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Internships

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is dedicated to supporting the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system. Because of this mission, we do not typically offer training programs or volunteer positions for forensic science students.

However, our regional laboratories may occasionally provide limited unpaid, project-oriented internships, based on workload and availability.

Internship priority

  • Graduate students enrolled in FEPAC accredited forensic science programs
  • Graduate students enrolled in non-FEPAC forensic science programs
  • Undergraduate students pursuing science degrees
  • Please note: High school students are not eligible for internships

How to apply

To express interest in an internship, submit your application via email to the Laboratory Director at the location of interest.

Your application must include:

  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter detailing:
    • Area of interest and project idea
    • Current degree program
    • Academic/professional reference letter
    • Requested internship dates
  • If seeking academic credit:
    • College requirements and expectations
    • Contact information for your college representative

Once all required materials are received, the Laboratory Director will review your qualifications and determine if your request can be accommodated. If approved, DFS will identify a mentor and confirm whether your project aligns with the Department’s mission or if a suitable project is available.

Important:

  • Applications must be electronically submitted via email prior to the deadline
  • Late applications will not be accepted
  • Make sure you have included everything – incomplete applications will not be considered

Deadlines:

  • Spring internships – October 1
  • Summer internships – February 1
  • Fall internships – May 1

Laboratory Director Contact Information:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What types of internships are offered?

  • Internships are unpaid, project-oriented and are designed to be mutually beneficial to the intern and the Department. DFS does not offer internships consisting solely of "shadowing" experiences.

  • Am I qualified for an internship at DFS?

  • Internships for college and university students are very limited and are managed by DFS Laboratory Directors. Priority for any available internship opportunities is given to graduate students in FEPAC accredited forensic science programs, then graduate students in forensic science programs at other colleges, and thereafter to college students in science programs at the undergraduate level. High school students are not eligible for internships.  

  • How do I apply for an internship?

  • To express your interest in an internship, please submit your request a minimum of one semester prior to the actual semester of interest by sending the following to the Laboratory Director at the lab location of interest:
    1. CV/resume AND
    2. A cover letter expressing your area of interest including project idea, current degree program, academic/professional letter of reference and the dates you are requesting to conduct your internship
    3. If you are seeking an internship for academic credit, provide information regarding your college’s requirements, expectations and contact information for the appropriate college representative
    Once all required information has been received by the appropriate Laboratory Director, it will be screened to ensure the candidate meets the criteria (see qualifications FAQ above). If the request can be accommodated, the Laboratory Director will consult with others within the Department to identify a mentor and determine if your project idea aligns with the Department’s mission or if a suitable project is available. Laboratory Director contact information:

  • Where can I get more information about forensic science?

  • There are excellent online resources that provide general information about forensic science. Check your local college library for the Forensic Science Handbook, Vol. II and Vol. III by Richard Saferstein. University and medical school libraries may carry the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science Society, Forensic Science International and the Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal.

  • Which schools offer degrees in forensic science?

  • Forensic Science is a popular degree program. Programs that are accredited by the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) meet rigorous curriculum standards. Information on FEPAC accreditation standards and accredited programs can be found on their website. For additional information on forensic science education opportunities and a career brochure, visit the What is Forensic Science? or Careers in Forensic Science pages of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website. The Department of Forensic Science has an affiliation with forensic science education programs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia and George Mason University (GMU), located in Fairfax, Virginia. VCU offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Forensic Science, which are accredited by FEPAC. Several of the lecture/laboratory courses within the Masters program are taught at the DFS Central Laboratory in Richmond. More information about both degree programs can be found here. GMU offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Forensic Science. More information about both degree programs can be found here.

  • How do I get a job in forensic science?

  • The Department of Forensic Science employs forensic scientists who examine and analyze crime scene and other evidence submitted by investigating law enforcement authorities and the medical examiner’s office. The scientists issue written reports and testify in court regarding the outcome of their scientific analyses. DFS forensic scientists rarely, if ever, visit an actual crime scene. DFS scientists assist in training qualified law enforcement offices to retrieve crime scene evidence and submit it appropriately in order to preserve its value as evidence suitable for forensic laboratory analysis. Nearly all forensic scientist positions require a bachelor’s degree in a biological or physical science. Our Forensic Toxicologists hold doctoral degrees in chemistry, toxicology or pharmacology. Advanced degrees are helpful but are not required in other forensic specialty areas. Many of our examiners have a BS degree in chemistry or biology and an MS degree in forensic science. On occasion, DFS will seek to hire a “trainee” for a position in one of its laboratories. Such trainee positions are highly competitive and may require undergraduate and graduate level education and coursework as noted above. To obtain the requisite experience for a laboratory position, it may be useful to serve in an unpaid internship at a forensic laboratory. This is usually easiest to do while one is a student. All positions currently available at DFS, including trainee positions, are listed on our Job Openings page. Our technical positions are also posted to the AAFS Employment Opportunities page and the ASCLD Job Postings page.