15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Montana
If you’re an undergraduate student interested in STEM, pursuing an internship can be a valuable way to strengthen your resume, build practical experience in the field of your choice, and explore potential career paths before graduation. STEM internships often combine hands-on work with mentorship from researchers, engineers, and industry professionals, helping you build technical skills while gaining insight into real-world problem-solving. As an intern, you may contribute to ongoing research initiatives, analyze data, support technical solutions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to address scientific or technological challenges.
If you want to see what STEM internships are available in other states, find a list of STEM internships in California here & Arizona here.
Why should I do a STEM internship in Montana?
Montana offers a diverse range of STEM internship opportunities across universities, research institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations. From environmental science and engineering to data science and biotechnology, these internships allow you to apply your academic knowledge while gaining professional, real-world experience. With access to unique natural environments and active research communities, Montana offers an ideal environment for developing both technical competencies and professional connections.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 STEM internships for undergraduate students in Montana.
1. MSU Solar Astronomy & Space Physics REU Program
Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 stipend plus free housing, meals, and travel support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: May 26 - July 31
Application Deadline: Generally mid-February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (typically sophomores/juniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
The Solar Astronomy & Space Physics REU Program at Montana State University, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a highly competitive summer research internship designed for undergraduate students interested in performing cutting-edge research in heliophysics and space science. During the 10-week program, you work closely with faculty mentors on independent research projects focused on areas such as solar activity, space weather, and related astrophysical phenomena. The program includes hands-on experience with data analysis, computational modeling, and exposure to advanced research tools commonly used in physics and astronomy. In addition to research, you participate in structured lectures, seminars, and professional development sessions that build your understanding of scientific careers and graduate study pathways.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a competitive program that connects high school students with fast-growing startups for hands-on internship experiences. These startups operate across a range of industries, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. As an intern, you will collaborate closely with a startup manager and a ladder coach while working on real-world projects that contribute to the active business needs. Many of these startups are well-funded and rapidly scaling, giving you exposure to dynamic work environments. The program concludes with a presentation of your work to the company team.
3. MSU Electrical & Computer Engineering REU Program
Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 stipend plus free housing, meals, and travel support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8 - 12 positions
Dates: May 26 - July 31
Application Deadline: Generally, mid-February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (typically sophomores/juniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) REU Program at Montana State University, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a highly selective summer research internship focused on advanced engineering and applied technology. You work closely with faculty mentors on cutting-edge research projects in areas such as remote sensing, smart systems, photonics, and innovative device development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through lab work, prototyping, and experimentation with modern engineering tools and technologies. You gain exposure to real-world problem-solving across domains such as optics, signal processing, and environmental sensing, while also developing technical and analytical skills.
4. Boeing Engineering Internship Program
Location: Various locations in the U.S., including Montana | relocation assistance required for some positions
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Generally 10 - 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing engineering
The Boeing Internship Program places students within teams working on active projects in aerospace engineering, technology, and business operations. Based on your assignment, you may contribute to areas such as aircraft design, manufacturing, data analysis, or operational planning. By collaborating with engineers, analysts, and project managers, you gain insight into how complex aerospace projects move from concept to execution. The program also exposes you to internal systems and workflows, helping you understand how large-scale technical operations are coordinated across teams. STEM-specific placements are not guaranteed and can vary based on business needs.
5. Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) Internships
Location: Various locations across Montana
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 stipend for a Standard Intern and $7,500 for a Peer-Leader
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at a Montana Space Grant Consortium institution
The Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) Internship Program is a paid, NASA-supported research internship that provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience focused on space-related STEM fields. You will be placed in research labs, industry settings, or government-affiliated projects where you will work on real-world challenges in areas such as aerospace engineering, environmental science, robotics, and data analysis. The internship emphasizes experiential learning and requires a significant time commitment and concludes in a final research presentation or report.
6. Montana INBRE Student Research Programs
Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, and partner institutions across Montana
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Generally June - August
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
The Montana INBRE (IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence) Student Research Program is a statewide initiative that provides undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in biomedical and health sciences. You work closely with faculty mentors on independent or collaborative research projects, gaining experience in areas such as molecular biology, public health, and data-driven scientific analysis. The program begins with a 10-week immersive summer research experience, where you are embedded in a lab environment and contribute to ongoing scientific investigations. In addition to research, you participate in workshops, training sessions, and cohort-based activities that build your skills in scientific communication, grant writing, and career development.
7. Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program
Location: Various U.S. National Parks (including Montana)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically 3 months to 1 year
Application Deadline: January - February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals (U.S. citizens/permanent residents)
The Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program is a nationally recognized internship initiative that places undergraduate students and early-career professionals in U.S. National Parks to work on real-world scientific and conservation projects. You will contribute to ongoing research in areas such as ecology, geology, GIS mapping, wildlife monitoring, and environmental data analysis. Each placement is project-specific, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in fieldwork, data collection, and scientific communication while working alongside National Park Service professionals. Many roles also involve interdisciplinary work, combining science with education, outreach, or policy-related tasks.
8. NIH Clinical Center Summer Internship Program
Location: Various NIH campuses (one in Montana)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically June - August
Application Deadline: Generally in February/March
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduates, graduates, and professional students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) is a highly competitive research internship that offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge biomedical, behavioral, and computational science projects. During the program, you will be placed in a research lab under the mentorship of a Principal Investigator and contribute to ongoing studies in areas such as genetics, neuroscience, bioinformatics, and public health. The experience is immersive and full-time, involving hands-on experimentation, data analysis, and scientific inquiry within one of the world’s leading research institutions.
9. Montana Tech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Location: Montana Technological University, Butte, MT
Cost/Stipend: Paid | $2,500 part-time or $5,000 full-time for about 10 weeks
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Beginning on or after May 19
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at Montana Tech
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Montana Technological University is a structured, faculty-mentored research internship designed to provide undergraduate students with intensive STEM experience. During the program, you work on an independent or team-based research project in fields such as engineering, environmental science, materials science, or public health. The experience is hands-on, involving data collection, experimentation, and technical problem-solving under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
10. Department of Energy (DOE) – Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
Location: U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories (various locations across the U.S.)
Cost/Stipend: $650/week stipend plus housing allowance and travel support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Summer (about 10 weeks) | typically, May - August)
Application Deadline: January 7 (summer) | May 20 (fall)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (full-time, STEM majors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program, run by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a highly competitive research internship that places undergraduate students in national laboratories across the country. You will work full-time alongside scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects in areas such as physics, renewable energy, data science, materials science, and environmental research. The experience is full-time, immersive, and lab-based, giving you exposure to advanced tools, experimental methods, and real-world scientific problem-solving.
11. Brooke Owens Fellowship
Location: Various locations (internships at leading aerospace organizations across the U.S.)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Internship runs for 12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: October 13
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who identify as women or gender minorities and are interested in aerospace careers
The Brooke Owens Fellowship is a prestigious internship and mentorship program that supports undergraduate women and gender minorities pursuing careers in aerospace and related STEM fields. During the program, you are matched with a paid summer internship at a leading aerospace organization, where you work on real-world projects in areas such as engineering, research, policy, or technology. In addition to the internship, you receive structured mentorship from senior industry professionals, including executives, engineers, and scientists, who guide your long-term professional development.
12. General Dynamics Mission Systems Internship
Location: Varies depending on internship | remote options also available
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10 - 12 week program
Application Deadline: Varies depending on program
Eligibility: Open to college rising freshmen through postgraduates
General Dynamics offers a range of internship opportunities for undergraduate students across engineering, information technology, and applied STEM fields. You will work on real-world projects involving defense systems, software development, cybersecurity, and advanced engineering solutions, depending on your role. Interns are embedded within technical teams and contribute to ongoing projects, gaining hands-on experience with industry tools, systems, and workflows.
13. NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: NASA centers and facilities across the U.S. (in-person and some virtual roles)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies based on internship | opportunities available in the summer, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: February 27 (summer) | May 22 (fall)
Eligibility: Full-time college students (undergraduate through graduate-level) or part-time college students enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours who have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, are 16 years old at the time of application, and are U.S. citizens.
The NASA Internship Program, offered through the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM), provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects in areas such as engineering, space science, aeronautics, and data analysis. During the internship, you collaborate with NASA scientists, engineers, and researchers, contributing to active missions and research initiatives. The experience is hands-on and project-based, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge to complex technical challenges. Interns also gain exposure to advanced tools, research methodologies, and interdisciplinary teamwork in a high-impact environment.
14. Lockheed Martin Internship Program
Location: Various locations worldwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid (competitive hourly wage; varies by role and location)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Generally, 10 - 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in STEM or related fields
Lockheed Martin offers a wide range of internship opportunities for undergraduate students across engineering, computer science, aerospace, and applied technology fields. You will work on real-world projects such as developing mission systems, analyzing satellite data, and contributing to advanced engineering solutions. Interns are integrated into technical teams and are given meaningful responsibilities, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to complex, high-impact challenges. The program emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in defense and aerospace.
15. Intel Engineering Internship
Location: Intel offices across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Varies depending on the specific internship
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program in STEM or related fields
Intel’s Internship Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology projects across areas such as semiconductor design, artificial intelligence, software development, and data science. During the internship, you are integrated into technical teams and contribute to real-world projects that impact products and systems used globally. The experience is hands-on and project-driven, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical engineering and research challenges. Interns receive mentorship from experienced engineers and gain exposure to industry-standard tools, workflows, and innovation processes.
Summary
This list covers 15 STEM internships for undergraduate students in Montana, spanning solar physics, electrical engineering, aerospace, biomedical research, wildlife conservation, environmental data science, nuclear systems, and semiconductor-adjacent computing, hosted at institutions and organizations including Montana State University, Montana Tech, the Department of Energy, NASA, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Boeing, Intel, and the National Park Service, with stipends ranging from $2,500 for part-time university research fellowships to $7,000 and above for NSF-funded REU programs and NASA-affiliated placements. The programs divide between nationally competitive research programs with federal or NSF backing, like DOE SULI, NASA OSTEM, and the two MSU REU programs in solar physics and electrical engineering, which are strong choices for students aiming toward graduate school or research careers and draw from a national applicant pool, and Montana-specific programs like MSU SURF, Montana INBRE, Montana Space Grant, and Scientists in Parks, which offer equally substantive mentorship and field experience while specifically supporting students enrolled at Montana institutions. Deadlines for the most selective programs fall significantly earlier than the standard application cycle, with DOE SULI closing January 7 for summer, the Brooke Owens Fellowship closing October 13 for the following summer, and most MSU REU programs closing in mid-February, so students should begin researching programs and preparing materials well before winter break.
Questions Students Often Ask About Chemistry Programs
1. I study a STEM field other than physics or engineering. Are there programs here that are open to a broader range of majors?
Yes, several programs are intentionally broad in their eligibility. Montana INBRE welcomes undergraduates from biology, public health, and health sciences alongside core STEM fields. Scientists in Parks is open to students in environmental science, ecology, geology, and GIS. NASA OSTEM internships span biology, geosciences, aeronautics, and data science in addition to engineering and computer science. DOE SULI is also explicitly open to students across STEM disciplines, including earth science, environmental research, and computational work. If your major is adjacent to STEM rather than a core engineering or physics discipline, these four programs are the most practical starting points.
2. Several programs like NASA, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics are large national programs that operate in Montana. How competitive are those compared to the Montana-specific programs?
The national programs tend to draw from a significantly larger applicant pool, making them more selective. NASA OSTEM, DOE SULI, and the Brooke Owens Fellowship place students across the country, meaning Montana students compete against applicants from large research universities. Montana Space Grant, MSU REU programs, and Montana INBRE specifically prioritize students enrolled at Montana institutions, making them more accessible entry points while still offering strong research credentials. If you are earlier in your undergraduate career or don't yet have a strong research record, starting with a Montana-specific program and using that experience to strengthen a national application in a subsequent year is a practical and common progression.
3. Are any programs on this list open to international students or students who are not U.S. citizens?
Most government-affiliated programs on this list, including DOE SULI, NASA OSTEM, NREIP, and the Brooke Owens Fellowship, require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency as a condition of federal funding or security requirements. Corporate programs including Boeing, Intel, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics have variable citizenship requirements depending on the specific role and any applicable clearance, so checking each posting directly is essential. MSU REU programs funded through NSF also typically require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Ladder Internships is the only fully remote option on this list with no citizenship or residency requirement.