DoD Cyber Service Academy

 

The Department of Defense's (DoD) Cyber Service Academy (CSA) (previously known as the Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP)) is open to Augusta University students enrolled in the 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate education, and current or prospective students in AU's graduate programs.

The purpose of the program is to increase the number of qualified students entering the fields of information assurance, information technology, and cybersecurity to meet the DoD's increasing dependence on cybersecurity for war fighting and the security of its information infrastructure.

Since 2017, Augusta University has received over $2 million in scholarship funding from the Department of Defense. Twenty-five students have received this prestigious scholarship, including nine multi-year recipients.

Georgia Congressman Rick Allen was one of several members of Congress in support of what is now known as the Department of Defense Cybersecurity Scholarship Act of 2017, citing a desire to support students pursuing their passion.

"I have always said we must encourage students to find their passions early on and allow those interests to be carried on throughout their educational careers – the cyber industry is yet another example...Augusta University is leading educational innovation in my district to prepare the next generation of cyber warriors. Investing in future generations makes it possible to field the cyber threats of today, tomorrow and years to come.

- Rick Allen (R-GA)

Eligibility:

• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must be a citizen of the United States at the time of application. Note, if family members are not U.S. Citizens, some DoD Agencies may be unable to process the applicant (student) to the security clearance level required. Every effort will be made to assign eligible students at an Agency without such restrictions.
• You must be enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in one of the identified CAE colleges or universities listed in this announcement, or enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at an institution selected by a CAE as a collaborative partner for these purposes.
• If applying to Augusta University's CSA program, by August 2026 you must (a) begin either the third or fourth year of an undergraduate degree program related to cybersecurity; or (b) begin the first or second year of a Master's degree program in Information Security Management (MS ISM), Computer Science (MS CS), or Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS); or (c) be a PhD student in the Computer and Cyber Sciences program. You must be pursuing a course of study and/or have a declared major in one of the scientific, technical, or managerial disciplines related to cybersecurity or with a concentration in cybersecurity.
• Undergraduate students must have successfully completed either CYBR 2600, CSCI 3400 or a transfer equivalent of one of those courses with a 'C' or better.
• Students must be registered and maintain a full-time course-load during the scholarship period.

Benefits:

• All tuition and required fees are paid by the scholarship
• Book and computer allowance provided
• Internship requirements provide hands on experience
• Stipend for undergraduates: $29,000
• Stipend for graduate students $34,000

Information Session Video