Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program

The Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP) (formerly the DoD Information Assurance Scholarship Program) is designed to recruit the nation’s top cyber talent to the DoD as well as retain our current cyber workforce to help secure our nation against the threats of information systems and networks.

Starting in 2023, both new applicants and returning scholars need to use this online portal to submit their applications. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS FEBRUARY 1.

Eligibilities

Students who plan to apply need to understand the eligibility requirements:

  1. Must fall into one of the following categories:
    • rising college Junior or Senior pursuing a bachelor's degree or
    • in their first or second year of a master's degree or
    • pursuing doctoral degrees
  2. Must be US citizens and must qualify for security clearance.
  3. Must not currently be a DoD or Federal employee (civilian or military)
  4. Must be enrolled (accepted for enrollment) in a full-time program at one of the 300+ schools designated by NSA as an NCAE-C. A list of those potential participating schools can be found at https://www.caecommunity.org/cae-map
  5. Must be pursuing a course of study and/or have a declared major in one of the scientific, technical, or managerial disciplines related to cyber or with a concentration in cybersecurity.
    • RIT students must major or minor in Cybersecurity or Cybersecurity Risk Management.
  6. As an undergraduate student, the applicant has a 3.2 out of a 4.0 grade point average (GPA); as a graduate student, the applicant has a 3.5 GPA out of 4.0, or an equivalent rank based on a comparable scale.
  7. Must be willing to be mobile and move to the location of their internship/final service obligation.

Once in the program

  1. Sign a written agreement obligating you to work for the Department of Defense, as a civilian employee for one calendar year for each year of scholarship assistance
  2. Serve in internship positions, if timing permits, with DoD organizations during the time you are receiving scholarship support
  3. Agree to a security/background investigation (for internships and future DoD employment). Drug tests or other suitability processing will occur as appropriate.
  4. Maintain good academic standing: 3.2 out of 4.0 GPA (undergraduates); 3.5 out of a 4.0 GPA (graduates)

Program Benefits

  • Undergraduate Year: full tuition and fees and a $29,000 stipend per year
  • Graduate Year: full tuition and fees and a $34,000 stipend per year
  • All required textbooks and a one-time laptop purchase
  • A guaranteed internship position with DoD and a full-time job with DoD after graduation 

Point of Contact

For more information, please contact Dr. Bo Yuan via email at bo.yuan@rit.edu.