Internship Overview

The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory (LSPCL) offers unpaid, academically oriented internships for baccalaureate- and graduate-level students with career aspirations in the forensic sciences. Interns gain experience and training by working in an LSPCL forensic discipline.

Internships typically run for an academic semester: Spring, Summer, or Fall. The LSPCL internship provides a chance to work in a large, full-service forensic laboratory—allowing participants to network professionally, explore career options, gain knowledge, and enhance their resumes. Interns do not perform independent casework on evidence.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, or a related natural science field. Note: Criminal Justice and Psychology degrees do not qualify.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required.
• Applicants must commit to:
  • 40 contact hours/week for 8 weeks during summer or
  • 20 contact hours/week for 15 weeks during fall or spring
  Hours must be completed on-site at the LSPCL in Baton Rouge, Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Applicants must pass a background check, polygraph, and drug screen.
• Preference is given to:
  • Juniors or above (undergraduate)
  • Applicants with strong academic or community service achievements
  • Those highly motivated toward a forensic science career

Application Deadlines

Application Process Initiation

To begin the application process, qualified candidates must submit the following:

• The Crime Lab Internship Program Application Form
• A brief narrative essay describing interest and objectives for the internship
• An official college transcript

Notice: Submitting the items above only initiates the process. If all requirements are met, background and polygraph forms will be sent. These must be submitted by the deadlines listed above.

Final selections are made by Crime Lab management after reviewing all application materials, background check, polygraph, and drug screen results. Offers are extended to the best-qualified candidates.

Download the Application Form

Download Internship Application Form (PDF)