Forensic Science Internship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Forensic science internships offer invaluable real-world experience for students pursuing careers in this dynamic field. These programs provide opportunities to apply academic knowledge, develop practical skills, and network with professionals. This article details the requirements, opportunities, and benefits of forensic science internships.

Introduction

For students aiming for a forensic science career, internships are a crucial step. They bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing students to explore various forensic disciplines and refine their career goals. This article provides a detailed overview of the requirements, application procedures, and available opportunities for forensic science internships.

Forensic Science Internship Programs

Several agencies and institutions offer forensic science internships, each with specific focus areas and requirements. These programs provide students with hands-on experience in various forensic disciplines.

Federal Agencies

ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives): The ATF offers unpaid, competitive summer internships in areas such as forensic biology (DNA), forensic chemistry (explosives, fire debris, and trace evidence), latent prints (fingerprint or other friction ridge development and comparison), and firearms and toolmarks (serial number restoration, characterization and comparison of fired ammunition, characterization and comparison of tools and toolmarks). Interns conduct research, contribute to research papers, and develop scientific conference presentations under the guidance of expert mentors.
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): The FBI offers internships through its San Francisco division's Honors Internship Program. This 10-week paid internship allows undergraduate and graduate students to work alongside FBI employees. The Research Participation Program at the FBI facility in Quantico, Va., is available to graduates who have completed a degree in forensic sciences, biology, chemistry, toxicology, etc., within five years of the starting date.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers: These centers offer three 12-week internship sessions each year for students interested in federal law enforcement careers. Interns spend time in basic and advanced training and advancing the objectives of the training centers.
Department of Energy (DOE): The DOE offers summer internships at national laboratories for students pursuing degrees in chemistry, nuclear engineering, or physics. The DOE's Nuclear Forensics Undergraduate Scholarship Program includes a summer appointment involving study and research related to the nuclear forensics mission.
National Homeland Security STEM Internship Program: This program allows college juniors and seniors to work with Homeland Security professionals and researchers during the summer. Interns receive a stipend and conduct research into Department of Homeland Security mission-relevant areas.
Defense Forensic Science Center: This center provides forensic support to Army and DoD entities worldwide. Candidates should contact their Faculty liaison for information about the research program and submit required documents, including a resume, unofficial transcript, and proof of citizenship.

State and Local Agencies

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI): The GBI Internship Program is for junior, senior, or graduate students interested in criminal justice, forensic science, or related careers. Interns may work at Regional offices, task force offices, or specialized units at GBI Headquarters, depending on their major.
New York State Police: The New York State Police provides forensic services in biological sciences, computer crime, drug chemistry, evidence receiving, firearms & toolmarks, forensic identification, quality assurance, questioned documents, toxicology, and trace evidence. Interns assist with non-evidentiary tasks, establish databases, and job-shadow Forensic Scientists.
Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office: This office provides educational learning experiences for Forensic Science majors. Internships are structured to meet the needs of students requiring an internship as part of their core curriculum.
Department of Forensic Sciences (Washington D.C.): College juniors, seniors, or graduate students can apply for internships, assisting with administrative tasks, lab process streamlining, research, and writing.
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection: This department seeks students studying criminal justice, communications, information systems, and more. Interns receive research and special assignments and may receive college credit.
Indiana State Police Laboratory Division: Students can apply for a summer internship, undertaking an assignment project and working with a forensic science supervisor.
Miami-Dade Public Safety Training Institute: This internship program introduces students to various aspects of police work, including forensic services, homicide, robbery, and uniform patrol.
Sheriff's Crime Lab Hennepin County: This lab offers summer internships to students who have completed their junior year in college and are working on a degree in biology, chemistry, the forensic sciences or a similarly-related field.
Department of Maryland State Police: Students working on a degree in a life or physical science with a minor in forensic science can look for internship opportunities available through the Forensic Science Division.
Westchester County Forensic Lab: This lab provides opportunities to students pursuing a forensic science program that requires an internship for degree completion.
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences: The Institute of Forensic Sciences in Harris County, Texas provides an internship program to photography students interested in pursuing forensic photography.
Orange County Sheriff's Department: The OC Crime Lab provides scientific support to law enforcement agencies in Orange County. Interns may assist with technical method development, validation studies, and reference material calibration or maintenance.

General Requirements for Forensic Science Internships

While specific requirements vary by program, some general criteria apply to most forensic science internships.

Academic Standing

Classification: Most internships require applicants to be at least a junior in college. Some programs also accept seniors and graduate students. The GBI Internship Program is for junior, senior, or graduate students. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office requires students to be a junior, senior, or graduate student.
Major: Internships typically target students majoring in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, chemistry, or related fields. The GBI seeks applicants majoring in a criminal justice or related field. The New York State Police requires applicants to meet the New York State Student Intern Eligibility Requirements. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office is ideally structured to meet the needs of Forensic Science majors.
GPA: Some programs have a minimum GPA requirement, often around 2.5 or higher. The Crime Laboratory requires students to have a GPA of 2.8 or above.

Skills and Qualifications

Basic Scientific Principles: Applicants should be familiar with basic scientific principles relevant to forensic science. The Orange County Sheriff's Department expects applicants to be familiar with basic scientific principles.
Specific Skills: Specific skill requirements depend on the available projects and the focus of the internship. The Orange County Sheriff's Department notes that specific skill requirements will vary depending upon available projects.
Background Check: Most agencies require a thorough background investigation, including criminal history checks, polygraph tests, and drug tests. The New York State Police investigation includes a Criminal History check (requiring a non-refundable $85.75 fingerprint fee), a polygraph and drug test. The Orange County Sheriff's Department requires a background investigation that can take three to four months to process.

Application Process

Application Materials: Common application materials include a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts. The Orange County Sheriff's Department requires candidates to upload a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts.
Letter of Recommendation: Many programs require a letter of recommendation from a program chair or advisor. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office requires students to provide a letter of recommendation from their program chair or advisor.
Interview: Selected candidates typically undergo an interview with the project leader and intern coordinator. The Orange County Sheriff's Department conducts interviews in February or March for summer placement.
Deadlines: Application deadlines vary, so it's essential to check the specific requirements for each program. The Crime Laboratory specifies a deadline for Winter 2026 applications.

Time Commitment

Hours per Week: Internships often require a commitment of 20 or more hours per week. The Orange County Sheriff's Department requires internships to be 20 or more hours per week for 2 or more months.
Duration: The length of the internship varies, typically ranging from 10 weeks to several months. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office specifies a typical length of 400 hours or 10 weeks.

Benefits of Forensic Science Internships

Forensic science internships provide numerous benefits that enhance a student's academic and professional development.

Real-World Experience

Practical Application: Internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding of forensic principles and techniques. The goal of the Forensic Internship Program is to provide real-world work experience for students.
Hands-On Training: Interns receive hands-on training in various forensic disciplines, developing skills that are highly valued by employers. The Crime Laboratory provides an opportunity for students to perform an internship at the laboratory.

Career Development

Exploration of Career Options: Internships help students explore different career paths within forensic science, allowing them to identify their interests and strengths. The Orange County Sheriff's Department provides an opportunity for interns to explore career options.
Networking: Interns have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field, building relationships that can lead to future job opportunities. The Orange County Sheriff's Department allows interns to network with professionals in the forensic science environment.
Resume Building: Completing an internship significantly enhances a student's resume, making them more competitive in the job market. The Orange County Sheriff's Department helps interns build resumes.

Skill Enhancement

Technical Skills: Interns develop technical skills specific to forensic science, such as DNA analysis, fingerprint examination, and drug identification. The New York State Police allows interns to assist with non-evidentiary tasks associated with testing materials.
Research Skills: Many internships involve research projects, allowing students to develop critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific writing skills. ATF interns conduct research and contribute to research papers.
Professional Skills: Internships foster the development of professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Specific Internship Opportunities Detailed

Delving into specific internship opportunities provides a clearer picture of what's available and what each entails.

ATF Forensic Science Laboratories Internship

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) offers summer internships that are both unpaid and competitive. These internships are open to eligible college students who are studying forensics or similar scientific fields. Interns at the ATF will have the chance to conduct research, contribute to scientific papers, and even present at scientific conferences. The ATFâs Forensic Science Laboratories are divided into four major areas:

Forensic biology (DNA): This involves the analysis of biological evidence, such as blood, saliva, and hair, to identify individuals and link them to crime scenes.
Forensic chemistry: This area focuses on the examination of explosives, fire debris, and trace evidence to determine the cause of fires and explosions, as well as to identify substances involved in crimes.
Latent prints: This involves the development and comparison of fingerprints and other friction ridge patterns to identify individuals.
Firearms and toolmarks: This area includes the restoration of serial numbers and the characterization and comparison of fired ammunition and toolmarks.

During their internships, students will receive guidance from expert mentors who will help them navigate the process of publishing their scientific results in peer-reviewed journals or presenting at professional conferences. Students may also earn academic credit for these volunteer positions.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Internship Program

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Internship Program is tailored for college and university students who are classified as juniors, seniors, or graduate students. To be eligible, students must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college or university and be interested in a career in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field.

The internship opportunities are diverse, with applicants majoring in criminal justice or related fields able to intern at any of the 15 Regional offices, select task force offices, or specialized units at GBI Headquarters. Those majoring in science or related majors may find opportunities with the Department of Forensic Sciences.

At the end of the internship, each intern is required to complete a written evaluation of their field experience, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the program and suggesting any recommendations for change.

New York State Police Internship Program

The New York State Police offers internships in several disciplines, including:

Biological Sciences
Computer Crime Unit
Drug Chemistry
Evidence Receiving
Firearms & Toolmarks
Forensic Identification Unit
Quality Assurance
Questioned Documents
Toxicology
Trace Evidence

It is important to note that not all disciplines are available at every State Police Laboratory facility.

Interns will assist with non-evidentiary tasks, such as collecting, documenting, and testing assigned materials, establishing and searching databases, and testing and validating new methods. They will also have the opportunity to job-shadow Forensic Scientists in different sections of the Laboratory and may observe courtroom testimony of laboratory employees.

Upon completing the internship, students are required to provide a written report on their experience with the New York State Police Laboratory System.

Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office Internship

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office, an accredited teaching facility, provides educational learning experiences with a focus on forensic disciplines. The program is designed for Forensic Science majors who need an internship for their core curriculum or for students who want to pursue a career in Forensics.

The goal of the program is to prepare interns for work outside of school by performing duties under the supervision of an experienced expert. The length of the internship depends on the institution but is typically around 400 hours or 10 weeks. Applicants must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students in good academic standing in an accredited academic program, with a background in natural sciences.

Department of Forensic Sciences, Washington D.C.

The Department of Forensic Sciences in Washington D.C. offers competitive internship positions for college juniors, seniors, or graduate students. Interns may assist with administrative tasks, streamline lab processes, and participate in research and writing. Students studying criminal justice, forensic science, law, public health, or similar fields are encouraged to apply. The Department also offers research and joint-agency internships.

Orange County Sheriff's Department Internship

The Orange County Sheriff's Department offers unpaid internships where duties may vary depending on current project needs. Projects usually relate to technical method development, validation studies, and reference material calibration or maintenance. Interns will not perform independent casework on evidence samples.

Assignments may provide experience related to:

Analysis of controlled substances and clandestine laboratory materials
Identification and comparison of evidence such as hair, fibers, paint, glass, fire debris, explosives, and gunshot residues
Location and identification of body fluids, including DNA analysis
Firearms and tool marks analysis
Breath or blood alcohol analysis
Identification and quantification of drugs in blood, urine, and tissue samples

Applicants are expected to have completed their third year at an accredited college or university prior to the start date of the internship and must be pursuing or have completed a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a closely related laboratory scientific field. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.

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