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CSIS News

January 23, 2018

DoD Information Assurance Scholarship Program: Apply by Feb. 12

The Department of Defense is seeking graduate and doctoral students who are interested in full-ride scholarships for concentrated studies in Cybersecurity. Scholarships will cover the following:

  • Full tuition, books, and required fees (including health care)
  • Stipends to cover room and board: $30,000 for Masters/Ph.D.
  • Progressive, hands on experience in information security internship opportunities and job placement with federal government agencies

Information Assurance scholars must agree to some restrictions and obligations regarding curriculum, GPA, and pre- and postprogram employment. If all conditions are met, scholars will receive full-time conditional/permanent positions in Components of the DoD upon program completion.

Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • U.S. Citizens, or permanent residents admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence prior to award
  • Good academic standing (GPA: 3.5 or above)
  • Cyber Security concentration within the MS AIT program
  • Attend school in 2018-2019 academic year

To submit an application, integrate all the required documents into a single MS Word file and e-mail it to irytikov@gmu.edu. The application should consist of the following items:

1. The IASP Student Application completely filled out and signed (see Attachment D).

2. Separate sheet highlighting Recognitions, Honors and Awards (see page 5 of Attachment D). You may attach a separate sheet of plain 8 ½” x 11” paper on which you record your responses or the continuations of your responses. On each such page, indicate your name.

3. Supplemental Academic Sufficiency Statement (see pages 4-10 of Attachment D). You must complete the Statement of Academic Sufficiency supplement to the OF612, to which you must attach the following additional supplemental statements:

  • Resume
  • Two Letters of Reference that discuss your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability. See page 5 of Attachment D for instructions about the content of Letters of Reference. One letter must be from the current faculty member, and one letter must be from either a current or former faculty member or a current or former supervisor.
  • Official (certified) transcripts from all the institutions of higher learning you have attended. Transcripts must be either mailed or delivered in person in a sealed envelope to Dr. Rytikova, Associate Chair for Graduate Studies. If delivered in person, envelopes must be left in Dr. Rytikova's mailbox in Eng. Build., room 5400, Fairfax campus. Web printed copies will not be accepted.
  • Supplemental Competency Statement: Knowledge, Skills and Attributes (see page 6 of Attachment D): You must complete the OF612 Supplemental Competency Statement with narrative responses that your knowledge and ability in each of the six competency areas identified. See remainder of application package for instructions about the content of this supplemental statement.
  • Signature of the Supplemental Statement of General Academic and Employment Conditions (see page 10 of Attachment D). If you agree with the all of the academic and employment conditions required for your receipt of scholarship assistance and appointment under the IASP, and wish to be considered for it, you must sign the OF612 Supplemental Statement of General Academic and Employment Conditions.

The deadline to submit applications is February 12, 2018.

We encourage students to submit their applications as early as possible to increase their chances of being selected for the scholarship.

Note: If you do not have the Cyber Security concentration declared, fill out the top part of the Change of Program form (http://registrar.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/GCP.pdf ) and send it to msait@gmu.edu before applying for the scholarship.