Are you fascinated by the ocean, atmosphere, and the world around us? Do you dream of a career where you can make a real difference in environmental stewardship and scientific discovery? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers a wealth of educational opportunities designed to launch students into exciting and impactful Career Paths. Whether you’re an undergraduate just starting out, a graduate student diving deep into research, or even a high school student exploring your interests, NOAA provides various programs including internships, fellowships, and scholarships to help you gain invaluable experience and shape your future. These programs are specifically crafted to expose students to careers vital for the effective management and conservation of our precious marine resources and the broader environment.
Undergraduate Career Pathways at NOAA
For undergraduate students eager to gain hands-on experience and financial support, NOAA provides several exceptional programs.
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Each year, over 100 ambitious undergraduate students are selected as Hollings Scholars. This prestigious scholarship not only provides significant tuition assistance but also includes paid summer internship opportunities with NOAA facilities across the United States. Imagine spending your summer working alongside leading NOAA scientists and professionals, gaining practical skills and contributing to real-world projects.
Learn more about Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Learn more about past Hollings Scholar projects at NOAA Fisheries
Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI)
NOAA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in the Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions. This federal STEM education program is dedicated to cultivating a diverse future workforce for NOAA and related mission-driven enterprises. EPP/MSI provides tailored opportunities for students at Minority Serving Institutions to engage in NOAA’s work and explore career paths within the agency.
Learn more about Educational Partnership Program
NOAA College-Supported Internship Program
Collaborating directly with colleges, the NOAA College-Supported Internship Program offers undergraduate students summer internships funded by their institutions. NOAA provides the crucial real-world experience, allowing students to delve into science, policy development, and science communications. This program is an excellent stepping stone for students seeking career paths in environmental science and policy.
Learn more about NOAA College-Supported Internship Program
NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC)
Located in Maryland, the NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center focuses on developing talent from underrepresented communities in marine science. LMRCSC provides specialized training for students interested in career paths in marine research, resource management, and public policy, all geared towards the sustainable use and conservation of marine life.
Learn more NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
Regional NOAA Fisheries Undergraduate Internship Opportunities
NOAA Fisheries extends internship opportunities across various regions, welcoming students nationwide to apply. While internships are based in specific regions, they are open to all eligible students regardless of location. Regions include Alaska and the West Coast, the Northeast, the Pacific Islands, and the Southeast. These regional internships offer focused experiences within diverse marine ecosystems and connect students with local NOAA Fisheries education and outreach specialists.
Graduate Career Pathways at NOAA
For graduate students pursuing advanced studies, NOAA offers a suite of prestigious scholarships, fellowships, and internships designed to foster the next generation of leaders and experts in NOAA-related fields and provide clear career paths.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is highly regarded and supports outstanding graduate-level research, particularly encouraging applications from women and minority students. This scholarship is for those dedicated to NOAA’s mission sciences and provides significant support for independent research endeavors, directly contributing to future career paths in scientific research and academia.
Learn more about Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Legal Internships and Externships with NOAA General Counsel
Law students pursuing a J.D. or LLM can gain invaluable legal experience through internships and externships with NOAA’s General Counsel. Working under experienced attorneys, interns develop crucial legal skills in research, memorandum drafting, and communication, preparing them for career paths in environmental law and government service.
Learn more about legal internships and externships with NOAA General Counsel
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP)
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Internship Program offers unique internship opportunities at NOAA for NSF Graduate Fellows and students. GRIP expands the research horizons of NSF fellows, providing them with practical experience and potential career paths within NOAA’s research divisions.
Learn more about the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Internship Program
NOAA Graduate Research and Training Scholarship Program (GRTSP)
The NOAA Graduate Research and Training Scholarship Program is focused on building a strong pipeline of talented individuals from minority-serving institutions. GRTSP supports students pursuing STEM degrees relevant to NOAA’s mission, ensuring a diverse and well-educated workforce ready for future career paths at NOAA and related agencies.
Learn more about NOAA Graduate Research and Training Scholarship Program
NOAA Fisheries/Sea Grant Fellowship
The NOAA Fisheries/Sea Grant Fellowship is a prestigious program providing substantial support for PhD students. Fellows focus on doctoral research directly related to marine resource economics, population dynamics, and ecosystem dynamics. This fellowship is a direct route to specialized career paths in fisheries management and marine ecosystem research.
Learn more about the NOAA Fisheries/Sea Grant Fellowship
NOAA Fisheries Quantitative Ecology and Socioeconomics Training Program (QUEST)
The QUEST program is dedicated to educating and training the next generation of experts in ecosystem science, stock assessment, and socioeconomics. By connecting faculty, graduate and undergraduate students with NOAA Fisheries scientists, QUEST provides vital educational training and opens career paths in these critical fields for marine resource management.
Learn more about NOAA Fisheries Quantitative Ecology and Socioeconomics Training Program
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program
The Presidential Management Fellows Program is a distinguished two-year leadership development fellowship. Designed to attract advanced degree holders to federal service, the PMF program offers an accelerated career path into leadership roles within NOAA and other federal agencies.
Learn more about the Presidential Management Fellows Program
Scott B. Gudes Public Service Graduate Scholarship in Marine Resource Conservation
This scholarship honors exemplary public service and academic excellence. It supports master’s and doctoral students whose research significantly contributes to marine resource conservation and who demonstrate a commitment to public service, paving the way for career paths that blend research and public impact.
Learn more about Scott B. Gudes Public Service Graduate Scholarship in Marine Resource Conservation
Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for graduate students interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and national policy. This year-long paid fellowship in Washington, D.C., places fellows in policy positions, providing direct experience and launching career paths in marine policy and federal governance.
Learn more about the Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
Career Exploration for High School Students and Beyond
NOAA’s commitment to fostering future generations extends to programs designed for high school students and even recent graduates, ensuring a broad spectrum of entry points into marine and environmental career paths.
K–12 Career Interest Programs
NOAA Fisheries actively partners with various organizations to provide programs that enhance public understanding of our oceans and inspire young people to pursue science and stewardship career paths. These initiatives specifically aim to reach communities traditionally underrepresented in science, broadening access to opportunities in marine fields.
Find student programs and opportunities
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a paid summer internship and mentoring program specifically for high school juniors and seniors. For students interested in fisheries science, marine biology, and related STEM fields, Hutton provides invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship, directly guiding them towards relevant career paths.
Learn more about The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Pathways Programs & Federal Job Postings
The Pathways Programs provide clear routes into federal internships and career paths for students from high school through post-graduate levels, including opportunities within NOAA Fisheries. Furthermore, federal job postings for students and recent graduates offer direct entry points into federal service, making NOAA and related agencies accessible employers for those starting their careers.
Learn more about Federal Job Postings for Students and Recent Graduates
Charting Your Course with NOAA
NOAA is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of scientists, policymakers, and environmental stewards. Through a wide array of scholarships, internships, and fellowships, NOAA provides unparalleled opportunities for students at all levels to explore diverse career paths in oceanographic and atmospheric science, environmental conservation, and related fields. By engaging with NOAA’s programs, students not only gain invaluable experience but also contribute to the critical mission of understanding and protecting our planet. Explore the programs highlighted and take the first step towards a rewarding career with NOAA.
