Internship FAQ
"Believe it or not, there is a place at the Museum of Science for individuals with non-science degrees! My work here has brought me closer to the community and sparked my interest in science." - Kelly Evans, Human Body Discovery Space.
"My work here has given me the opportunity to share science in an informal and creative way." - Manuel Roman-Lacayo, Education Intern
Who can apply for an internship?
The Museum of Science accepts applications from college-level freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as graduate students. We also accept applications from recent graduates and people making a career change.
High school students are eligible to apply for the listed internships, but only if they have completed 50 hours of volunteer work at the Museum. If you have not completed the volunteer requirement, you may want to consider our summer youth volunteer program. Keep an eye on the volunteer page for further information. If you have completed your 50 hours, then you can talk to your volunteer supervisor or the internship program coordinator about additional internship opportunities for high school students.
Are Museum of Science internships paid or unpaid?
We offer paid and unpaid positions, depending on the internship, as specified in each position description. Our paid internships pay $8.00 - $8.25 per hour. Any internship can be done for course credit, as long as your educational institution allows it.
How do I apply? What should I include?
Please submit a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for a specific internship position and a resume, including contact information for three references. You do not need letters of reference; simply list the contacts. The application and voluntary self-identification form are not necessary when you first apply and will only be required if you are selected for an interview.
Be sure to include the exact internship position title in the subject line of your email, and send everything to interncoordinator@mos.org.
See current position descriptions.
Emails are much preferred, as they can be more easily and quickly processed, but if necessary, you can send your cover letter and resume to:
Internship Program Coordinator
Museum of Science
Science Park
Boston, MA 02114
Fax: 617-589-0362
May I apply for multiple internships?
Please be sure to read over each position description carefully, as each has specific responsibilities and qualifications.
You may apply for multiple internships if you feel you meet the qualifications of each position. However, please be sure to send a separate email for each internship that interests you, with a cover letter and resume tailored to the requirements of each position.
When does recruiting start for summer, fall, or spring internships?
Summer internships (May/June - August) are advertised starting in mid-February. Fall internships (September - December) are advertised starting in mid-July. Spring internships (January/February - May/June) are advertised starting in mid-November. Please check the listing site for positions currently accepting applications.
Most internships run three to four months over the course of one semester.
When are the application deadlines?
All applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Internships will be filled on a rolling basis and will be removed from the listing site once we are no longer accepting applications. If there is a position on the site that interests you, please submit your materials in a timely manner, as many positions fill quickly.
How will I know if my application was received?
All applicants who send their materials by email will receive an auto-email confirmation within two business days. Applicants who send materials by mail or fax may follow up by email or phone. Please understand that due to the large quantity of applications received, we are not able to provide a personal response with status updates to each candidate. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted, and positions will be removed from the listing site once they have been filled.
Can I do an internship for course credit?
Yes, as long as your educational institution allows it. Students are responsible for paperwork, arrangements and credit fees.
Can I use my work study funds or my school's internship stipend?
Yes, as long as your educational institution allows it. We can work with students who wish to use their work study funds or internship stipends from their school. Students are responsible for all paperwork.
Do you offer housing for interns or relocation assistance?
No. Interns are responsible for their own housing and relocation costs.
Do you accept international students?
We cannot offer a visa to work in the internship program. You must be eligible to work in the United States in order to be considered.
What are the benefits of being an intern at the Museum of Science?
Intern benefits include free parking in the Museum garage and proximity to the MBTA's Green Line. Interns receive free admission to the Exhibit Halls, IMAX® movies, Planetarium shows, 3-D Digital Cinema, Butterfly Garden, and Duck tours, as well as discounts in the Museum store and café. We also have a great reciprocity agreement with local museums and institutions so you can visit them for free or reduced rates while you are an intern at the Museum!
Is there a career pathway at the Museum of Science?
Yes! The career pathway varies depending on whether you are a youth in high school or a post-high-school applicant.
High school youth age 14 - 18 are required to volunteer at the Museum for at least 50 hours before becoming eligible to apply for a paid internship. Once they have completed this requirement, most high school students apply for the summer SciCORE Internship Program which is only open to high school volunteers. However, some high school volunteers apply for academic year internships.
We require the 50 hours of volunteer service in order to familiarize students with the institution, help them develop valuable professional skill sets, and give them an appreciation for the culture and community of the Museum. For more information on this career pathway, please contact the internship program manager.
Applicants who are in college, graduate school, or are adult career changers can apply for any internship listed online.
At the conclusion of an internship, interns are welcome to apply for any job listed online.
I have a question that is not listed on this page. Whom should I contact?
Please contact the internship program coordinator: interncoordinator@mos.org, 617-589-0314.
