ALERT: Internships Paused
UPDATED: Due to the anticipated completion of the new LSP Crime Laboratory, internships will be paused for the Summer and Fall 2026 terms and the Spring 2027 term. We apologize for the temporary interruption and look forward to reopening the program in our new state-of-the-art facility in the Summer of 2027. Applications for this term are due March 15, 2027.
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
- 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
| Term | Application Deadline | Approximate Dates of Internship |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | March 15 | June 1 – July 30 |
| Fall | June 1 | Mid-August – December 1 |
| Spring | October 15 (prior year) | Mid-January – May 1 |
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.