback from experts.
14. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center - Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE)
Location: Longwood Medical Area, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid weekly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and currently enrolled as a high school sophomore, junior, or senior, or as a college freshman, sophomore, or junior. They must reside in or attend school in Massachusetts and be able to commute to Boston’s Longwood Medical Area five days a week during the summer program.
The CURE program offers a research-focused experience that introduces students to the world of cancer research. You will be placed in a research environment at one of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center member institutions, working on projects related to cancer biology, population science, or clinical research. The program provides a curriculum that includes scientific seminars, professional development workshops, and sessions on health disparities. You will benefit from a multi-tiered mentoring model, receiving support from faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students. Students showcase their research achievements during a final presentation day, gaining confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to cancer research efforts.
15. Museum of Science Boston Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Stipend: Varies; includes free museum admission and additional benefits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: NA
Dates: Varies by internship posting
Application Deadline: Varies by internship posting
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students, or have graduated within the past year.
The Museum of Science Summer Youth Internship Program provides participants with hands-on experience in public science education and museum operations. You will work in a specific department, such as exhibit development, education, or live presentations, where you will contribute to making science engaging and accessible for diverse audiences. The program emphasizes communication skills, as you will often interact with museum visitors to explain scientific concepts or facilitate hands-on activities. You will participate in professional development sessions that explore various career paths within non-profits and educational institutions. Interns gain a behind-the-scenes look at how a major science museum functions while contributing to the museum’s mission of fostering science literacy in the community.
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