Internships

The Maryland State Police (MDSP) Internship Program is a non-paid mentorship initiative designed to introduce students to the administrative and operational functions of our agency. It aims to provide direction for students considering career paths in both civilian and sworn fields. Many program participants have gone on to pursue careers as a Cadet, Trooper, or in a civilian role with the Maryland State Police.

Internship Opportunities

The Service Year Option Internship Program offers high school graduates ages 18-21 a ten-month, full-time internship that combines job training, professional development, and community service. Participants serve across the state in various organizations, earning at least $15 an hour, and upon completion, can receive up to $6,000 toward tuition or as a cash stipend. Coordinated by the Human Resources Division and the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, the program includes mentorship from MSP Global Internship Ambassadors and encourages graduates to pursue state government positions, particularly within the Maryland State Police.

To apply, visit the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation website.

The Forensic Science Division (FSD) Internship Program offers students valuable hands-on experience and knowledge in forensic science. This program not only enables students to learn from and network with professional forensic scientists, but it also allows them to contribute directly to the work of the MSP-FSD units. Both interns and the agency benefit from this collaborative arrangement each semester.

Eligibility requirements

Minimum qualifications

Currently enrolled as juniors, seniors, or graduate students in a Forensic Science program, or in a Life/Physical Science major with a minor in Forensic Science, at an accredited institution.

Note: we DO NOT accept applications from high school students or those enrolled in a certificate or associate degree program.

Must have completed sophomore year of college undergraduate studies; graduate students are eligible to apply. If you were recently approved to a new school/program, but have not begun classes yet, please also submit your acceptance letter.
Must have availability Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Must successfully pass a background check
Must be a U.S. citizen

Preferred qualifications

Lab experience
Coursework pertaining to the discipline(s) of interest

During the school year, applicants are expected to donate a minimum of 60 hours during the course of their internship.

Summer Interns are typically expected to donate a minimum of 200 hours spread over a 10-12 week session, although this can vary depending on unit requests.

This is a voluntary, non-paid internship with the Maryland State Police. All arrangements and payments of necessary mileage (or other mode of transportation), room, board and other expenses incurred during the internship are the responsibility of the applicant.

Internship Session Dates and Application Deadlines

FSD Internships are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. Applications should be submitted within the following timeframes:

Fall: May 15 - June 15
Spring: October 15 - November 16
Summer: March 1 - March 31

Note: These timeframes may be waived at the discretion of the Human Resources Division (HRD). Internship applications will remain on file for one (1) year, after which a new application will be required.

If any section of the application is not complete or any requested documents are missing as of the deadline, you WILL NOT be considered for placement. The Authorization for Release of Information form can be notarized in any state. It is not required to be notarized in Maryland. The paper (hard) copy of the authorization for release must be mailed directly to the lab.

To apply, complete the Forensic Science Division Student Internship Program application - DOCX.

For questions, please call or email:

Amy Kelly at 443-260-3711
Delaney Berryman at 443-357-1421
Email: [email protected]

The Standard Internship program is designed to help undergraduate and graduate students achieve their academic and career objectives while providing essential administrative and operational support to the Department. Interns are placed within one of the Department’s four Bureaus in positions related to their field of study, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with police operations and the criminal justice system. The program aims to prepare students for law enforcement careers, help them earn course credits, and encourage high-performing interns to apply for civilian or Trooper Candidate positions.

Our internship program - PDF has been designed to provide some flexibility to meet high school, college or graduate academic needs by offering practical and technical opportunities throughout our Department's four bureaus:

the Office of the Superintendent - PDF ,
the Field Operations Bureau - PDF ,
the Criminal Investigations Bureau - PDF ,
the Support Services Bureau - PDF .

Eligibility requirements

Must be at least 16 years old and must be attending or be a recent graduate from a high school, college or graduate school.
Must obtain a letter from their educational institution requesting to participate in the internship program before the intern completes an application.
Must be a Maryland resident.
Must be of excellent moral character..
Must not have any serious offences on your Motor Vehicle Administration Record.
Must not have criminal convictions of any kind.
Must be physically and mentally capable of performing assigned duties.
Must be able to work for 10 hours a week for 8 weeks for a total of 80 hours.
Must pass an abbreviated background check

Selections could take approximately three weeks after you submit your application and letter of permission. You will be contacted if you are selected as a candidate and will receive an official letter.

Following the background investigation, a Department supervisor will conduct a phone or virtual interview to explain the program's process and expectations. At this time, students are required to read, understand, and sign our Waiver of Claim and Release of Liability (Form 45), Confidentiality Agreement, and Terms of Agreement - PDF .

In the event an application is rejected, the Human Resources Division will notify the applicant within 30 days.