K-State Center for Cybersecurity and Trustworthy Systems (K-CaTS)

CoD Cyber Service Academy

In recognition of the need to train, support, and retain top talent in "cyber"-related disciplines, the DoD Cyber Service Academy is available to students pursuing associates, undergraduate, master's, or doctorate degrees at designated CAE institutions (including Kansas State University, a CAE-R school). The Cyber Service Academy between one and five years of support, depending on the degree program, although the scholarship must be explicitly renewed every year. Students must complete a service obligation upon graduation, working one year for the Department of Defense for each year of scholarship that was received. While receiving the scholarship, students must also obtain a summer internship at the DoD.

This opportnity is open only to citizens of the United States (some exceptions apply; those with permanent resident status are not eligible). Students must be at least eighteen years of age to be eligible. Applicants for undergraduate awards must be currently enrolled in a CAE-CD-, CAE-R-, or CAE-CD-designated U.S. college or university. Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (undergraduate) or 3.5 (graduate) on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in, or closely related to, one of the approved STEM disciplines. Awardee must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Scholars Benefits

  • Cash award paid at a rate of $27,000-$32,000 per year, depending on degree level being pursued.

  • Full tuition, fees, books, and related educational expenses.

  • Travel allowance for degree-related events.

  • Coverage of any required health care fees.

  • Summer internships (multi-year participants).

  • Post-graduation career opportunities.

How does it work?

Interested applicants who are pursuing a degree in, or closely related to, one of the focus areas listed below should complete an online application process and then contact their institution's scholarship liaison at cs-sfs@ksu.edu and be sure to mention their interest specifically in DoD Cyber Service Academy.

What will it accomplish?

The Department of Defense's Cyber Service Academy is meant as a recruitment and retention tool to help the DoD protect itself from the constantly evolving threats within the digital technology landscape. Sponsored by the Chief Information Office and administered by the National Security Agency, it helps the DoD maintain a highly-qualified staff of IT professionals with up-to-date cybersecurity knowledge.

Focus Areas of Study

  • Cybersecurity, encompassing the scientific, technical, and management disciplines required to ensure computer and network security
  • Relevant cyber‐related academic disciplines, with concentrations in cyber security
  • Any other similar disciplines as approved by the DoD Chief Information Office (DoD CIO)