Welcome to the Department of War
Cyber Service Academy
The Department of War (DoW) Cyber Service Academy (CSA) (formerly the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program) is both a scholarship program for the DoW, and a capacity building tool for the nation. The program is a result of commitment from DoW and Congress to support higher education as a means to prepare the DoW workforce to deal with threats against the Department’s critical information system and networks.
Given our increasing reliance on cyber, information technology (IT), the growing threats to information, and information systems and infrastructures, it is critical that the DoW protect itself. To do so, the DoW must be staffed with technically savvy personnel. To help achieve this task, the DoW CSA was established. The DoW CSA is sponsored and administered by the DoW Chief Information Officer. The objectives of the program are to promote higher education in all disciplines of cyber, to enhance the Department’s ability to recruit and retain cyber and IT specialists, to increase the number of military and civilian personnel in the DoW with this expertise, and ultimately, to enhance the nation’s cyber posture.
Recruitment Scholarships (Non-DoW Employees):
As a recruitment tool, the DoW CSA sponsors students who currently are not DoW or government employees who are enrolled in validated cyber programs of studies at designated institutions. Following graduation, students are eligible for full-time employment with various components and agencies across the DoW. Students are required to work for the DoW a minimum of one year for each year of scholarship support they receive.
DoW CSA New Recruitment Application
The student application consists of two parts. Part 1 gathers background information (e.g., institution, contact information). Upon successful completion of Part 1, applicants will be presented with the link to Part 2. Part 2 focuses on cyber experience (e.g., coursework, knowledge, skills, and abilities). We recommend completing the application in a single session and suggest that students devote sufficient time to complete the entire package in one sitting. Please note that only one application will be accepted per student, and the application date stamp will be used to determine the first submission. Incomplete applications missing either Part 1 or Part 2 will not be considered.
DoW CSA 2026 Application Part 1:
DoW CSA 2026 Application Part 2:
Application Open for New Applicants: December 12, 2025
Application Closing (New Applicants): February 17, 2026 (noon)
DoW CSA POC:
OSD MC-ALEX DOD CIO Mailbox DoD CSA
DoW CSA Returning Scholar Application
Current DoW CSA Scholars: To ensure accurate planning and allocation of resources for the upcoming academic year, all current scholars are asked to complete the application form indicating whether or not they are reapplying for additional funding. Your timely completion of this application is greatly appreciated, A lack of response by the deadline may impact your eligibility for continued funding
DoW CSA 2026 Returning Scholar: The application link will be posted on December 19, 2025
Application Open for Returning Scholars: December 19, 2025
Application Closing (Returning Scholars): February 20, 2026 (noon)
DoW CSA POC:
OSD MC-ALEX DOD CIO Mailbox DoD CSARetention Scholarships (Current DoW Civilian/Active-Duty Military):
The DoW Cyber Services Academy Retention Program invests in our most valuable asset: our people. By providing professional development opportunities for current civilian and military personnel, this program ensures we retain top talent and upskill their abilities to meet the evolving demands of cybersecurity. Combining Department of War (DoW) training and education with leading cyber programs in higher education, the program directly supports the Secretary of War's goals by strengthening our cyber workforce and bolstering the national cyber talent pipeline.
DoW CSA Retention Student Application