Cyber Service Academy (CSA)

The Cyber Service Academy (CSA), previously known as the Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP), is dedicated to recruiting and retaining the nation's top cyber talent to meet the Department of Defense's (DoD) cyber requirements. This program aims to secure our nation against the threats to information systems and networks by enhancing cyber education programs and expanding the cyber talent pipeline through scholarships and capacity-building initiatives.

Program Overview

Scholarships and Recruitment

• Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). George Mason University has held this designation since it was first established. Both undergraduate and graduate students not currently employed by the DoD or federal government are eligible.
• Focus: The CSA focuses on recruiting individuals into cyber roles within the DoD, as well as retaining current DoD personnel with critical cyber skills.

Eligibility Details

The DoD Cyber Service Academy (CSA) has specific eligibility criteria for both its recruitment and retention programs:

• Recruitment Program:
• Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, and graduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens able to qualify for a security clearance.
• Applicants should be enrolled full-time in a cyber-related program at a designated NCAE-C.
• Must not be a full-time permanent DoD federal employee or active-duty military.
• Should have at least one full academic year remaining in their degree program.
• Retention Program:
• No minimum GPA for applicants pursuing an Associate’s degree; a minimum 3.0 GPA for Master's degree, and a minimum 3.2 GPA for PhD/Doctorate.
• Open to Active-Duty and Permanent DoD Civilians.
• Requires GRE/GMAT scores, transcripts, and supervisor recommendation/endorsement.

Support Provided

The DoD CSA provides extensive support to both recruitment and retention participants, including:

• Full tuition and required fees, which may include institutional healthcare programs.
• Required books from institution- or degree-specific book lists.
• A one-time laptop/computer purchase.
• Stipends to cover room and board:
  • $25,000 for community college students.
  • $29,000 for undergraduate students.
  • $34,000 for graduate (master’s/Ph.D.) students.
• Continuation of military pay and civilian salary for participants in the Retention Program.
• Opportunities for structured internships and employment within the DoD upon program completion.
• Service obligations aligned with the amount of funding received (typically 1 year of service for each year of funding).

Program Timeline

The DoD CSA program follows a specific timeline for both recruitment and retention applications:

• Recruitment Program Timeline:
• Returning Recruitment Application Opens: October 1
• New Recruitment Application Opens: November 1
• Application Closes: February 1
• DoD CSA "Football Draft" (Selections): April 3
• Announcements of Recruitment Scholarships: April 15
• Scholarship Acceptance Deadline: April 29
• Retention Program Timeline:
• Retention Application Opens: October 1
• Retention Application Closes: February 1
• Announcements of Retention Scholarships: April 15
• Scholarship Acceptance Deadline: April 29

Application Process

To apply for the Recruitment Program, please use the online application portal . Current DoD civilians and active-duty military may not use this portal to apply. Please contact the DoD CSA Program Office for more information about the Retention Program.

Helpful Links

Please share these links with your students for more information about careers in cybersecurity with various federal agencies:

• Careers at CISA
• Careers at FBI
• National Security Agency Careers
• National Security Agency/Central Security Service > Academics > For Students (nsa.gov)
• Writing an Effective Federal Resume (doi.gov)
• Chief Information Officer - U.S. Department of Defense
• DoD Cyber Service Academy (defense.gov)
• DoD Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA) – DoD Cyber Exchange

For more detailed information about the DoD CSA program, including application details, eligibility, and benefits, please visit the official program page .