Homeland Security Fellowships & Intern Programs
Established in 2003, the United States Department of Homeland Security's primary objective is to protect the nation from terrorism and other threats. A number of government agencies became part of the DHS to streamline efforts to secure the United States. Some of these agencies include the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs Office, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Secret Service. Students interested in exploring opportunities in law enforcement, national security, the sciences and other fields can apply for several DHS internships and fellowships.
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Eligibility Requirements
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Each student opportunity program has its own specific guidelines; however, all intern or fellow candidates must meet certain requirements regardless of the program they are applying to. Students must be United States citizens and be able to maintain security clearance throughout their participation in the program. Candidates must also be enrolled in an accredited college or university. The majority of the Homeland Security programs require participants to be at least 18.
The Sciences
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The majority of Homeland Security student programs are available for those pursuing careers in the sciences. The Nuclear Forensics Graduate Fellowship Program is the sole fellowship within the DHS as of March 2011. Fellowship candidates must be doctoral students in disciplines related to nuclear forensics; those selected will gain firsthand experience working in the field. Fellowships can be renewed for up to five years. Other internships include the National DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship, a program for students majoring in homeland security-related sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics; and the Office of Health Affairs Volunteer Scholars Program, open to students interested in health care issues related to homeland security.
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Legal, Law Enforcement & Security
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The Summer Law Intern program, a paid opportunity, puts law students to work in the Office of the General Counsel in Washington, D.C., for 10 to 12 weeks. Other unpaid opportunities are available in the Office of the General Counsel throughout the year. Law students are also eligible for the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Internship Development program. Students majoring in criminal justice or related disciplines can apply for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center College Intern program located in Georgia. Students majoring in computer sciences or technology can apply for the paid summer Cybersecurity Internship Program in D.C.
General Opportunities
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The DHS provides programs for students majoring in other disciplines as well. The Student Career Experience allows candidates to pursue paid internships nationwide related to their major. Opportunities are available with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Office of the Inspector General and the Transportation Security Administration, among others. Students who successfully complete the program and their education may be offered employment. Other paid opportunities are the Student Temporary Employment program and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Summer Enrichment Program.
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