Federal Cyber Service: Scholarship for Service (SFS)
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The deadlines to apply for the SFS scholarships are:
- October 1 (for admission in Spring Term)
- April 25 (for admission in Fall Term)
The White House has declared that the “cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face” and that “America's economic prosperity in the 21st century will depend on cybersecurity.”
Society needs trained professionals to design, implement and manage secure information systems. Get the skills and knowledge to protect critical U.S infrastructure at the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences (the iSchool).
Earn the MSIS or MST degree, participate in leading-edge research, gain experience through a paid internship, and help to protect your country — through the Scholarship for Service Program!
Interested applicants should complete the pertinent section in your application for admission on Apply Yourself.
The Federal Cyber Service: Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program is funded by the National Science Foundation. The iSchool offers a number of competitive scholarships to those earning their Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) or Master of Science in Telecommunications (MST) with a specialization in Security Assured Information Systems. PhD students may also be eligible for this funding for their final two years of study. The scholarships are offered to US citizens as they will work for a governmental agency upon graduation. The University of Pittsburgh is committed to providing educational opportunities for qualified diversity students through financial assistance. In accordance with this policy, students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply for this scholarship opportunity.
The knowledge needed to design and defend underlying IT infrastructure is available at only a select number of universities and schools. The School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance (CAE-IA), provides the coursework and hands-on learning opportunities necessary to prepare you for this challenging career. Our Master’s programs in Information Science and Telecommunications are among the few in the nation that have been certified to meet all five national IA educational standards set by the Committee on National Systems Security (CNSS).
Scholarship Benefits – for up-to-two years per student
- Full Tuition, including health fees
- Books
- $32,000 stipend/year
- Support for conference travel
- Paid government summer internship*
Scholarship Applicants
- Must be a US citizen
- Able to obtain a security clearance
- Eligible for federal employment
- Have an undergraduate degree with demonstrated strength in computer and information science (or related disciplines)
- Must be admitted to the MSIS or MST degree program at the School of Information Sciences.
- Must pursue the Security Assured Information Systems specialization
Students are selected to participate in the SFS program based on merit, evidence of intensive academic training in the information assurance field, and clear indicators they can apply their education to real-world work experiences.
Recipient Responsibilities
- Maintain minimum GPA of 3.4
- Participate in program events
- Mentor new scholarship recipients
- 20 hours of research/program development per week
- Participate in internship*
- Upon graduation, satisfy service requirement in civilian employment with a governm
- ent agency(Any Federal, State, or Local Agency, Independent Agency, Government Corporation, Commission, or Quasi-Official Agency qualifies.)*
*Note, scholarship recipients are responsible for finding internships and jobs which satisfy these requirements. Although the SFS program does provide some tools and guidance in these pursuits, it does not guarantee placement. Job and internship opportunities can be found at: USA Jobs, Student Jobs, and USA Government.
Those interested in the SFS program may apply for the scholarship as part of their application for admission to the School of Information Sciences. If you have already submitted your application for admission, please contact us at sisinq@sis.pitt.edu and let us know that you’re interested in being considered for this opportunity or fill out this form.
Current students at the School of Information Sciences, please login to the SIS Intranet to explore your financial support options.