Information Assurance Scholarship Programs
A Full Ride in Exchange for A Small Donation of Your Time and Knowledge
Information security and assurance is the study of data security, network security, vulnerabilities and protective procedures that encompass all forms of digital information today. Information security specialists have never been in such high demand.
The term "information assurance" has become synonymous with a suite of Information Technology programs funded primarily by the National Security Agency, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense.
Information Assurance - Uncle Sam Wants You!
The National Security Agency in conjunction with the Department of Defense is now funding an immense scholarship program. The Information Assurance Scholarship program (IASP) is sponsored by over 50 colleges and universities, or designated Centers of Academic Excellence, that offer an excellent computer science and engineering department. The purpose of the IASP is to fill in the gaps of the nation's network security personnel. By offering aspiring computer science and IT students full-tuition reimbursements, the federal government leverages their future careers.
If you're looking for a top-notch and exciting career in cyber-security, including such emerging specialties as computer forensics and cryptography, then you should apply for the IASP. However, these are coveted and extremely competitive awards. If you win a scholarship you may earn up to $10,000 for your undergraduate tuition or $15,000 for graduate. In exchange for every year you take the scholarship, you work for the federal government in the field of cyber-security after graduation.
Qualified applicants must be at the top of their class and interested in pursuing computer and information security at the national level. There are a number of options available in the IASP and degree programs:
- Master of Science in Security Informatics program at Johns Hopkins is funded by a grant from the DoD. Graduate students interested in working for the federal government in computer security positions may qualify for full tuition scholarships thanks to the federal government if they are willing to repay scholarship for work. The MSSI program offers top of the line training in the latest data security, counter-hacking, computer forensics, cryptography, Public Policy and more.
- The CyberCorps program at Iowa State University funded by the National Science Foundation Scholarship is another permutation of the DoD Information Assurance program. Twenty students half undergraduate and the other half graduate receive these coveted scholarships. Recipients choose their major from math, political science, computer science and others and then are required to take the core IA courses.
- Northeastern University Masters in Information Assurance synthesizes aspects of IT, security, data recovery and law to train students in the emerging field. Students may wish to apply for the DoD's Information Assurance Scholarship which covers tuition.
Students unwilling to accept the terms of the DoD's IASP may also pursue these very good IA programs, but will seek scholarships elsewhere through the institutions. Academic scholarships, graduate assistantships and research fellowships all offer alternative avenues for funding without the career obligation.
General Information Assurance Scholarships
Cisco Systems Information Assurance Scholarship is available to students enrolled in an undergraduate computer science or IT program to qualify. They must also be specializing in information security and assurance. Maximum awards are $2500.
