Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a citizen of the U.S. enrolled with a declared major, minor, or concentration in a cyber-related degree program (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 by [the end of the semester before the deadline], or be enrolled in a Master’s program with a minimum 3.5 GPA and plan to complete the summer graduate certificate in cybersecurity.
• 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).
• Be able to obtain security clearance (background investigation required).

Note: The deadline for Spring 2022 is passed. Check back for announcements for next year's deadline.

1. Visit the federal DoD CySP 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)
     1. • Resume Template/Guide (Word)
        • What to include in your Federal Government resume (PDF) 
   • 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 [the next deadline] 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. Rusk, Dr. Mienie and LTC Williams regularly recommend students for this program, and other recommenders are welcomed, as well.

• Three students win DOD Cyber Scholarships - June 26, 2020
• Department of Defense funds $1.475 million for cyber institute - December 14, 2020
• Two juniors and one senior earn cybersecurity scholarships - August 19, 2019
• Two earn cyber scholarships and internships from DoD -  August 20, 2018