Internship Opportunities

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.