Department of DefenseÌýCyber Service Academy (CSA)
Given our increasing reliance on cybersecurity, information technology (IT), the growing threats to information and information systems and infrastructures, it is critical that the Department of Defense (DoD) protect itself.
To do so, the DoD must be staffed with technically savvy personnel.
To help achieve this task, the DoD Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA)
was established. The DoD CSA is sponsored by the DoD Chief Information Office and administered by the National Security Agency (NSA).
Please read all details below regarding the CSA, application process, scholarship requirements and work commitment. If you are intending to apply or have additional questions about the program, please contact Alper Yayla, director of cybersecurity programs, atÌýayayla@ut.edu.
Application Deadline: Feb. 1, 2025
About CSA
The Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Service Academy Scholarship Program promotes the education, recruitment, and retention of rising second-year NCAE-C community college, junior and senior undergraduate, and graduate/doctoral students in cybersecurity studies. Read on to learn how to apply for a DoD CSA cyber scholarship.
Benefits of the CSA program:
- Provides students the opportunity to learn first-hand and contribute to securing our nation against the threat of information systems and networks,
- Affords the opportunity for consideration for full-time employment after graduation and completion of the program, and
- Receive progressive, hands-on experience through structured internships with select DoD Components during academic breaks.
Scholarship awards:
- Full tuition and required fees (which may include institutional health care programs),
- Required books from the required institution- or degree-specific book list,
- One-time laptop/computer purchase,
- Stipend to cover room and board,
- $29,000 for undergraduate students, and
- $34,000 for graduate students
Students in the program are required to re-apply each year for continued funding.
- Rising junior or senior undergraduate students with minimum 3.2 GPA and graduate students with minimum 3.5 GPA out of 4.0,
- U.S. citizen able to qualify for a security clearance,
- Currently not a full-time, permanent DoD, federal employee or active duty military,
- Pursuing cybersecurity degree,
- Have at least one full academic year remaining in degree program,
- Maintain flexibility to move within the continental U.S. to perform internships and final service obligations, and
- Currently unencumbered to another program with a required service obligation.
- Students selected to participate in the DoD CSA/DCDSA/DCDSA will be required to sign a written agreement obligating them to work for the DoD, as a civilian employee, for one calendar year for each year of scholarship assistance. This agreement is provided to the selecting agency for their records to ensure compliance with the service commitment.
- Students will be required to serve in internship positions, if timing permits, with the selecting DoD organization during the time they are receiving scholarship support until they complete the course of study provided for by the scholarship. These internships will be arranged by the DoD organizations to occur during the summer or other breaks between school terms, as appropriate to the individual’s circumstances and the institution’s calendar. The internship does not count toward satisfying the period of obligated service incurred by accepting the DoD CSA/DCDSA/DCDSA scholarship.
- Students will be required to formally accept or decline the scholarship within 15 days of notification. Non-acceptance by this date will mean the scholarship will be offered to the next available student.
- Students will be required to complete a security investigation questionnaire to initiate the process for a background investigation in preparation for their internships, if applicable, and as a condition of future employment with the DoD. Drug tests or other suitability processing will occur as appropriate.
- Students will be required to sign an agreement stating that they will accept assignments requiring travel or change of duty stations as interns or employees. Individuals who voluntarily terminate employment during intern appointments or before the end of the period of obligated service required by the terms of Chapter 112, title 10, United States Code, will be required to refund the United States, in whole or in part, the cost of the educational assistance provided to them. Web pages have been provided in the Application Background and Application Package for review about security clearances to assist both the principle investigator and the students in understanding these requirements before they apply.
- An opportunity also exists for scholarship payback through military service. Individuals choosing to enlist or accept a commission to serve on active duty in one of the military services shall incur a service obligation of a minimum of four years on active duty in that service upon graduation. The military services may establish a service obligation longer than four years, depending on the occupational specialty and type of enlistment or commissioning program selected.
- Students who fail to complete the degree program satisfactorily or to fulfill the service commitment upon graduation shall be required to reimburse the United States, in whole or in part, the cost of the financial (scholarship) assistance provided to them.
- Students will be required to agree to a code of conduct. A student handbook that includes the code of conduct rules will be provided to each selected student.
- Recruitment scholars may accept funding from sources outside of DoD CSA/DCDSA, including private scholarships, fellowships, and grants as long as those funds can be used for non-tuition related costs (housing, supplies, meal plans, etc.). The student tuition must be fully paid by the DoD CSA/DCDSA.
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