Please note that the Fall 2022 internship program will be in person at START headquarters in College Park, MD. Remote internships will not be possible for the Fall 2022 semester.

START offers paid internships year round on a variety of research projects and teams. During the course of their internship, participants are exposed to the most up-to-date theories, methods and information related to the study of terrorism. They are versed in the critical questions tackled by homeland security practitioners, policy makers and researchers, and are mentored in a professional environment geared toward student success. The program is designed to prepare the next generation of homeland security scholars and practitioners through real-world research experience.

START’s internship program is open to undergraduate and graduate students (as well as some recent graduates) in any related discipline from any institution. Each internship lasts for one term. Participants work at least 10 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and 20 hours/week during the summer. Our internships can be undertaken for academic credit, and this is highly encouraged. Interns participate in a program of enrichment and career development opportunities. All interns are required to work onsite with their research project staff. Because interns work directly with our researchers and staff on current research projects, the internship positions vary depending on our research portfolio.

START’s Internship Program is designed to prepare the next generation of homeland security scholars and practitioners through real-world research experience. In order to ensure the field of study remains relevant and responsive to real world needs, we are also very committed to increasing the diversity of scholars engaged in counterterrorism and terrorism studies. We are further committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and belonging within our program through a dedicated effort to hire a broad spectrum of students, especially students from underrepresented groups. In line with our commitment, we have redoubled our outreach and recruitment efforts and our program now includes a stipend for all participants. Our intent is to attract and train the broadest, most diverse group of emerging homeland security scholars and practitioners which, in turn, will increase the impact and generalizability of our work.

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to our most popular questions, and check out the University of Maryland's Career Center resources for resume and cover letter tips. For resume and cover letter guidance regarding START internships, please register to attend one of our upcoming Information Sessions. 

For any additional questions, please contact internships-start@umd.edu.