Internships

INTERNSHIPS

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) offers three distinct internship programs – NCIS Honors internship, DOD SkillBridge, and Wounded Warrior – each designed to cultivate professional skills, knowledge, and experience for both collegiate students and active-duty service members. We seek motivated individuals with strong academics and outstanding character. An NCIS internship provides unparalleled insight into our agency, our vital global mission, and the demands of serving in an elite civilian federal law enforcement and national security organization.

NCIS Honors Internship Program

The NCIS Honors internship program is designed to provide students from all academic backgrounds with real-world experience in law enforcement and national security. As a paid intern (GS 3, GS 4, or GS 5 depending on academic credits) you’ll be immersed in a minimum 10-week experience working alongside NCIS personnel, gaining valuable skills, knowledge, and professional development. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and strive to match you with an internship that aligns with your studies and interests.

Here’s what you can expect:

Hands-on Experience: Work on real cases and projects related to law enforcement, national security, intelligence, and cyber.
Mentorship: Learn from NCIS subject matter experts.
Skill Development: Enhance your critical thinking, problem solving, and investigative abilities.
Professional Growth: Build your network and gain valuable insights into a career with NCIS.

NCIS offers three internship programs annually, based at NCIS Headquarters in Quantico, VA or at various field offices.

SPRING INTERNSHIP: January – May (Currently not accepting applications)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP: May – July (Currently not accepting applications)
FALL INTERNSHIP: August – December (Currently not accepting applications)

To qualify for the Honors internship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program and 18 years old at the time of application submission.
Maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Possess United States Citizenship.
Comply with the NCIS drug policy, which prohibits the use of marijuana use within the last three (3) years preceding application submission and the commencement of the internship.
Favorable completion of criminal history checks and credit checks
Favorable review of T3 investigation and submission for an interim secret clearance

For more information about the internship program, application instructions, field office locations (https://www.ncis.navy.mil/About-NCIS/Locations/) and directorates, please reference the following documents.

NCIS Internship Program Overview & Application Instructions

NCIS Internship Field Office Locations and Directorates

Learn more about the NCIS Honors Internship Program:

How to Apply
Submit the following application documents to ncis_internships@ncis.navy.mil by the application deadline.
Cover letter: In your cover letter, specify your top three preferred NCIS field offices and directorates for your internship.
Resume: Your resume should be no more than two pages and include your anticipated graduation month and year.
Essay: Tell us about yourself in a one-page essay. Share your background, interests, your career goals (objectives), and why you’re motivated to join the internship program.
Recommendation Letters: Please provide two letters of recommendation, with at least one from a college faculty member.
College transcript: Submit either an unofficial or official transcript that includes your cumulative GPA.

- Request for Biographical Information
- NCIS Background Security Questionnaire – Interns
- Authorization for Release of Information Form
Frequently Asked Questions
View the Frequently Asked Questions related to the NCIS Honors Internship Program.
DOD SkillBridge
The DOD SkillBridge program offers transitioning active-duty service members a unique opportunity to leverage their tenured careers by gaining valuable civilian work experience at NCIS during their final 90-180 days of service, facilitating a smooth transition into the civilian workforce.

SkillBridge Requirements
- Minimum 90-day internship commitment
- Secret security clearance or higher
- Completion of a favorable NCIS suitability check
NCIS Wounded Warrior Intern Program
NCIS is committed to supporting our wounded warriors. The Wounded Warrior program offers internship opportunities for service members undergoing medical treatment, enabling them to develop valuable skills at NCIS as they transition back to active duty or towards medical retirement.

Wounded Warrior Requirements
- Service member is an Operation Warfighter (OWF) program participant
- Minimum three-month internship commitment
- Secret security clearance or higher
- Completion of a favorable NCIS suitability check
For information about the DOD SkillBridge or Wounded Warrior internship programs with NCIS please contact ncis_internships@ncis.navy.mil.