Internship Opportunities

Through the Internship Program, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) prepares students for future careers in forensic science in many different scientific disciplines as well as in technical, professional, and administrative capacities.

The Internship Program offers many opportunities for students to be mentored and trained by HCIFS scientists and professionals in the following areas:

  • Administration
  • Histology
  • Forensic Emergency Management
  • Forensic Imaging
  • Victim’s Assistance
  • Crime Laboratory
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Forensic Entomology
  • Forensic Investigations
  • Legal Counsel
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Administration

Administrative internships at the Institute prepare college students for careers in administrative functions while learning in a highly-specialized forensic and service-oriented local government agency. Several administrative areas are available for internship rotation based on the study focus and career objectives of each student. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are assigned a project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Administrative sections available for rotation include:

  • Accounting/Finance
  • Building Management
  • Business Administration
  • Communications/Public Relations
  • Systems Support (IT)

Internship Requirement:

  • Current enrollment in a post-secondary accredited academic institution

Additional internship opportunities are provided through the Leadership Experience & Employment (L.E.E.) Program, which is sponsored by Harris County Precinct 1. Click here to learn more about the L.E.E. Program requirements and application process.

Crime Laboratory

Interns at the Institute’s Crime Laboratory have the opportunity to work in an ASCLD/Lab-International accredited laboratory learning best practices and analysis techniques from experienced forensic scientists. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, interns are assigned a research project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Crime Laboratory sections available for rotation are:

  • Drug Chemistry
  • Firearms Identification
  • Forensic Genetics
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Trace Evidence

Internship Requirements:

  • Current enrollment in a post-secondary accredited academic institution
  • A master’s degree in a Physical Science or matriculation in a graduate Forensic Science program is preferred. However, a very strong candidate with a bachelor’s degree or at least 90 semester hours in a Physical Science discipline may be considered.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  • Laboratory experience is preferred
Histology

Internship opportunities in the Institute’s Histology Laboratory provide students with hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. Interns work under the supervision of certified Histology Technicians and learn a variety of histology techniques, including grossing, tissue embedding, microtomy, routine stains and special stains. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are assigned a project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Internship Requirements:

  • Current enrollment in the Histologic Technician Program at Houston Community College or the Histotechnology Program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
  • Recommendation Form completed by the school’s program professor
Forensic Anthropology

An internship in Forensic Anthropology provides anthropology students with an introduction to Forensic Anthropology within a medical examiner’s setting, under the guidance of board-certified forensic anthropologists. The Forensic Anthropology Division has three main responsibilities: skeletal recovery, identification services and case consultations. Interns will gain hands-on experience in all these areas of responsibility. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are assigned a research project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Internship Requirement:

  • Current enrollment in a graduate program at a post-secondary accredited academic institution
Forensic Emergency Management

The Institute’s Forensic Emergency Management Division accepts interns for participation in specific research projects. Interns gain experience in mass fatality and emergency preparedness and planning at the Institute through inter-agency collaboration, observation and participation in meetings, seminars, workshops and planning activities. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are assigned a research project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Internship Requirement:

  • Current enrollment in a post-secondary accredited academic institution
Forensic Entomology

An internship in Forensic Entomology is intended for students with research and/or career interests in Applied Forensic Entomology. Interns receive an introduction to the investigative services offered by the Institute. They also gain experience with forensic entomology casework in a medical examiner’s office setting involving scene and autopsy insect collections under the supervision of a board-certified forensic entomologist. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are assigned a research project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Internship Requirement:

  • Current enrollment in a graduate program at a post-secondary academic institution
Forensic Imaging

The Forensic Imaging Internship Program provides photography students hands-on experience in the specialized field of Forensic Photography, including crime-scene, autopsy and evidence photography. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are assigned a research project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Internship Requirements:

  • Current enrollment in a post-secondary accredited academic institution
  • Photography major having successfully completed upper-level photography coursework
  • Successful completion of an introductory course in Human Anatomy and/or Criminology is strongly recommended
  • A photography portfolio demonstrating understanding of exposure, composition, lighting, and depth-of-field should accompany the submission of the Institute’s Internship Application
Forensic Investigations

An internship in Forensic Investigations provides students exposure to forensic death investigations by taking an active role in the investigations processes. Under the direct supervision of a mentor, Investigations interns take death reports, assist the mentor/supervisor with scene investigation, obtain decedent and scene photographs, and complete investigative reports. Interns also gain experience triaging calls, assisting in identifying a decedent, locating and assisting with the notification of next of kin, and communicating with family, friends, law enforcement officers and hospital personnel. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are required to submit two, one-page essays describing a topic of interest in forensic science, and assigned a research project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Internship Requirements:

  • Current enrollment in a post-secondary accredited academic institution
  • Junior-level or senior-level undergraduate student or graduate student majoring in pre-med, natural sciences, criminal justice, forensic science, physical anthropology, nursing, or a similar discipline
Victim’s Assistance

The Victim’s Assistance internship provides Social Work students with a rich educational experience through a hands-on practical approach to victim’s services and working with grieving families. Interns work closely with a victim assistance specialist performing a variety of tasks including family interaction, resource referrals, next-of-kin assistance and community outreach. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are assigned a research project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Internship Requirements:

  • Must be enrolled in and entering the second year at the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) in a graduate-level social work program (ie: MSW program)
  • Complete all appropriate internship forms through the MSW program
Legal Counsel

Legal internships at the Institute are provided through the Harris County Attorney's Office, which represents the county, its departments, elected and appointed officials, and employees in all civil matters that involve Harris County business. In addition to regular and daily work assignments, all interns are assigned a research project to complete and present to the Institute’s staff at the end of the internship.

Click here to learn more about Harris County Attorney’s Internship Program requirements and application process.

How to Apply


Click here to access the
Institute's Internship Program Application.

 For questions regarding the
program or application, please email Jasmine.Jefferson@ifs.hctx.net
or call (832) 927-5008.

Internship Program Flyer

HCIFS Internship Program Information


  • HCIFS does not provide monetary compensation for internships.
  • Positions in the HCIFS Internship Program are limited and competitive. 
  • The 10-week summer program runs from the last week in May to the second week in August. Specific start and end dates are determined yearly.
  • Application deadline for the summer program is March 31. 
  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered. A completed application includes all required supplemental documents before the deadline. 
  • Intern applicants must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution in good standing. An academic endorsement letter is required to complete the application.
  • At least one academic letter of recommendation is required in addition to the academic endorsement letter. 
  • Selected intern candidates must pass a security background check before final consideration. 
  • Preference is given to students enrolled in Texas-based academic institutions.
  • Applications for fall or spring are subject to availability. Please contact the Internship Program Coordinator to inquire about vacancies for interns for the fall or spring terms.  Applications for terms for fall or spring terms must be submitted at least two months in advance of the anticipated start date. 
  • Please see the HCIFS Internship Program Application for full requirements to apply.

COVID-19 Precautions


HCIFS prioritizes employee health and safety and observes precautionary policies regarding COVID-19. The internship program is subject to changes as COVID-19 conditions might warrant.