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Department of Defense Senior Military College Cyber Institute

The Department of Defense Senior Military College Cyber Institute aims to inspire and mentor undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in cyber operations with the Department of Defense (DoD) as a federal civilian employee.

As part of this program, students learn the basics of cyber operations, have an opportunity to participate in university cyber security operations, work in team cyber exercises, and culminate their three years in the program with a research project working on DoD cyber operations problems! Students will also learn about DoD civilian opportunities, have mentorship for applying to federal internships and jobs, and have the opportunity to work with faculty to better understand the USAJobs application process. 

Department of Defense civilian employees work side by side with their military counterparts to defend the United States without being required to meet military service obligations and requirements. Check out the DoD Civilian Careers website for more information on what it means to be a DoD civilian and the amazing opportunities that await you.

Students who participate in this program will garner significant benefits to their educational and long-term career goals by:

  • All students in the program will receive a research stipend and will work on the program for 8-12 hours per week during the academic year
  • Learn the basics of cyber operations through bi-weekly lectures
  • Have an opportunity to participate in university cyber security operations
  • Work in team cyber exercises, and culminate their three years in the program with a research project working on DoD cyber operations problems
  • Learn about DoD civilian opportunities
  • Have mentorship for applying to federal internships and jobs
  • Have the opportunity to work with faculty to better understand the USAJobs application proces

 

Students will be required to meet the following requirements for consideration:

  • Students must be a US Citizen and believe they can obtain a security clearance. 
  • Juniors are preferred, but Sophomores will be considered on a case by case basis 
  • Preferred majors include Computer Science, Computer Engineering, CMDA, and BIT-Cyber
    • Other degree programs with a Cybersecurity Minor or Cyber Operations Track would also be of interest
    • Majors in Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering will also be considered

Students will be required to meet the following requirements after acceptance into the program:

  • Students will be expected to complete 10 hours of related work a week
  • Restricted research training
  • Attend the annual Colloquium during the spring semester
  • Provide resume to be shared in the Hume Center’s annual resume book
  • Complete any additional questionnaires/annual surveys as requested to aid in gathering data and improving programming
  • Maintain good academic and Honor code status while enrolled in the program
  • Check email and the Canvas site for regular updates

Our applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open!

Apply Here

Yes, we are currently accepting applications!

If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Travis or Denise Rahmes with questions about the program.