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Environmental Science Internship Program
Environmental Science Internship Program
The Environmental Science Internship Program at the University of Central Arkansas provides students with practical, real-world experiences that bridge classroom knowledge with hands-on application in the field. Internships offer opportunities to engage in environmental research, conservation efforts, geospatial research, sustainability initiatives, regulatory compliance, and other areas critical to environmental science. These experiences can provide learning opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum, helping students explore career options and refine their professional goals before graduation. Internships may be paid or unpaid.
Why Internships Are Important in Environmental Science
Why Internships Are Important in Environmental Science
Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field that requires an understanding of complex environmental systems, policies, and problem-solving strategies. Internships allow students to:
• Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world environmental challenges.
• Gain hands-on experience in data collection, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, policy implementation, and community outreach.
• Network with professionals in government agencies, non-profits, consulting firms, and research institutions.
• Develop essential skills such as GIS mapping, environmental impact assessment, field techniques, and regulatory compliance.
• Enhance their resumes and increase job market competitiveness post-graduation.
Course Enrollment & Credit Hours
Course Enrollment & Credit Hours
Students participating in internships may enroll in Internship in Environmental Science (ENVR 4V45) for 1 to 4 credit hours. Most students find that 2-3 credit hours are appropriate for the length of the internship, hours per week, and any documents generated (portfolio, paper, etc). The general guideline is that one credit hour requires a minimum of 3 hours per week of work.
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility & Requirements
To enroll in ENVS 4V45, students must:
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Have completed at least 60 credit hours before starting the internship.
• Be enrolled in the Internship in Environmental Science course during the semester of the internship.
• Secure a faculty mentor from the Environmental Science Faculty Affiliates to serve as the Internship Advisor.
• Register with Cooperative Education in Bernard Hall 318.
Application Process
Application Process
A detailed proposal must be submitted for approval (see example). The proposal should outline the internship objectives, description, educational benefits, and assessment and evaluation by the Internship Advisor. Credit cannot be awarded for mere observation; students must demonstrate active engagement in the internship.
Deadlines for Applications to be submitted to the Director: Fall (August 1), Spring (December 10), Summer (May 1). Others may be considered on a rolling basis but prior to the start of the semester.
2. Approval & Enrollment
2. Approval & Enrollment
Once approved, students will work with their Internship Advisor to define learning objectives, assessment criteria, and project deliverables. Assessment may include presentations, research papers, journals, case studies, or custom evaluations developed by the student and mentor.
3. Completion & Presentation
3. Completion & Presentation
At the end of the semester, students may be required to present their internship experience to faculty and peers.
Requirements for Internship Application Form
Requirements for Internship Application Form
• Credit Hours Requested and justification.
• Internship Description, including responsibilities, daily tasks, and learning objectives.
• Educational Benefits, explaining how the internship enhances academic and career development.
• Assessment Plan, detailing how the student’s performance will be evaluated.
The completed Internship Application Form, signed by a faculty mentor will be submitted to the Track Advisor (Matt Connolly for P&A, Ginny Adams for Biology, and Kristen Dooley for Chemistry). The form will then be forwarded to the Director for approval.
Finding an Internship
Finding an Internship
See below sections for additional information on common internships.
By participating in an internship, Environmental Science students gain invaluable experience that helps them transition from academic studies to impactful careers in environmental protection, conservation, sustainability, and policy.
Environmental Science Internship Application Form.docxThe UCA Office of Career Service works with many potential employers that have internship openings. Register through UCA and find out about opportunities!
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
The AGFC Internship program helps students gain education and practical experience related to conservation and hands-on training requirements necessary for some degrees in the conservation field. This training is critical to students pursuing a conservation career and is often the deciding factor in gaining employment after college.
The WINGS internship program aims to inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities, providing individuals the opportunity to develop skills needed for a successful career in conservation. Paid and unpaid Wings internships are offered in the areas of Education, Public Policy, Development, Science and Land Stewardship. Throughout the internship, interns will work closely with their managers and Human Resources to ensure a meaningful work experience.
Audubon invites current students, recent graduates, and other interested individuals to learn more about our WINGS program and to apply online for available opportunities!
Central Arkansas Water (CAW) supplies water to 450,000 consumers, which is one in every seven Arkansans, at rates that are among the lowest in the country. We maintain roughly 2,700 miles of pipe and deliver an average of 58.3 million gallons of water each day. Our lab conducts 400 water quality tests a day, 365 days a year, to ensure our regulatory compliance and the highest quality water service to our customers. CAW provides a variety of rewarding skilled, semi-skilled, technical and professional positions for employees to learn, grow and excel within a professional and innovative environment.
The Student Conservation Association
Our Conservation Internships (age 18+) come in a wide range of focuses, from monitoring sea turtle nests on Florida beaches to developing a social media strategy for a sprawling wilderness preserve in remote Alaska. Interns work directly with experienced professionals, develop job readiness skills and make substantial contributions toward protecting the planet
National Science Foundation- Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Welcome to NOAA’s student opportunities database! NOAA has opportunities for students of any level — from kindergarten through high school, undergraduate and graduate, and even recent graduates. Opportunities include one-day events, summer internships at NOAA, multi-year fellowships, and more. Use the filters to narrow your search and find the opportunities that work for you.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Whether you're looking for a job while you're taking classes or post-graduation, you've come to the right place. Learn what types of EPA jobs you're eligible to apply for, check out the benefits, and see what we're recruiting for on USAJobs.
Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program
Every year, the Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program places hundreds of college students, recent graduates, and early career professionals across the National Park System to work on natural resource management needs. Each opportunity with the SIP Program affords a distinct and memorable experience with projects that vary based on location, length, focus, and complexity. Past positions include mapping sand dunes at Fire Island National Seashore, surveying towering cacti at Saguaro National Park, and protecting nesting sea turtles at Padre Island National Seashore.
Join the next generation of creators, thinkers, leaders and doers, working together to tackle the climate crisis. Through our collective action, we are forging a clean energy, climate-resilient future – in our own communities and across the nation. We stand united in the firm belief that every person, regardless of race, zip code, or economic background, has the power to build a more sustainable and just future – one in which all of us can thrive.
The American Climate Corps (ACC) will empower a new, diverse generation to tackle two of the greatest challenges of our time: environmental injustice and climate change. We are creating a world in which individuals are equipped with the career training and hands-on skills to make change — change we can breathe, see, feel, and touch. And where together, we have the power to reimagine and reorient the course of our lives, our communities, our country, and our planet.
Texas A&M National Resources Job Board (options around the country)
The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management (RWFM) has long supported a nation-wide job board geared towards connecting those interested in seeking and/or posting the latest job opportunities in the natural resource profession. The job board allows users to query and filter a variety of career field opportunities based on posting time, location and job type. Through the employers portal, companies can create, manage and edit their job postings. All job postings are reviewed by website administrators to ensure completeness and quality of job announcements. This guide provides an overview on how to post and manage your companies job listings.
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