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Introduction

We are now accepting applications for the SFS scholarship for students who are pursuing a UMass Amherst Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Math/Stats degree via from a bachelor's or MS program (including 4+1 MS). Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and we prefer to receive applications by December 2, 2024. There is no guarantee applications received after the deadline will be processed in time. 

(Should you apply now or at a later date? The answer is in the table at the bottom of this page.)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has received a $4.4 million grant from the 
National Science Foundation (NSF) to renew the CyberCorps(r) Scholarship for Service (SFS) program. This program supports the development of students who will help the nation address cybersecurity-based threats to national security. 

Here is an official list of frequently asked questions from NSF and Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Requirements

As part of this program, admitted students will join a multidisciplinary cohort of students studying security at UMass Amherst. Students will have an SFS faculty advisor and receive additional mentoring from the faculty involved. Students will join research projects in security & privacy, and take part in professional development to ensure their future success. Students will be required to complete summer internships related to security with government agencies at the federal level. After graduation, students will be required to take positions related to cybersecurity at full pay.

Eligibility

We strongly encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups.

  • Current UMass Amherst undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the Computer Science degree program (not Informatics) at the College of Information and Computer Sciences or the departments of Mathematics & Statistics and Electrical & Computer Engineering are eligible to apply. Students studies must be focused on security.  Additional instructions for prospective students are below. 
  • The program is targeted at students who expect to graduate in two years (four semesters) and then enter the workforce, typically rising juniors, rising seniors planning on a 4+1 program, or incoming two-year M.S. students.
  • Other students (including incoming first-year students, rising sophomores, and rising seniors planning to graduate with their bachelor's degree) are not typically eligible. But we encourage you to speak with us as early as you wish about applying later. 
  • Continuing your education for another degree is not expected.
  • Applicants are required by federal law to be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Students will be evaluated based on criteria that includes academic qualifications, a demonstrated interest in cybersecurity and public service, and eligibility for a US security clearance, which is required for post-scholarship employment.

Students that aren't yet at UMass can apply for SFS, but they must have already submitted an application to attend UMass for the following semester. Acceptance to a program at UMass is required for consideration for SFS, but applications can be submitted in parallel. Please be aware that each department listed above has a variety of requirements and deadlines separate from the SFS program.

Obligations

UMass SFS students incur the following obligations:

  • They must complete a degree in one of the participating departments with a significant focus on security. Students must enter the work force within two years (four semesters) of the semester they expect to start the SFS program.  
  • They must search for and complete security-related government internships during the summers while funded under the program. We will assist in this search.
  • They must search for and complete employment with a federal government agency (at full pay and benefits) in a cybersecurity position immediately upon graduation. These agencies are innumerable and include the FBI/Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Dept of Treasury, Dept of State, CIA, civilian positions in the armed forces (no need to enlist!) and their research labs such as the Naval Research Lab, and the NSF.  (Note that it is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that decides which jobs fulfill the scholarship, not UMass, and they can vary in their strictness over time.)  The period of employment must equal the duration of the scholarship. We will assist in this search, but the student leads.  
  • They must participate in conferences, job fairs, and other off-campus meetings related to the SFS program. The main fair is in early January each year in D.C. and attendance is absolutely required.
  • They must participate in on-campus meetings related to SFS, including invited speakers, social events, and professional development opportunities.
  • Students must maintain a high GPA and be in good standing.
  • Students must participate in additional informal training in security and professionalism.

We don't offer an on-line version of the program. Similarly, students cannot study abroad during the time they have the scholarship. Students cannot have other jobs or tasks while taking the scholarship.

College-specific obligations

  • All graduate students must pursue research projects related to aspects of security appropriate for their home department.
  • Computer Science graduate students must complete the Master's of Science Concentration in Security. Undergraduates must complete a sequence of undergraduate courses in security (E.g., CS365 Digital Forensics, CS460 Computer & Network Security, etc.)
  • Computer Engineering graduate students must take electives towards their degree related to security. Undergraduates must complete a capstone related to security and complete courses related to security (e.g., ECE 697XX: Introduction to Cryptography or courses in CS).
  • ECE undergraduate students can come from either the EE or CompE programs, and should take ECE 371 Security Engineering and ECE 547/647 Security Engineering.  They should also consider other security courses such as ECE 556/656 Introduction to Cryptography (on-line), electives in Computer Networks, Embedded Systems and Computer Science and a Security-themed Senior Design Project or Honor's Thesis.  Note that the SFS Scholarship can be used for the final two years of the 4+1 BS/MS program.
  • Math/Stats undergraduate students must complete a CS minor that includes CS360 Computer and Network Security, though there is a small amount of flexibility.
  • In addition to their department's own courses and research in security,& Math/Stats graduate students must complete at least two classes from among the core graduate classes in security and cryptography offered by CS and ECE (e.g., CS660); if they lack sufficient undergraduate background in security,Math/Stats students must also complete appropriate classes to obtain the background.

Scholarship

During their time at UMass, students admitted to SFS will receive each year: stipends, tuition, education-related fees, and a professional allowance. Scholarships are not based on student financial need. Academic-year stipends are $27,000 per year for undergraduate students and $37,000 per year for graduate students. Tuition includes education related fees but it does not include items such as meal plans, housing, or parking. The professional allowance is $6,000 per academic year and is restricted to pre-approved expenses that include travel and registration for the SFS Job Fair, travel to academic conferences, research materials and supplies, one computer (ever, not per year), books, professional training and certifications; the categories are limited. Some of these funds as taxable.

Questions?

Ahead of your application, you may have questions. If so, please contact us via sfs-info@cs.umass.edu and address your questions to one of the following people depending on your area.

  • Computer Science and Math/Stats: Prof. Brian Levine
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering: Prof. Wayne Burleson

 

Applications

Applications are currently open:  Application and instructions [pdf]

Please note that if you wish to transfer to UMass or join our MS program from the undergraduate program, those are separate applications that you must submit as well.