Undergraduate Internships & Research

Hands-on experience is an important part of an undergraduate education in Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences. Students are encouraged to complement their coursework through internships, faculty-mentored research, independent study, field experiences, and other experiential learning opportunities. These experiences allow students to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-world questions involving the environment, weather and climate, geospatial technologies, geology, natural resources, urban and regional planning, and human–environment interactions.

Opportunities are available both on and off campus and may include working with EEGS faculty on research projects, completing internships with private companies, nonprofit organizations, and local, state, or federal agencies, or participating in summer research and field programs. Depending on the experience and degree program, students may also be able to earn academic credit. Students interested in an internship or research experience are encouraged to talk with their academic advisor, undergraduate program director, or connect with faculty whose teaching and research interests align with their academic and career goals.

Internships

Internships provide students with an opportunity to gain professional experience, explore career paths, and apply classroom knowledge in workplace settings. EEGS students may pursue internships with private companies, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and local, state, or federal agencies.

Students are encouraged to begin exploring internship opportunities early and to speak with their academic advisor or faculty in their area of interest. Depending on the degree program and the nature of the experience, an internship may be eligible for academic credit. Students considering internship credit should consult with their advisor before beginning the experience to determine eligibility, course requirements, and approval procedures.

Internships and job opportunities that are shared with the department can be found here.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty while developing skills in scientific inquiry, data collection and analysis, field or laboratory methods, geospatial technologies, communication, and problem solving. Research opportunities may involve participation in an existing faculty project or the development of an independent project under faculty supervision.

Students interested in research are encouraged to explore faculty research areas and contact faculty members whose interests align with their own. Opportunities may be available during the academic year or summer, such as the REU: REMUS program, and can range from volunteer or paid research positions to independent study, honors research, or other credit-bearing experiences. Undergraduate research can be especially valuable for students considering graduate school, research careers, or professions in which applied analytical and technical skills are important.

Getting Started

Students interested in internships or undergraduate research can begin by identifying the types of experiences that best match their academic interests and career goals.

• Talk with your academic advisor or undergraduate coordinator. Your advisor can help you determine how an internship, research experience, or independent study may fit into your degree plan.
• Explore faculty research areas. Review EEGS faculty profiles and research interests to identify faculty members working in areas that interest you.
• Look for opportunities early. Internship and summer research application deadlines often occur several months before the experience begins, so students are encouraged to start searching in advance.
• Reach out. Contact faculty members, potential internship supervisors, and relevant university offices to ask about current or upcoming opportunities. When contacting faculty, briefly introduce yourself, describe your interests, and explain why their work is a good fit for your goals.

Students do not need to have a fully developed research idea or a specific career path before getting started. Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn are often the best first steps!