Important Information

The application deadline is November 16, 2012.

Completed application must be e-mailed in a single file to css@umuc.edu by the deadline.

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Questions?

E-mail Jennifer Hull or call 240-684-2432.

SAIC Cybersecurity Scholars Program

Eligible UMUC Academic Programs

Scholarship Details 

UMUC will award SAIC scholarships to students who meet the eligibility criteria. The purpose of the scholarship is to help increase the number of qualified students entering the field of cybersecurity and information technology specializations and align those interests to increase the cybersecurity and information technology skill set within SAIC. As a condition of retaining the scholarship, students must be willing and able to participate in the SAIC mentoring program, which links students to SAIC experts working in the field of cybersecurity. Students are required to have substantial contact with their mentor throughout their course of study.

Scholarships will be awarded during the 2013 spring semester and, if eligible, through 2013-2014. The scholarship is renewable each semester, based on continued exceptional academic progress and financial availability at the time the renewal application is received. Candidates who qualify for the scholarship, either as a first-time recipient or as a renewal recipient, are expected to have interest in post‐graduate employment with SAIC.

Scholarship recipients must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and be in good academic standing for the duration of financial support. UMUC reserves the right to withhold funding if this criterion is not met.

Application Information

The application deadline is November 16, 2012.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following items as a single file via e-mail to css@umuc.edu:

  • Completed SAIC Cybersecurity Scholars Program application form.
    Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. We cannot guarantee that students will be notified of incomplete applications, so please make sure that all required information is submitted together.
  • A 500-600 word essay that provides an explanation of the student’s reasons for entering the cybersecurity or information technology field.
  • Current resume.
  • Copies of their academic transcripts from all post‐secondary education completed.

Application Review Process

A review committee comprised of UMUC faculty and staff will evaluate all SAIC Cybersecurity Scholars applications. Assessments will be based on the student's academic record, professional experience and essay response. Students who are offered the scholarship will have time to review the final award conditions before accepting the award.

Eligibility Criteria

The SAIC Cybersecurity Scholars Program welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and strongly encourages minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Please note: The degree-seeking status is a requirement for the administration of scholarship funds.

  • May not participate in employee tuition reimbursement programs; however, active-duty military students or veterans who are receiving tuition assistance or veteran’s benefits are eligible to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship will be revoked from students who are found to be receiving tuition reimbursement benefits from their employer. Additionally, students who provide false information on the scholarship application may be subject to charges under UMUC’s Code of Student Conduct.
  • Must have an undergraduate degree in an IT-related field or the equivalent of six years of work experience in the IT field. These fields can include areas such as computer science, electrical engineering, math, and operations research.
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) from the last degree earned. Students who wish to apply for a renewal of the scholarship must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their coursework at UMUC.

Security Clearances

Many employment opportunities in the cybersecurity field, especially those with government agencies, require candidates to undergo a background investigation and obtain a security clearance. Preferred candidates for this program should currently have or must be able to obtain a U.S. government security clearance. Please see the bottom of the scholarship application for more details.

Mentorship Program

As a condition of retaining the scholarship, students must be willing and able to participate in the SAIC mentorship program. This program links students to SAIC experts working in the field of cybersecurity. Students are required to have substantive contact with their assigned mentor at least two times each semester. The UMUC Corporate Learning Solutions Office with assistance from the SAIC coordinator will assign a student to a mentor each semester and provide contact information. UMUC will have no oversight or review of the relationship between the mentor and mentee and is not liable for the success of the relationship. Reports detailing the communication between the mentors and  mentees will be reviewed by Corporate Learning Solutions at the end of each semester; scholarships are renewable based on mentorship involvement as well as maintaining the required GPA.

Contact Information

For inquiries, e-mail Jennifer Hull or call 240-684-2432.