What Internships Qualify for Launch?

Internships that qualify for the Launch program are opportunities that allow a student to investigate a career related to the biological sciences in depth. The experience must have clearly defined learning objectives/goals that are related to the professional goals of the biological sciences student. Internships may be full or part time.

Part-time internships require 12-15 hours per week and must complete 140 working hours. Full-time internships require 30-40 hours per week for a total of 450 hours.
Students must be able to provide their own transportation to internship sites.
Internships that qualify for the Launch program are eligible for credit, but there is no guarantee that they are paid. It is up to the sponsor to determine if they are able to provide monetary compensation for an intern. Students who have a qualifying financial need may also be eligible for grant funds through the Arts and Sciences Internship Program.

How do I Find an Internship?

Students are encouraged to independently arrange their internships. Some options are posted on Handshake or on our Internship Opportunities page, but students are free to seek opportunities beyond those listed there.

On Handshake, start by searching the job postings for the label "dept: biological sciences - launch program"

Students should work closely with the Launch Internship Coordinator to determine if the experience qualifies for the program. Once an independent internship is finalized, students should complete the Launch Application to officially participate in the program.

If you are looking for something specific, but aren't sure where to start, set up a meeting with the Launch Internship Coordinator, Dr. Martin St. Maurice.

Student Eligibility Requirements

The student is a full-time and degree seeking Marquette student with a major in the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences
The student is making satisfactory progress towards their degree in the Department of Biological Sciences, and has completed BIOL 1001, BIOL 1002.
The student must apply for Launch online. The student’s internship must be approved for biology credit by the Department of Biological Sciences’ Internship Committee, and this approval must be obtained before starting the internship.

Launch Courses

Launch internships are designed to offer 3 credits that count toward the majors in the biological sciences. Students may use their internship experience to satisfy one lab-course requirement (unless they are using BIOL 4956 for a lab requirement). If a student elects to take a second Launch internship, they may receive credit again, but as an elective toward their major.

Students must register for either BIOL 3986 (Part-Time Internship) or BIOL 3987 (Full-Time Internship) during the semester of their internship. This allows your internship experience to show on your transcript -regardless whether you opt for receiving credit.
Students may register for BIOL 4987 (Applying the Internship Experience) concurrently with their internship or in their next semester post-internship. This weekly 1-hour, 3 credit seminar provides support and reflection to enhance the internship experience.