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Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program (DoD CySP)

Apply to WGU and See If You Qualify for the Cyber Scholarship

As a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) institution, WGU is pleased to extend this opportunity to its full-time students who are pursuing eligible degrees that include qualified security training. Sponsored by the US Department of Defense (DoD), this high value scholarship provides the following incredible benefits:

  • Fully-paid tuition
  • $27,000.00 USD stipend (for bachelor’s degree) and $32,000.00 USD stipend for master’s degree)
  • Security Clearance
  • A full-time job when you graduate

The 2023-24 student recruitment season is now open and the deadline for entry is on February 1, 2023 so you must act quickly!

Eligible Degree Programs

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.

  • Time: 70% of graduates finish within 21 months.
  • Tuition: $3,950 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 34 total courses in this program.

Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

  • Cyber crimes investigator
  • Director of cybersecurity
  • Chief of cyber counterintelligence
  • Cybersecurity engineer
  • Cyber operations planner

Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:

  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
  • ITIL® Foundation Certification
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
  • CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
  • CompTIA Network Security Professional
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • CompTIA Project+
  • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Security Analytics Professional

Cybersecurity & Information Assurance – M.S.

Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....

Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.

  • Time: 70% of graduates finish within 22 months.
  • Tuition: $4,295 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 9 total courses in this program.

Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:

  • EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
  • EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.

Cloud Computing – B.S.

A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...

A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.

  • Time: 70% of graduates finish within 35 months.
  • Tuition: $3,790 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
  • 3 Tracks: Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.

Certifications at no extra cost, including:

  • Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
  • Azure Fundamentals
  • Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
  • LPI Linux Essentials
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Project+

Earning certs on the path to your degree gives you credentials that will boost your résumé right away, even before you complete your online degree program.

Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster,

Network Engineering and Security – B.S.

Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....

Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.

  • Time: 70% of graduates finish similar programs within 39 months.
  • Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
  • Two focus areas: Students can choose between a Cisco or general program, allowing them to learn and gain experience in their chosen specialty.

Certifications:

  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Project+
  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
  • LPI Linux Foundations

The Cisco program also includes: 

  • Cisco CCNA
  • Cisco DevNet
  • Cisco CyberOps

The general program  also includes: 

  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (Stacked)
  • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (Stacked)
  • CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (Stacked)
  • CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (Stacked)

This program will help you develop strong skills in network design, network operations, and security management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the documents provided to answer questions about the scholarship:

 

Should I contact WGU to determine if I qualify for this scholarship?

WGU resources do not have any additional information not contained in this FAQ or documents linked to this FAQ. Please review this documentation to determine your eligibility. Contacting WGU scholarships, enrollment counselors, program mentors or other WGU resources will not be helpful in determining your eligibility for this scholarship. 

This is a third-party scholarship program first offered in 2023 to WGU’s students. Students can only apply if they are part of an institution that received the (NCAE-C) designation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence. WGU received this designation in 2022. 

The Scholarship program awards the full cost of tuition and all fees for two terms beginning in the fall of 2023. It also awards a $27,000 (undergraduate) or $32,000 (graduate) stipend for room and board.

The basic requirements include:

  • Must have 60 CUs by Aug 1, 2023 and plan on at least 2 more terms at WGU starting after Aug. 1, 2023
  • Must be in good Academic standing and meeting SAP guidelines
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Agree to work for the DoD as a civilian for one year for each scholarship received
  • Must not currently be a DoD or Federal employee (civilian or military)

 

 

Please carefully read through the scholarship information provided in Application Background and Requirements ATTACHMENT C.

WGU students must be enrolled in the BSCSIA, BSCC, BSNES, or MSCSIA programs. Students need to have at least 60 undergraduate CUs (Junior status) by August 1, 2023 for applying the scholarship toward their next two undergraduate terms. Masters students need to be enrolled in the MSCSIA program. 

The scholarship has strong requirements and obligations (see specifics):

  • Must be US citizens and must qualify for a security clearance
  • Must not currently be a DoD or Federal employee (civilian or military)
  • Must be willing to be mobile and move to the location of their internship/final service obligation
  • If a male 18 or older, must register with selective service

You must meet the basic requirements of the scholarship (see above). Because WGU has a generous transfer status, it is possible to apply. However, students who have recently enrolled at WGU may have difficulty establishing their academic record and relationships with faculty members. 

The CySP is a yearly scholarship opportunity with an annual deadline in early February of each year. Although you may not qualify this year, you may apply next year.

 

Yes, this is a yearly opportunity. WGU plans to share more information in the December timeframe for a February application cycle. 

 

 

Scholarship monies come from the DoD through the sponsoring school (WGU) and then sent to students as grant money.

No. This scholarship is not retroactive and does not cover tuition for current studnts. The money is forward applicable for the terms starting in the Fall and Winter of a typical academic year.

Yes. Additional years of scholarship awards may be available. Past awardees submit a separate application for renewal once a year.

For more information, see Section 9 Application Content Requirements in Application Background and Requirements ATTACHMENT C.

Students apply using the DoD CySP online application tool. Please see the Quick Start Guide.

The DoD CySP online application tool is a platform that is used by multiple federal agencies and will be used in the process for matching students with potential positions. The scholarship application is divided into two parts. Part One determines your eligibility for the DoD CySP program. Part Two collects additional information relative to the basic requirements of the scholarship. Applicants who are determined not eligible will not advance to Part Two. 

 

Part 1:

  • Instructions and Acknowledgements

  • Personal Information

  • Demographics 

  • General Requirements

  • Academic Requirements

  • Degree-Related Requirements

 

Part 2:

  • Professional Summary

  • Education

  • Cyber Coursework 

  • Skill Set / Certifications

  • Experience / Work History

  • Key Projects

  • Recognitions, Honors, and Awards 

  • References

  • Letters of References

  • Competencies

  • Military Services and Veterans 

  • Agency Preferences

  • Cyber Work Roles of Interest

  • Languages

  • Computer Programming Languages 

  • Security Clearance

  • Review Supporting Documents

  • Review and Print this Application

 

For more information, see Section 9 Application Content Requirements in Application Background and Requirements ATTACHMENT C

Students are responsible for submitting a complete application through the new application tool by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 01 February 2023. Students will not have access to the application on 02 February 2023.

Applicants submit by Feb 1st. The institution submits the information by Feb. 28th. Award information arrive late April, early May. Any awards will be available for the August timeframe. 

The CySP scholarship is managed within the Cyber Department at WGU’s College of Information Technology and the scholarships team. This team manages the basic communications of the web links, due dates, and other items like this FAQ page. They also verify and validate eligibility and Academic sufficiency for recommending students to the DoD. 

Students will apply using the DoD CySP online application tool and the WGU team will use the same tool to review applications for submission to the DoD. 

The WGU team is responsible for reviewing the student applications and packaging the paperwork to deliver to the DoD. The team is unable to support individual advisement on applications. Due to the scale of WGU and the newness of the opportunity, the DoD application is provided in a self-serve fashion. This FAQ is provided for the common questions in the application process and will be updated periodically. 

All communication about application submissions, process updates, awards or non-acceptances into the program will be through the application portal. The packaging of the applications from WGU to the DoD is a standard process and there will not be any student communication about individual submissions or updates. 

Should a student receive an award, they will receive instructions on an individual basis from the DoD and WGU about how to maintain the scholarship and renew for the next year. 

Due to the newness of the scholarship and the student demand, WGU’s team is not able to look over the applications prior to submission. As the submitted application is final and can’t be changed, please do your best to be as accurate and detailed as possible. You may consider asking a trusted friend or advisor to help validate your information. 

 

All application activities are completed in the online application tool. No application copies, coursework, letters, etc. should be sent to WGU representatives outside of the application tool. 

At WGU, there is no “augmented application package” or additional requirements beyond submitting the application in the application portal.

The Scholarship requires two letters of reference. One should be from a current WGU Faculty member (Course Instructor or Program Mentor) following the scholarship guidelines. One can be from another current or former faculty member, including from another school, or a current or former supervisor. WGU employees may agree to write letters of recommendation in support of students, however, are under no obligation to do so. If you approach a faculty member for a letter of recommendation, please be respectful of their role, your mutual relationship, and best practices. It is unlikely that new students with under 1 term at WGU have a sufficient relationship with their faculty member to request a letter. 

Letters of Reference must be uploaded through the application tool in a PDF format. Emailed letters will not be accepted.

There are two letters of reference. One must be from a “Current Faculty Member.” The other can be from a former professor or a professional supervisor. See the DoD CySP Requirements for more information. 

According to WGU’s policy, a “Pass” refers “to a B or better.” On Academic transcripts, the following is stated:

The Academic Transcript’s key states, "Western Governors University and its state affiliates do not calculate a grade point average (GPA) or class rank." The Record of Achievement Transcript contains the statement in the transcript header, “GPA: This student completed each of the listed courses with a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0 on a 4.0-scale.” (https://cm.wgu.edu/t5/WGU-Student-Policy-Handbook/WGU-Transcript-Requests/ta-p/359)

For purposes of this scholarship, WGU encourages students with a sufficient CU count to affirm that their respective “Passes” are a 3.2 or higher for undergraduate or 3.5 or higher for Graduate students.  

For purposes of the application, mark the School Grading Scale as “4.0 to 0.0” and your GPA as 3.5 for both Undergraduate and Graduate students. 

WGU’s scholarship committee will take into account any grades that are different than “Pass” such as “Not Passed,” or “Withdrawn.” Those grades will negatively affect a student’s composite score for their recommendation for the scholarship. 

Transcripts are uploaded via the DoD application tool. Unofficial or Official transcripts may be submitted; however, if you are selected for the scholarship you must submit an official transcript to the scholarship office as part of accepting the scholarship.

Please provide both the Academic Transcript and the Records of Achievement Transcript as part of your scholarship submission. They can be either Unofficial or Official.

WGU offers two types of transcripts: an Academic Transcript and a Records of Achievement Transcript. Each contain different information about your student journey. An Academic Transcript will speak to your progress through each term.  A Records of Achievement transcript contains the certification of GPA with the following statement “GPA: This student completed each of the listed courses with a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0 on a 4.0-scale.”

For information on sending an Official transcript, see the V. Procedures section at https://cm.wgu.edu/t5/WGU-Student-Policy-Handbook/WGU-Transcript-Requests/ta-p/359. Official transcripts require a small processing fee.

The scholarship is available for two terms beginning around August of 2023. The graduation date should be at least two terms beyond that date. Any applications that indicate a graduation date of January through September of the current year will not be eligible.

The scholarship is available for two terms beginning around August of 2023. The graduation date should be at least two terms beyond that date. Any applications that indicate a graduation date of January through September of the current year will not be eligible.

Within the application, there are 6 prompts where applicants provide their understanding of their knowledge and abilities through written response. Each prompt is max 2000 characters.

Why WGU?

Be Career Ready

Designed with input from healthcare leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today’s employers need. That’s why 95% of employers said they’d hire another WGU grad.1

*Within two years of graduation. 1: 2021 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.

Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have

87% of WGU graduates are employed in their degree fields2—and they were 5X less likely to say they were permanently let go from their jobs during the pandemic.3

2: 2021 WGU-Harris Poll. 3: Gallup Alumni Survey.

Save Money

With low, flat-rate tuition, generous need-based scholarships, and a 1.5-year average payback on tuition,2 our healthcare degrees are an excellent investment that you can afford.

Work As You Need While Going to School

At WGU, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our healthcare students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor’s or master’s degrees. 

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized

The flexibility you need. The respect you deserve. Earn BOTH a degree and IT certifications at the same time with WGU degrees. Boost your résumé and showcase your talents to impress employers and set yourself apart from the competition.

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