Scholarship Opportunity: Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA)
Applications are due February 1, 2025.
The DoD Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA) is both a scholarship program for the DoD and a capacity-building tool for the nation. Given our increasing reliance on cybersecurity, information technology (IT), the growing threats to information, and information systems and infrastructures, the Department of Defense (DoD) must protect itself. The objectives of the program are to promote higher education in all disciplines of cybersecurity, to enhance the Department’s ability to recruit and retain cyber and IT specialists, to increase the number of military and civilian personnel in the DoD with this expertise, and ultimately, to enhance the nation’s cyber posture.
Recruitment Scholarships (Non-DoD Employees):
As a recruitment tool, the DoD CSA sponsors students who currently are not DoD or government employees who are enrolled in or applying to universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. Following graduation, students are eligible for full-time employment with various components and agencies across the DoD. Students are required to work for the DoD for a minimum of one year for each year of scholarship support they receive.
Program Eligibility:
• Undergraduate Student (GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0) who is a rising junior or senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity. (Fall 2025)
• Graduate Student (GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0) who is pursuing a graduate degree in Cybersecurity
• All students must have at least one full academic year remaining in a degree program.
• At least 18 years old, A United States Citizen, who can qualify for a security clearance.
• Currently not a full-time, permanent DoD, Federal Employee, or Active-Duty military.
• Enrolled in a full-time cyber program at a designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.
• Pursuing a course of student and/or having a declared major in one of the scientific, technical, or managed disciplines related to cyber or having a concentration in cyber. For ODU students this is the BS or MS in Cybersecurity.
• Maintain flexibility to move within the continental US to perform internships or final service obligations.
• Service an equal number of years with a Department of Defense agency as received scholarship funding.
Scholarship provides:
• Covers Full tuition and required fees
• Annual Stipend
• $29,000 for undergraduate students
• $34,000 for graduate students
• One-time purchase of laptop/computer
• Covers cost of required books/course supplies
Visit the DoD CSA website for more information and to apply. https://www.dodemergingtech.com/dod-programs/cyber-service-academy-csa/