Undergraduate Opportunities

Maryland Sea Grant is dedicated to creating a diverse workforce educated in watershed, coastal, and marine science. The following opportunities allow undergraduate students to explore their interests and broaden their experience in marine science and policy. Our former fellows have advanced to careers in academia, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal government agencies.

Community College Research Internship

This internship gives students the opportunity to conduct marine research on the Chesapeake Bay. During the eight-week program, students work with a science mentor on an individual project to develop their research skills and interests.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

During this 12-week program, students develop their research skills while working with science mentors on individual research projects on the Chesapeake Bay. Students work at one of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s marine labs located on the Bay. They gain experience in proposing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting research, and participate in workshops and seminars to help further their careers. This program is best suited for students majoring in marine science, ecology, environmental science, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, mathematics, and related degrees.

Community Engaged Internship

This 10-week summer internship offers science outreach and communication training with Maryland Sea Grant's education, communications, and extension teams. This internship is for student interested in helping to translate scientific topics related to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Interns help plan, produce, and share education and outreach materials. This program is designed to engage students from underrepresented and Indigenous communities. This opportunity is open to undergraduates from a Maryland or Washington, DC, college or university seeking a degree in natural, social, or environmental sciences, environmental policy, or communications.

Puerto Rico Undergraduate Education Initiative

This program began in 2012 to provide opportunities for Hispanic undergraduate college students to conduct marine science. It continues today as part of the SEAS Islands Alliance. Students are introduced to marine science through laboratory and field research projects focused on understanding the natural, economic, social, and cultural value of coastal lagoons in Puerto Rico. They build relationships with local marine science professionals and faculty from partner institutions, and have opportunities for professional development. This opportunity is suitable for students from a variety of fields, including computer science, biomathematics, environmental science, chemistry, general biology, and molecular biology.

Undergraduate Multimedia Intern

Internship opportunities with Maryland Sea Grant's communications team are periodically available for students interested in science communication. These internships may focus on science writing and editing, social media, photography, or videography.