15 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Oklahoma
For STEM students, internships often involve working in research labs, engineering teams, or technology organizations where they can contribute to ongoing projects and learn from experienced professionals. The state of Oklahoma offers several such opportunities through major universities, research centers, and growing industries in aerospace, energy, biotechnology, and environmental science.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship helps students gain practical experience by applying scientific or technical concepts in real projects. It also strengthens resumes and academic profiles by demonstrating research experience and professional engagement. Internships allow you to explore career pathways, whether in industry, research, or graduate study. They also provide opportunities to build professional networks, work with mentors, and collaborate with peers. Overall, completing a STEM internship during college can significantly improve employability and career readiness.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down some of the best STEM internships available for undergraduate students in Oklahoma.
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. Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) Intern Partnership Program
Location: Oklahoma (internships take place at participating Oklahoma-based companies)
Stipend: $18 per hour
Dates: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college/university (undergraduate or graduate)
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) Intern Partnership Program connects STEM students with innovative companies across Oklahoma to work on real-world research and technology projects. Through this program, you will work with industry professionals on projects in fields such as aerospace, biotechnology, energy, engineering, and information technology. You will apply what you have learned in the classroom to practical challenges while gaining exposure to research, product development, and technology innovation.
The internship also allows you to build professional skills, receive mentorship, and gain paid, hands-on experience, helping you prepare for future careers in STEM while contributing to emerging technologies and solutions.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students interested in tech, non-profit, or related fields who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks.
Ladder University Internship Program connects you with early-stage startups and nonprofits for a remote, project-based experience. You’ll work on real-world challenges in fields like AI, health tech, sustainability, engineering, and business, matched to your interests and skills. You’ll collaborate directly with startup founders and team leads on projects like building web tools, coding systems for medical devices, analyzing datasets, or developing go-to-market strategies. The internship runs for 8–12 weeks with a flexible 5–10-hour weekly schedule. You can applyhere.
3. Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Summer Engineer Internship
Location: Various counties across Oklahoma
Stipend: Paid
Dates: May–August (Summer months)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited engineering program, typically civil engineering or a related field.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation Summer Engineer Internship Program offers undergraduate engineering students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in transportation and infrastructure projects across Oklahoma. During the program, you will work with professional engineers and field teams on highway construction and maintenance projects. You may assist with surveying, inspecting materials, documenting construction progress, and conducting traffic safety checks. This internship helps you apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering work, develop practical skills, and gain exposure to careers in civil and transportation engineering.
4. School of Community Medicine (SCM) Undergraduate Summer Internship
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cost: None; Paid stipend
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Must have completed at least the first year of college by the start of the program.
In this program, you will explore careers in healthcare and community medicine through a combination of lectures, clinical shadowing, and experiential learning activities. Hosted by the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine in Tulsa, the internship allows you to observe how community-based healthcare systems operate and how medical professionals address public health challenges. You will visit healthcare facilities and community organizations, interact with physicians, faculty members, and medical students, and gain mentorship throughout the program. These experiences help you develop a clearer understanding of medical education pathways and the role of community medicine in improving health outcomes.
5. University of Oklahoma Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Summer Fellowship
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Stipend: $5,000
Dates: 10 weeks in Summer
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate student
The UReCA Summer Fellowship provides undergraduate students with funding and dedicated time during the summer to focus on research in fields such as science, engineering, social sciences, or the humanities. Through this experience, you will develop skills in research design, data analysis, and academic writing while working closely with a mentor on a project of your interest. The program also offers a stipend to support your work and encourages you to present your findings or produce a final research paper, thesis, or creative project, helping you build valuable research experience for graduate school or future careers.
6. 4-H Summer STEMist Internship Program
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Cost: None; Stipend Paid
Dates: May 20 – July 28
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate student interested in education, communications, STEM, or youth development.
In this program, you will work with the Oklahoma 4‑H Youth Development Program at Oklahoma State University to promote STEM education among young students across Oklahoma. The 4-H Summer STEMist Internship allows you to help design and lead hands-on STEM activities and workshops for youth while collaborating with other interns and program staff. During the internship, you may assist with statewide events, develop educational materials, and help evaluate outreach programs. The experience offers training in STEM communication, curriculum development, and youth engagement, while also helping you build leadership, teamwork, and public speaking skills.
7. Unmanned Systems Research Internship Program
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Cost: None
Dates: June to mid-August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to high school and undergraduate students interested in engineering and aerospace research.
In this STEM internship for undergraduates in Oklahoma, you will work on research related to unmanned and autonomous systems through a partnership between Oklahoma State University and the technology company Navatek. The Unmanned Systems Research Internship Program allows you to participate in hands-on projects focused on drone technology, aerospace engineering, and autonomous platforms. During the internship, you may assist with designing, testing, and analyzing unmanned aircraft systems while working with engineers and researchers at the university’s Unmanned Systems Research Institute.
The program offers practical research experience, mentorship from industry professionals, and exposure to advanced technologies used in aerospace and defense, helping you build technical skills and explore careers in high-tech engineering fields.
8. Oklahoma State Internship Program (OMES)
Location: Various state agencies across Oklahoma
Cost: None
Dates: Varies by agency
Application Deadline: No single fixed deadline.
Eligibility: Open to students pursuing associate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees.
The Oklahoma State Internship Program places you in state government departments where you will gain hands-on experience by supporting projects in areas such as research, technology, administration, and public services. You will work alongside professionals, assist with ongoing tasks, and observe how government agencies develop and deliver programs for communities. The internship helps you build practical workplace skills, understand how the public sector operates, and explore potential career paths in government and related fields while strengthening your overall professional profile.
9. Devon Energy Internship Program
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Cost/Stipend: None. Internship paid
Dates: 10–12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates pursuing a degree in fields such as engineering, geoscience, computer science, business, or other related disciplines.
The internship program at Devon Energy gives undergraduate students the opportunity to experience the energy industry by working on real projects with company teams. Interns may be involved in areas such as engineering, geoscience, technology, or business operations while learning how energy exploration and production processes are managed. Along with project work, the program provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development experiences. Through this internship, you can build practical skills, gain industry knowledge, and develop connections that may support future careers in the energy sector.
10. Paycom Internship Program
Location: Paycom headquarters in Oklahoma City
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10–12 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Must be a current undergraduate student typically studying computer science, information technology, engineering, business, or related fields.
Through this internship at Paycom, you will get the opportunity to work in a professional technology environment and learn how a major HR and payroll software company operates. You may assist teams in areas such as software development, information technology, or business operations while contributing to real projects. The program also provides mentorship and opportunities to connect with professionals, helping you develop practical skills, gain industry exposure, and strengthen your experience for future careers in technology or related fields.
11. Chickasaw Nation Internship Program
Location: Oklahoma
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 6–10 weeks in summer or fall
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by term
Eligibility: Must be a Chickasaw citizen; Enrolled full‑time as a college student; cumulative GPA of 2.0 or more (sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate)
In this program, you will gain hands-on experience working with the Chickasaw Nation by contributing to projects that match your academic background or career interests. You will be placed in departments, partner organizations, or external businesses where you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world tasks. The program offers paid internships and may provide housing and travel support if needed. Along the way, you will receive mentorship, career development opportunities, and exposure to leadership and workplace skills, helping you build practical experience and prepare for future careers.
12. Oklahoma Biological Survey (BioSurvey) Internship
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Stipend: Paid
Dates: During fall, spring, and summer semesters
Application Deadline: varies
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with an interest in biodiversity science, ecology, conservation, or related fields
In this program, you will work alongside researchers at the Oklahoma Biological Survey, gaining hands-on experience in biodiversity and ecological research. You may help collect and analyze data on plants, animals, and habitats, assist with field surveys and laboratory work, and contribute to projects focused on understanding and conserving Oklahoma’s natural ecosystems. The internship gives you the chance to develop scientific research skills, learn how to conduct fieldwork and data analysis, and build practical experience that can strengthen your academic background and prepare you for future careers or graduate studies in environmental science, ecology, or related fields.
13. Leidos Cyber Security Intern
Location: Oklahoma
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Dates vary by posting
Application Deadline: varies
Eligibility: You must be a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field.
In this internship at Leidos, you will work with cybersecurity professionals to gain real‑world experience defending systems, identifying threats, and supporting security operations. Depending on the specific role, you may assist with tasks such as monitoring networks, analyzing security data, responding to incidents, and helping protect critical information systems. The program gives you an opportunity to apply your classroom learning in a professional environment, develop technical skills in cyber defense, and collaborate with experienced engineers and analysts. Through this experience, you build practical expertise and industry exposure that can prepare you for future careers in cybersecurity and information security.
14. American Psychological Association Internships
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: U.S.-based students enrolled at least part-time in a college or university; must have U.S. work authorization and reside in an eligible state for remote work
In this program, you can participate in remote internships with the American Psychological Association during any season: spring, summer, fall, or winter. You will work in areas such as policy, publishing, communications, education, or research, applying your knowledge of psychology in professional, non-clinical settings. You will help APA staff with ongoing projects, collaborate on team assignments, and take part in workshops and skill-building activities, gaining hands-on experience and insight into how psychology is used in careers beyond the clinic.
15. L'SPACE Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: None. Fully funded
Dates: 15-week fall and spring sessions
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents enrolled in a U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate level)
The L’SPACE Program is a free online NASA-supported training program where you will join a 15-week academy focused on either mission planning or writing NASA-style technical proposals. You will attend live sessions, work on team projects, and complete weekly coursework to build skills in space science, research, and collaboration.
After finishing the program, you will become eligible to apply for summer internships with NASA partners like Lockheed Martin and the Southwest Research Institute, gaining further hands-on experience in aerospace and space missions.
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