NSF CYBERCORPS ® SCHOLARSHIP FOR SERVICE (SFS)
Georgia State University Computer and Information Systems Department and Computer Science Department have several openings for the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program. The SFS program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, is a unique program designed to recruit and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to meet the needs of the cybersecurity mission for Federal, State, local and tribal governments. Georgia State University is a proud participant in the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) program.
This program offers a generous scholarship (which includes full tuition and a stipend). After graduation, SFS scholarship recipients (SFS scholars) are required to work full-time in a governmental cybersecurity position for a time equal to the length of their scholarship. The program offers extensive opportunities for professional growth through engagement with government and industry partners, involvement in research and participation in outreach activities.
Applications for Fall 2025 will open on April 15, 2025.
See the CyberCorps Application Tab below for Details.
Applicants Must Meet The Following Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship:
All SFS scholars must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Academic Merit:
Grade point average of at least 3.2/4.0 for undergraduate and 3.5/4.0 for graduate students.
Security Clearance Eligibility:
Students must be willing to undergo and have reason to believe they would pass a rigorous background check for future security clearances. Please review this security clearance form that you will be required to complete so that you are fully informed about this very critical requirement. https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf
Accepted into one of the following programs with a focus on Cybersecurity for Fall 2025:
Master of Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity Concentration, Master of Science in Computer Science, BBA CIS Major Cybersecurity Concentration, or BS in Computer Science.
Interest in Cybersecurity:
Students must demonstrate a strong interest in cybersecurity work through their interview, prior academic work and/or professional experience and activities.
Communication Skills (verbal and written):
Demonstrated with applicant’s written work, CV/resume and interviews.
Commitment and Flexibility:
Through previous coursework, experience and their interviews, students applying for the program should have a demonstrable ability to commit to finishing the program and fulfilling the terms of their scholarship award. Since placement (for the internship, post-graduation position or both) will most likely be outside of Georgia, students interested in pursuing the CyberCorps SFS program must be flexible on where they live following graduation. Positions are often located in the Washington D.C. metro area but can be in any state.
Program Obligations
After graduation, SFS scholarship recipients (SFS scholars) are required to work full-time in a governmental cybersecurity position for a time equal to the length of their scholarship. (One year of paid government service for each year of the scholarship at a Federal Executive Agency). To continue to receive their scholarship funding, students must remain in good standing by meeting all eligibility requirements during their enrollment. SFS Scholars are not allowed to take any off-campus positions. Graduate students will work as Graduate Research Assistants during the academic year.
Scholarship Benefits
- The scholarship provides up to three years of tuition, stipend and funds for books, travel and professional development.
- Stipend: $37,000 per academic year for graduate students and $ 27,0000 for undergraduate students.
- Professional development and book allowance of $6,000 per academic year.
- Tuition and education-related fees (excluding meal plans, housing and parking).
- Independent study and research experiences with faculty members.
- Placement support for summer internships and post-graduation position through a virtual Career Fair, an in-person Career Fair (held in the Washington DC area) and GSU career services.
- Up to three years of support for cybersecurity education.
- Summer internships, typically paid, with a government organization.
Application Information
We are recruiting now for students who will begin their junior or senior year of undergraduate education, or graduate school in Fall 2025.
Security Clearance Eligibility
Students must be willing to undergo and have reason to believe they would pass a rigorous background check for future security clearances. Please review this security clearance form that you will be required to complete so that you are fully informed about this very critical requirement. https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf.
Applicants should register with http://academicjobsonline.org/ (the registration is free), refer to posting: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27464 and upload the following documents:
Documents to be submitted by the applicant
- Completed SFS Application Form (download the file and fill out all sections).
- Official transcripts from all previous post-secondary schools other than GSU.
- Resume or curriculum vitae highlighting any education and work experience relevant to cybersecurity. You can use this resume template.
Applicants must send all the above documents in one email to [email protected]. Be sure to include in the subject line the following:
- SFS Application
- Applicant First Name
- Applicant Last Name
Documents to be submitted by the recommenders
- Three (3) letters of recommendation highlighting technical and scholarly skills and experience.
- Recommender evaluation form. Download the file, fill out the applicant section and share the form with your recommenders.
Each recommender must email both the recommender evaluation form and the letter of recommendation in one e-mail to [email protected]. The subject line should include the following:
- SFS Recommendation Letter
- Applicant First Name
- Applicant Last Name
Contact Information
For more information about this scholarship program, please contact Mrs. Sandra V. Villacorta ([email protected]) or attend one of the Q&A sessions which will be scheduled at GSU throughout the semester. You are also encouraged to visit the CyberCorps®: Scholarship For Service official website, hosted by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Where can I learn more about the Scholarship for Service Program?
The Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Scholarship for Service Program website includes additional details an information for future and current students.
What type of information is considered in background checks and granting clearance for federal positions?
The Government uses the SF-86 form to conduct background checks for national security positions. You can see a summary of requirements here.
What if I want to change my major?
If you do not graduate with a degree in cybersecurity and work for the federal government for the required amount of time, you will need to repay all funds received in the scholarship award.
What if I am not certain about wanting to work for the federal government?
You should not apply if you are not committed to working for the federal government.
Am I required to join the military to fulfill my service requirement?
No. You can complete your degree and your service obligation as a civilian, even you work in a branch of the military.
SFS Scholars & Testimonials
Kameron Clark
MS in Information Systems with
a concentration in cybersecurity
Rionni Ward
MS in Information Systems with
a concentration in cybersecurity