Undergraduate Internships

Experience to Make a Difference

If you’re an undergraduate looking for meaningful research experiences focused on the environment and sustainability, you’ve come to the right place. Our internships aren’t about making coffee: they’re about getting into the field and making a difference.

We offer several types of internships each year, for both USC and non-USC students. Most internships are paid, and all include professional development and mentoring alongside field and lab work.

Students on Beach
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Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

The Wrigley Institute’s summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a 10-week, National Science Foundation-funded program focused on coastal ocean processes. Research topics vary from year to year. The program is open to undergraduates from any U.S. college or university.

Wrigley Institute REU Program Dates: June 10–August 16, 2024*
*Later start dates may be accommodated for students who end their academic semester or quarter later.

Application Deadline: February 16, 2024

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Zinsmeyer Summer Research Program

The Zinsmeyer Summer Undergraduate Research Program provides research experiences in the social and natural sciences for students from USC’s Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences. Participants join existing faculty projects at USC’s downtown Los Angeles campus or the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island.

Zinsmeyer Summer Research Program Dates: June 10–August 16, 2024

Application Deadline: February 16, 2024

Environmental Communications Internship

This unique summer program provides training in science communication for undergraduates who are interested in environment- and sustainability-focused careers in fields such as journalism, graphic design, and filmmaking. Priority is given to students from USC Dornsife’s Environmental Studies Program, USC Annenberg, and USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Environmental Communications Internship Program dates: June 3-August 9, 2024

Application deadline: March 10, 2024

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Environmental Summer Award & Other Internships

The Wrigley Institute also offers supplemental funding to support students completing unpaid/underpaid internships outside USC, as well as a rotating list of individual internships throughout the academic year.

Application Deadlines: Varies