Forensic Science
Internship and Fellowship Information and Resources
Many students express their interest in obtaining an internship during their time at Penn State. The timing and duration of internships can vary widely from programs completed over the summer to part-time experiences throughout a students academic career. Most of our students who complete an internship do so the summer between junior and senior year, but as an internship is not a requirement for the program, students are welcome to pursue an internship at any point.
If you have any questions about internships, make an appointment to see our Academic Adviser, Noelle Waggett, using Starfish. You can find more information about Penn State policies regarding internships from the Office of Science Engagement. She will help you navigate the process and can answer any questions you may have, including how to complete paperwork and whether or not you need to sign up for course credit.
Below are some options to help you get started on your internship search, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. Many students find internships by contacting local labs and agencies that are close to home, or through their own web searches. If nothing below is appealing or appropriate for you and your needs, talk to our Academic Adviser to help you get on the right path for you. You don't have to do this alone!
Internship Opportunities
Within the state of Pennsylvania
The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education
The City of Philadelphia Toxicology Lab
State College Police Department Internship Program
Federal Government
(Note: Most of these require a lengthy background check. You may need to apply up to a year before the actual internship period to qualify)
Department of Homeland Security FLETC Internships
Central Intelligence Agency Internships
The Department of Justice Internships
The United States Secret Service Internships
DC Department of Forensic Science Internships
Naval Criminal Investigative Services Internship Program
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Internships
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Defense Forensic Science Center (US Army)
Miscellaneous
NIST Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Maryland State Police Internship Program
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
North Carolina’s Attorney General’s Office Internships
NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner