What's New?
Last updated on October 10, 2024.
1. The last SFS cohort successfully began their program in Fall 2024. We are currently
in the process of renewing our SFS grant. Please check back in Fall 2025 for updates
on future opportunities.
2. Twenty students have been enrolled in the CyberCorps program, actively participating
in DEFCON, GrrCon, NCL, and numerous other cybersecurity conferences, competitions,
and events. All expenses for these activities have been fully funded by the CyberCorps
scholarship.
3. If you have any questions, please contact us at: sfs@mtu.edu
What is CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS)?
CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) is a unique national program designed to
recruit and train the next generation of information technology professionals, industrial
control system security professionals, and security managers to meet the needs of
the cybersecurity mission for Federal, State, local, and tribal governments. This
program provides full scholarships for two or three years of support for cybersecurity
undergraduate and graduate education. In return for their scholarships, recipients
must agree to work after graduation for the U.S. Government, in a position related
to cybersecurity, for a period equal to the length of the scholarship.
Michigan Technological University is a proud participant in the CyberCorps®: Scholarship
for Service (SFS) program through a multi-million dollar grant awarded by the National
Science Foundation (NSF) in 2021. The CyberCorps program at Michigan Tech utilizes
a multi-disciplinary curriculum model by focusing on cross-cutting cybersecurity education
and research areas. The program collaborates with the Pavlis Honors College (PHC) at Michigan Tech to explore a unique strategy for mentoring, advising, and engaging CyberCorps scholars
based on a combination of faculty mentoring, peer mentoring, and customized honors
pathways.
CyberCorps scholars (scholarship recipients) shall receive all of the following:
- Full-time tuition and education related fees
- Stipend: $27,000 per year for undergraduate students and $37,000 per year for graduate
students
- Professional development allowance (travel, professional certification etc.) up to
$6,000 per academic year
In addition, there are many non-financial benefits:
- Career development opportunities
- Personalized academic advising
- Supports from professional communities, and many more.
Obligations for Scholarship Recipient
CyberCorps scholars must agree to:
- Work immediately following graduation for the Federal Government or a State, Local,
or Tribal Government in a position related to cybersecurity for a period equal to
the length of the scholarship
- Participate in government internship positions in the summers during the years of
scholarship study
- Participate in other CyberCorps activities, such as weekly individual meetings, monthly
group meetings, cyber competitions, conferences and workshops
- Meet other CyberCorps requirements, such as signing Service Agreement Forms and maintaining
good academic standing.
CyberCorps scholars are responsible to apply for and obtain a position. Michigan Tech's
CyberCorps program will provide assistance to CyberCorps scholars by helping identify
employment opportunities.
Eligibility for Scholarship
To be eligible for consideration for the CyberCorps scholarship, the student must meet ALL of the following:
1. United States citizen or lawful permanent resident
United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.
2. Meet selection criteria for U.S. federal employment
Internship placements and final job placements in government organizations typically
require high-level security clearances. Scholarship recipients are required to undergo
the background investigation necessary to obtain such clearances.
For reference purposes, you can review the federal SF-86 form- Questionnaire for National Security Positions. However, do NOT fill out the form for this CyberCorps application.
3. Have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
4. Current or prospective full-time student pursing cybersecurity related degrees
at Michigan Tech
Current or prospective full-time student pursing cybersecurity related degrees at
Michigan Tech:
-
- BS in Cybersecurity (CyS);
- BS in Computer Network and System Administration (CNSA);
- BS in Computer Science (CS);
- BS in Software Engineering (SE);
- BS in Computer Engineering (CpE);
- BS in Electrical Engineering (EE);
- BS in Management Information Systems (MIS);
- MS in Cybersecurity;
- Community college students and non-computing students.
CyberCorps Curriculum Tracks
The Michigan Tech CyberCorps program provides scholarship opportunities with the following
flexible tracks. If you are not sure about different options, contact the project
PI (Prof. Yu Cai, cai@mtu.edu) to discuss your study plan.
Track 1) BS in Cybersecurity
Students typically apply for the scholarship in their sophomore year and receive support
for two years, covering both their junior and senior years.
Track 2) BS in other participating major + minor in Cybersecurity
Students typically apply for the scholarship in their sophomore year and receive support
for two years, covering both their junior and senior years.
The minor in Cybersecurity requires 18 credit hours. Students are strongly encouraged
to take additional cybersecurity courses and include cybersecurity elements in their
senior design or enterprise projects.
Track 3) BS in a participating major + accelerated MS in Cybersecurity
Students typically apply for the scholarship in their junior/senior year and receive
support for two to three years, covering both their junior/senior and MS years.
The accelerated MS degree program allows MTU students to obtain a Master's degree
in one year following the completion of their Bachelor's degree.
Track 4) Regular MS in Cybersecurity
Students typically apply for the scholarship in their senior year and receive support
for two years covering their MS degrees.
This track is ideal for students who have limited experience in cybersecurity but
aspire to pursue a career in the field. It is also open to students whose undergraduate
degrees are not from Michigan Tech.
Track 5) Transfer students from Community Colleges
Transfer students from Community Colleges can enroll in Track 1 or Track 2 at Michigan
Tech.
Track 6) Option for third-year support to pursue an accelerated MS in Cybersecurity
Students in Track 1 and Track 2 will have the opportunity to extend their studies
for a third year, pursuing an accelerated MS in Cybersecurity, pending approval from
the supervising team of the scholarship program.
Typically, students pursuing a bachelor's degree are eligible for two years of CyberCorps
support, while those enrolled in a master's program may qualify for a third year of support. Below are some recommendations to help you select the right track.
If you are a high school student or a 1st year student at Michigan Tech
For high school students or 1st year students at Michigan Tech, we encourage you to
actively participate in cybersecurity activities and apply for the scholarship in
a later year. See practical suggestions for candidates.
If you are a 2nd year student at Michigan Tech
As a 2nd-year student at Michigan Tech, you have several options to consider. You
can opt for Track 1 or Track 2, which encompass pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity
or a Bachelor's degree in a Computing major with a Minor in Cybersecurity. Additionally,
you may apply for Track 6 to secure support for a third year, allowing you to pursue
a Master's degree in the field.
If you are a 3rd year student at Michigan Tech
If you are a 3rd-year student at Michigan Tech, you have the opportunity to apply
for Track 3, which involves pursuing both a Bachelor's and a accelerated Master's
degree in Cybersecurity.
If you are a 4th year student at Michigan Tech; or if your undergraduate degree is
not from Michigan Tech; or if you have limited cybersecurity background
You can opt for Track 4, which provides a two-year Master's program in Cybersecurity,
allowing you two years to develop and enhance your cybersecurity skill set.
If you are a student from a community college
If you are a student from a community college, you should transfer to Michigan Tech
after completing your degree at the community college.
Exceptional students from non-computing majors (such as law and policy)
Exceptional students from non-computing majors (such as law and policy) who demonstrate
strong commitment to cybersecurity career in government agencies will also be considered.
Contact the project PI (Prof. Yu Cai, cai@mtu.edu) to discuss your study plan.
Scholarship Application
Application Materials
A complete CyberCorps application must include the following items:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- A resume including a list of academic recognitions, awards, honors and distinctions
received
- Transcripts from all of the colleges and universities attended (unofficial copies
are ok)
- A short essay (no more than 2000 words) OR a short video (no more than 15 minutes) describing the applicant's:
- goals and motivations to pursue a career in cybersecurity
- commitment to the service obligation and understanding of government jobs
- past achievements and experiences related to cybersecurity
- leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
- Names and contact information of two reference providers. One should be able to address
your academic performance and potential for success. The other should be able to address
your character and work ethic. Do not list professors from the CyberCorps project
team as your reference providers (refer to the names listed in the Contact Us section), as they will serve on the candidate selection committee. Furthermore, submission
of reference letters is not necessary at the time of applying. Once students are shortlisted,
their reference providers will be contacted.
Submit a CyberCorps Application
Candidate Selection
This CyberCorps scholarship opportunity at Michigan Tech is a highly selective process
and subject to grant funding availability. After initial assessment based on submitted
application materials, a shortlist will be generated for in-person interviews. CyberCorps
candidates in the shortlist will also be asked to complete a questionnaire for background
check.
Underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, first-generation / low-income
students, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection criteria for CyberCorps scholarship recipients
- Academic performance and potential
- Resume highlighting cybersecurity experience and achievements
- Essay/video outlining the applicant's objectives as it relates to cybersecurity and
a career in government
- Reference check and background check
- Interview
What makes you a strong candidate for the CyberCorps scholarship
- Satisfactory academic performance and potential
- Commitment to complete the CyberCorps program successfully
- Commitment to government services after graduation
- Technical skills and experience (such as internship, cyber competitions, cybersecurity
projects, certifications...)
- Soft skills (such as leadership, communication, team work...) and experience (student
organizations, community services...)
- Possibility to get high-level security clearance
Practical suggestions to strengthen your qualification
- Join the RedTeam if you are a Michigan Tech student
- Participate in National Cyber League (NCL) and other cyber competitions
- Find summer internships to polish your computer skills
- Take cybersecurity courses and conduct cybersecurity projects
- Take leadership roles in student organizations and community activities
- Last but not least, study hard and get good grades
The project PI is Professor Yu Cai from the College of Computing at Michigan Tech.
Project co-PIs and other important personnel include Professor Jean Mayo, Professor Todd O. Arney, Professor Bo Chen, Professor Chee-Wooi Ten, Professor Kedmon N. Hungwe, and Mr. Chris Hohnholt. The project coordinator is Ms. Minnan Fei.
If you have questions or comments, please contact us at: sfs@mtu.edu
