Biology, a field teeming with diversity and opportunities, opens doors to a multitude of career paths. For students majoring in biology, internships are invaluable for gaining practical experience, enhancing academic knowledge, and forging a successful career in the sciences. The United States hosts an array of prestigious internships tailored to biology majors, each offering unique experiences in research, public health, environmental science, and more.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 standout internships for biology majors, detailing their locations, descriptions, and eligibility criteria. Whether you’re looking to dive deep into laboratory research, explore the intricacies of public health, or engage in environmental conservation, these programs offer a wealth of opportunities to enrich your educational journey and set a solid foundation for your future career.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Careers in Science and Medicine Summer Internship Program (CSM-SIP)
- Location: Various locations in affiliation with Johns Hopkins.
- Description: This program is designed for undergraduates from low-income and under-resourced backgrounds. It offers a 10-week high-level research experience with a faculty mentor and includes guidance on financial planning, graduate school applications, and career exploration.
- Eligibility: Must be low-income (under 200% of the federal poverty limit), educationally under-resourced, have completed at least one year of college, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- More information: Johns Hopkins Medicine CSM-SIP.
- Diversity Summer Internship Program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Location: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
- Description: This program offers research opportunities in public health, including working in laboratories, health departments, clinics, or community settings.
- Eligibility: Completion of two years of college, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Preference is given to students with one or two years of undergraduate study remaining.
- More information: Bloomberg School of Public Health DSIP.
- Novartis Summer of Science Internship Program
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Description: A 10-week program at Novartis Biomedical Research division, offering research training for students with minimal exposure to industry research.
- Highlights: Design and conduct your own research project under the guidance of a BR scientist, participate in professional development, and engage in graduate/professional school preparations.
- Eligibility: Open to talented individuals currently underserved in the sciences, as defined by NIH.
- More information: Novartis Internship Programs.
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UPWARDS Program
- Location: Houston, Texas.
- Description: Provides hands-on, laboratory-based research experience to encourage interest in professional healthcare programs.
- More information: UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Coastal Marine Biolabs Integrative Biosciences Institute
- Location: Ventura, California.
- Description: Offers various research and professional development programs in marine biology and related fields.
- More information: Coastal Marine Biolabs.
- Coe College REU/RET Program
- Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
- Description: Funded by the National Science Foundation and others, the program focuses on spectroscopy within various scientific disciplines.
- More information: Coe College REU/RET.
- Geological Society of America’s Scientists in Parks (SIP) Interns
- Location: Boulder, Colorado.
- Description: Provides immersive, paid work experiences in natural resource fields for the next generation of park stewards.
- More information: Geological Society of America SIP.
- Stanford University’s Ignited Summer Fellowship Program
- Location: Stanford, California.
- Description: A paid professional development program for full-time K-16 teachers, including those in the field of biology.
- More information: Stanford Ignited Fellowship.
- University of California, Berkeley’s Ignited Summer Fellowship Program
- Location: Berkeley, California.
- Description: Similar to the Stanford program, offering a paid professional development program for educators.
- More information: UC Berkeley Ignited Fellowship.
- University of Pennsylvania’s CEMB Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Description: A summer professional development initiative for high school science teachers, encompassing interdisciplinary themes of biology and engineering.
- More information: University of Pennsylvania CEMB RET.
Embarking on an internship is a crucial step in a biology major’s academic and professional journey. The programs highlighted in this blog post offer a diverse range of opportunities, from cutting-edge research at world-renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins and Novartis to hands-on experiences in environmental conservation with the Geological Society of America.
These internships not only provide valuable practical skills but also offer a chance to network with professionals and peers alike, opening doors to future career opportunities. For biology students eager to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges and explore the many facets of their field, these internships are stepping stones towards a fulfilling and impactful career in biology. Remember, the journey through the vast and dynamic world of biology begins with experiences like these, molding you into a well-rounded, skilled professional ready to contribute to the ever-evolving scientific community.
