2026 Michigan State University Undergraduate Summer Geodesy Internships
2026 Michigan State University Undergraduate Summer Geodesy Internships
Paid Summer Undergraduate Internships in Geodesy!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2026 5 PM Eastern Time
What is Geodesy?
Geodesy is the study of the Earth's shape, size, orientation, and gravity. Measurements of these parameters are used to determine precise coordinates of points on Earth and track how those points move over time. Modern geodesy uses tools such as high-precision GPS/GNSS*, satellite-based radar, and land- and airborne laser scanning systems to improve our understanding of a wide range of topics including road building and construction, management of crop planting, navigation, earthquake and volcanic hazards, and sea level rise.
Geodesy draws from a number of other fields including math, physics, geology, environmental science, computer science, and engineering and opens pathways to a variety of careers in government, academia, and private industry.
*GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is a general term for all global satellite positioning systems. GPS is the global satellite positioning system run by the United States.
Check out the video below from NASA to learn more geodesy background.
Who should apply for the internships?
Current undergraduate students who have completed at least two semesters of college before the internship start, are in good academic standing, and are interested in learning more about geodesy and its applications, geophysics, mapping, and programming
This year we are looking for students who have prior experience in geophysics, programming, and/or higher mathematics (geodesy experience is not required or expected)
Potential interns should be available to participate in-person at MSU for 8 weeks between early June and late July (no remote participation is available)
Potential interns must be already authorized to work in the US (we cannot sponsor visas for these positions)
What can you expect from the internship?
Participate in a geodesy bootcamp that will provide a solid foundation of geodesy background, techniques, and tools.
Work with a faculty mentor to develop and carry out a meaningful research project.
Learn about educational opportunities and career paths in geodesy through presentations by MSU and outside geodesy professionals
Create a research poster for their project and present their results at the Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences
What are some possible research projects?
Evaluating time varying surface deformation in Alaska
Building and testing plate motion models for eastern Russia and Alaska
Developing automated tools to set up and run earthquake models that use geodetic data
Investigating how seasonal hydrologic changes influence GNSS data in Africa
And other possibilities depending on student interest and experience
What are the benefits of the internship?
Besides learning more about geodesy and gaining research experience, interns will receive the following:
A stipend of $7000 for the 8-week internship period
Round-trip travel between your home and East Lansing
You'll arrange your own housing, but we will have suggestions for you
How do you apply for the internship?
You'll need to submit the following:
CV/Resume
Coursework Transcripts (Unofficial is fine)
1-2 page essay discussing research/academic interests, any research and/or work experience, and what you hope to get out of the internship.
One letter of support (from someone familiar with your academic background or work experience).
CV, Transcripts, and Research essay should be sent to THIS EMAIL
Letter Writers should send Letter of Support directly to Dr. Julie Elliott at email above.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2026 5 PM Eastern Time
Questions? Email Dr. Julie Elliott (EMAIL)