Iowa State University SFS (CyberCorps) Program

1. Introduction

NOTE: Given the current uncertainty in funding, we have been asked to process new applications. However until the budget has been determined we will not be able to on board new students. OPM has asked that we select students, and hopfully the budget will be determined soon.

The CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) is a highly competitive scholarship program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and administered in collaboration with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It aims to recruit and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to serve in federal, state, local, and tribal government positions.

Iowa State University (ISU) has a long history of successfully implementing the SFS program. The new SFS project at ISU will fund six Master of Science (M.S.) students per year in cybersecurity, focusing on securing critical infrastructure and leveraging advanced cybersecurity research and training.

2. SFS Program Components and Benefits

Students selected for the ISU SFS program will receive the following benefits:

  • Full Tuition Coverage: For up to two years of graduate study.
  • Stipend: $37,000 per year
  • Professional Development Support: $6,000 per year for books, travel, and professional certifications.

3. Iowa State University SFS Program Requirements

To participate in the SFS program at ISU, students must meet the following academic and programmatic requirements:

A. Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • Have a B.S. degree in Cyber Security Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Meet the academic admission criteria for the M.S. in Cyber Security at ISU, including:
    • Minimum GPA of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale).
    • Two recommendation letters.
    • Personal statement outlining interest in cybersecurity and public service.
    • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

B. Program Structure

  • Students must enroll full-time in the on-campus M.S. in Cyber Security program.
  • Complete a thesis under faculty mentorship.
  • Engage in co-curricular activities, such as:
    • Cybersecurity testbed development.
    • Cyber Defense Competitions (CDCs).
    • Cybersecurity Ambassador Program.

C. Service Commitment

  • Upon graduation, students must work in a cybersecurity-related role in a government agency for at least two years (equivalent to the length of their scholarship).

4. NSF and OPM Program Requirements

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administer the CyberCorps® SFS program with the following key requirements:

  • Scholarship recipients must complete an internship (typically at a federal agency) before graduation.
  • Graduates must secure government employment within 12 months of graduation.
  • The work commitment must match the scholarship duration (e.g., two years of study = two years of service).
  • Failure to fulfill the service requirement results in the repayment of all scholarship funds.

5. Selection Process

Selection involves:
Application Review – Academic performance, recommendation letters, and essays.
Faculty Interview – Assessment of interest in cybersecurity and public service.
Final Selection – Offers extended to the top applicants.

6. Career and Government Placement Support

ISU provides career services and placement support to help students meet the OPM service requirements:

  • Federal Cyber Career Fair participation.
  • Dedicated mentorship and job placement assistance.
  • Connections with agencies like NSA, DHS, DoD, DOE, and National Labs.

7. Summary

The Iowa State University SFS Program offers a fully funded pathway to an advanced degree in cybersecurity, coupled with hands-on research, internship opportunities, and a direct pipeline to government careers in cybersecurity.

  • Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, research opportunities, and guaranteed job placement.
  • Requirements: U.S. citizenship, strong academic record, cybersecurity commitment, and government service obligation.
  • Career Impact: Graduates enter high-impact cybersecurity roles protecting national security and critical infrastructure.

For more information, visit the ISU CyberCorps Program Website or contact the Center for Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach.