10 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in South Carolina

While coursework builds foundational theory, college internships allow you to apply those concepts to real-world challenges. Completing an internship can significantly strengthen your resume, expand your professional network, and clarify long-term career goals. For students pursuing STEM fields, internships are especially valuable. Whether you're studying engineering, computer science, biology, environmental science, or mathematics, internships offer the chance to work in research labs, healthcare systems, or technology companies and improve your technical expertise. Employers also consistently prioritize candidates who demonstrate hands-on experience, technical fluency, and workplace readiness. 

Why should you do a STEM internship in college?

A STEM internship helps bridge the gap between academic learning and professional application. You’ll gain experience using industry tools, software, lab techniques, and engineering systems that employers expect entry-level hires to understand. South Carolina offers strong internships across manufacturing, aerospace, biomedical research, and energy sectors. These internships also provide mentorship from professionals who can guide your career path and potentially write recommendation letters. Many employers recruit directly from their intern pools, which means internships can lead to full-time job offers.  

Here are 10 STEM internships for undergraduates in South Carolina that provide compensation, meaningful technical engagement, and networking opportunities for STEM-focused students.

Quick Look

• 10 internships total spanning national laboratory research, biomedical science, automotive engineering, defense, and energy, hosted by organizations including BMW, Bosch, General Dynamics, and the Medical University of South Carolina

• MUSC's SURP offers the most detailed disclosed compensation on this list, with a $4,000 stipend plus a separate $1,900 housing allowance

• Two distinct biomedical research programs target different student populations: MUSC's SURP is open broadly to U.S. undergraduates, while USC Upstate's ER(Up)T is specifically for current USC Upstate students

• Several large employers, including BMW, General Dynamics, and Dominion Energy, offer both internships and longer co-op terms lasting several months

• NASA's OSTEM internships are the most flexible in format, offering both virtual and in-person placements with paid and unpaid options depending on the role

1. Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) Internships

Location: Savannah River National Laboratory, Jackson, SC
Stipend: Not specified
Dates: Varies by internship
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in undergraduate/graduate programs; Specifics vary by internship

The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) offers internships for college students where you’ll work on cutting-edge research projects in areas such as national security, environmental management, and energy systems. You’ll get to collaborate with scientists and engineers on real-world challenges, including chemical engineering, materials science, and data analysis. You’ll also receive mentorship, build professional networks, and develop both technical and soft skills. This experience is ideal if you are interested in research careers within national labs or government-funded science initiatives. You can learn more about the internships offered here. 

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual 
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available); Unpaid
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks 

The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you’ll work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, including computer science, health tech, engineering, and so on. As part of your internship, you will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need for the startup you are working with. You will also have the opportunity to present your work at the end of your internship. As an intern, you will work closely with your manager at the startup. Apply now!

3. Medical University of South Carolina: Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

Location: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Stipend: $4,000 + $1,900 housing allowance
Dates: 10 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: November 15 – January 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (rising juniors or seniors preferred) with a GPA of 3.2+; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

In the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, you’ll conduct an independent biomedical research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. You’ll gain hands-on lab experience while working alongside graduate students and researchers. The program also includes professional development activities such as research ethics training, scientific writing, and seminars. You’ll present your work at a final research symposium and earn academic credit. This experience is ideal if you are planning to pursue an M.S., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in biomedical sciences.

4. NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programs

Location: Multiple universities across the U.S., including in SC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by site (January – March)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The National Science Foundation’s REU programs offer immersive research experiences across disciplines such as biology, physics, engineering, computer science, and environmental science. As an intern, you’ll work closely with faculty mentors on independent or team-based research projects. Programs also include workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities. This is one of the most prestigious research experiences for undergraduates and is ideal if you are considering graduate school or a research career. You can find REU sites here.

5. USC Upstate: ER(Up)T – Engaged Research and Training Program 

Location: USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 13 – February 21
Eligibility: Continuing undergraduate students at USC Upstate interested in careers in biomedical sciences

During this program, you’ll participate in faculty-mentored research projects in biomedical sciences such as biology, chemistry, and pre-med fields. You’ll gain hands-on lab experience while also attending workshops focused on career development and graduate school preparation. You’ll present your research at conferences and build a strong academic portfolio. This program is ideal if you are exploring careers in healthcare, research, or biomedical sciences.

6. BMW Group Internship Program

Location: Multiple BMW locations, including SC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Typically, 3-6 months
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by position)
Eligibility: University students studying in business, engineering, IT, and related fields

In this program, you’ll work as a fully integrated team member across departments such as engineering, production, IT, data science, marketing, and corporate strategy. You’ll contribute to real projects, gain exposure to global automotive operations, and receive mentorship and regular feedback. You’ll be expected to take ownership of independent projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The program also includes networking opportunities, onboarding sessions, and career pathway insights. This experience is ideal if you are interested in automotive innovation, mobility solutions, or corporate careers in a global company.

7. NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships 

Location: Virtual + In-person opportunities available 
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Dates: Varies based on internship; Available in the summer, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies by session 
Eligibility: Full-time college students (undergraduate through graduate-level) or part-time college students (16+)who have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and are U.S. citizens 

NASA OSTEM internships are designed to help you contribute to the fields of science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. As an intern, you will work with research scientists, engineers, and other professionals at a NASA center or facility, or virtually anywhere. While the exact tasks can vary for each opportunity, you may help NASA staff with research, data collection, analysis, software testing, tech improvements, and other tasks that support NASA missions. The program offers hands-on experience to strengthen research and technical skills and help you prepare for future career opportunities.

8. General Dynamics Mission Systems Internship

Location: Varies depending on internship; Virtual options also available
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies depending on program
Eligibility: College rising freshmen through postgraduates

The GDMS Students & Recent Graduates program provides you with opportunities to participate in internships or early-career roles that contribute to advanced defense and security projects. You will work on assignments in fields such as engineering, IT, business, or manufacturing while collaborating with professionals who provide mentorship and guidance. You’ll gain experience in areas such as systems development, technical design, or project implementation. You also participate in team meetings, workshops, and professional-development activities that support your learning and growth. Your work may contribute directly to projects that support national defense and security initiatives. The program also offers pathways for interns to transition into full-time positions after graduation.

9. Bosch Group: Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Co-Op 

Location: Robert Bosch LLC, Charleston, SC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Fall (co-op term; duration varies)
Application Deadline: Rolling (apply early)
Eligibility: Undergraduate/graduate students pursuing engineering (mechanical, electrical, or related fields); Must have U.S. work authorization

In this co-op program, you’ll work on real-world engineering challenges in the automotive manufacturing sector. You’ll support production lines, improve output and quality, and help develop machine concepts and technical solutions. Your role includes contributing to engineering projects from design to implementation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and assisting with system development and automation processes. You’ll also gain exposure to industrial tools such as CAD software, PLC programming, and manufacturing systems. This experience is ideal if you are interested in automotive engineering, industrial automation, and large-scale production environments.

10. Dominion Energy: Electric Operations Intern/Co-op

Location: Various Dominion Energy locations in SC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate engineering students (mechanical, electrical, civil) with a GPA of ≥ 2.5; U.S. work authorization required

In this co-op/internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience in electric utility operations, focusing on how electricity is transmitted from power plants to consumers. You’ll work on tasks such as designing transmission and distribution systems, preparing technical drawings, and supporting field operations and equipment testing. You’ll also contribute to engineering studies, renewable energy projects like solar installations, and infrastructure planning. The role includes real-world exposure to outage response and system restoration efforts.

Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs

1. There are two biomedical research programs on this list (MUSC's SURP and USC Upstate's ER(Up)T). How do I know which one I'm eligible for?

MUSC's SURP is open to undergraduate students nationally, with preference given to rising juniors and seniors and a minimum 3.2 GPA, making it accessible if you attend a college outside South Carolina. USC Upstate's ER(Up)T is more restrictive, since it's specifically reserved for continuing undergraduate students already enrolled at USC Upstate. If you're not a USC Upstate student, MUSC's SURP is your best option for biomedical research experience on this list; if you are enrolled at USC Upstate, ER(Up)T offers a more direct path with strong institutional support.

2. What's the difference between an internship and a co-op, like the ones offered by Bosch and Dominion Energy?

Co-ops typically involve a longer, more immersive commitment than a standard summer internship, often lasting a full semester or longer, and sometimes allow you to alternate between school terms and work terms over multiple cycles. Bosch's Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Co-Op and Dominion Energy's Electric Operations Co-Op both follow this format, giving you deeper, sustained exposure to ongoing engineering projects rather than a single summer's worth of work. If you want a shorter, more contained experience, a standard summer internship like MUSC's SURP or USC Upstate's ER(Up)T may fit your schedule better; if you're open to a longer commitment with more in-depth project ownership, a co-op is worth considering.

3. Several of these internships, like SRNL and General Dynamics, are tied to national security or defense work. Do I need to meet any special requirements to apply?

Yes, most defense and national lab internships on this list require U.S. citizenship, which is worth checking carefully before applying if you're an international student. SRNL specifically requires U.S. citizenship for its internships, and General Dynamics Mission Systems works on national defense and security projects, which often comes with similar citizenship requirements depending on the specific role. If you're not a U.S. citizen, your stronger options on this list are likely BMW, Bosch, or NASA's OSTEM program, though it's worth double-checking each program's specific eligibility before applying.