The MSFL offers unpaid internships, on a limited basis, to further the mission of the laboratory. The internships can be part of a university's practicum experience or a student's independent career-building initiative. Priority will be given to students working towards a degree relevant to the field.
Internships for university students provide future forensic scientists the opportunity to experience an ISO accredited laboratory and contribute to the field of forensic science through research projects. The various benefits of an internship at the MSFL include the following:
- Learn relevant methods practiced in the forensic science disciplines
- Contribute to the work performed by the forensic science laboratory
- Network with MSFL forensic scientists and law enforcement professionals
- Participate in a meaningful career-related experience
- Explore various forensic science disciplines and focus future career options
- Increase post-graduate marketability
** All internships are unpaid. Additionally, the number of internships, project disciplines, and locations are limited and will fluctuate depending on availability.
Eligibility
Interns must meet the following criteria:
- Upper level student (completion of junior year, senior, or graduate student) status at an accredited institution of higher education
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Enrolled during the semester student plans to intern
Application/Interview
The Mississippi Forensics Laboratory Internship Program provides opportunities mainly in the summer, after completion of junior year level status, depending on staffing and other resources. To ensure consideration, all applications should be submitted by the following deadlines. Applications received after the deadlines will only be considered if time allows and a project has not been filled.
- Summer Internship: March 1st
- Fall Internship: August 1st
- Spring Internship: November 1st
In order to be considered for participation in the program, the application package must be completed and submitted with the following documentation:
- Completed Department of Public Safety (DPS) application (with copy of birth certificate)
- Resume
- Written recommendation letter from an advisor or major professor at institution
- Official University transcript(s)
- Completed MSFL Undergraduate Agreement Form
After successful completion and receipt of the application, a background check is required on all applicants. Applicants will be scheduled for an interview, if needed, with a panel consisting of personnel from the discipline in which the internship is to be served. The interview panel will make a decision on accepting the intern applicant. Due to the high volume of applicants, not all applicants will be interviewed for a position. After completion of these criteria, an offer of internship is made to the candidate and, if accepted, a start date is determined.
Additional Internship Guidelines
Interns will report to the section chief and/or technical leader of the selected discipline. Throughout the internship, the intern will be exposed to a variety of operations and processes of the laboratory to which they are assigned. These may include: Bioscience, Drug Chemistry, Latent Prints, Trace Analysis, Toxicology, Firearms, and Technical Assistance. Periodically, the mentor will review performance and provide feedback to the intern and, if applicable, will provide a written evaluation. At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will provide a written evaluation of their experience of the program.
The internship coordinator will review the activities and reports for all internships and provide feedback to participants, as appropriate. Additionally, the internship coordinator may ask for feedback from the participants to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the program.
Contact Information
Thank you for your interest in an MSFL internship. For general questions about the internship program or to request an application packet, please contact the internship coordinator at ahall@mcl.ms.gov