Department of War Cyber Service Academy

Note: Applications are open from October 1 to January 31, apply now!

Department of War (DoW) Cyber Service Academy (CSA) is a scholarship-for-service program that provides full tuition, fees and books plus a stipend for $29,000 for living expenses to undergraduates in a cyber-related degree program ($34,000 for UNG’s Master of Science in Computer Science) 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) Freshmen through graduate students are welcome to apply this year!
  • Be enrolled full-time 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 a minimum 3.2 GPA as an undergraduate, or a minimum 3.5 GPA as a graduate student.
  • Be willing to sign a written agreement to work for the DoW 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 DoW or Federal employee (civilian or military; exception: current Reserve or National Guard are eligible to apply) 
  • If male, must register with selective service.

How Do I Apply?

Note: Applications are open from December 12, 2025 through February 17, 2026 at noon, apply now!

  1. Visit the DoW CSA website to learn more and to register for an account.
  2. Make sure your cyber/CS 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 January 31. Be sure to complete both parts of the DoW CSA application online. 

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 welcome 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 email Kim Bruner or call 706-867-2189.

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