Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy

Note: Applications are open from November 1 through February 1 apply now!

The Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Service Program (CSA) is a scholarship-for-service program that provides full tuition, fees and books plus a stipend for $29,000 for living expenses to juniors and seniors in a cyber-related degree program ($34,000 for Master's in a cyber degree or concentration) at a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). UNG is designated as a NCAE-C by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security since 2016.

Am I Eligible?

You must:
  • Be at least 18 years old and a US citizen able to obtain security clearance (background investigation required)
  • Be enrolled with a declared major in one of the scientific, technical, or managerial disciplines related to cyber or with a concentration in cybersecurity (e.g., major in computer science, information systems, strategic studies with a cyber concentration, cybersecurity minor with major in business, mathematics, physics, engineering, environmental spatial analysis, or criminal justice)
  • Have successfully completed at least 60-credit-hours with a minimum 3.2 GPA as an undergraduate, or be enrolled in a Master’s program with a minimum 3.5 GPA and a cyber concentration or cyber graduate certificate, by the semester the scholarship begins.
  • Be willing to sign a written agreement to work for the DoD as a civilian employee for one calendar year for each year of scholarship assistance (and to serve in summer internships for multi-year scholarships)
  • Must not currently be a DoD or Federal employee (civilian or military; exception: current Reserve or National Guard are eligible to apply) 
  • If male, must register with selective service.
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How Do I Apply?

Note: Applications are open from November 1 through February 1 apply now!

  1. Visit the DoD CSA website to learn more and to register for an account.
  2. Make sure your major, minor and/or concentration are correctly recorded in Banner 
    • Student Menu, bottom link “Internal Transfer - Change Degree, Major/Minor"
  3. Gather required materials:
    • Transcripts from all the institutions of higher learning you have attended.
    • Current resume (template provided with the application)
    • List of Recognitions, Honors, and Awards (include scholarships, competitions, conferences, and certifications completed or in progress).
    • One (1) Letter of Reference from a current faculty member who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability. Letters must be on University letterhead and contain the full name and contact information of the faculty member (phone, email, and address).
    • One (1) additional Letter of Reference from either a current or former faculty member, or a current or former supervisor who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability. Letters must be on official letterhead and contain the full name and contact information of the faculty member or supervisor (phone, email, and address).
  4.  Apply online before February 1 through the online DoD CySP application portal.

To request a letter of recommendation, email your resume to your faculty member(s) or supervisor [as soon as possible]. Dr. Payne, Dr. Abegaz, Dr. Mienie and LTC Williams regularly recommend students for this program, and other recommenders are welcomed, as well.

CSA Student Application

If you need this application form in an alternate format for accessibility purposes (e.g. Braille, large print, audio, etc.), please contact Sherry Parker by email at sherry.parker@ung.edu call 706-867-3180.

UNG News Articles About the DOD Scholarship