DoD CSA

The DoD CSA Student Application must be completed, certified, and submitted online through the DoD Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA). Instructional videos on preparing your application can be found on this website.

The following items will be included in the application:

• Official (certified) Transcripts from all the institutions of higher learning you have attended. Electronic transcripts may be accepted as long as they are certified by the institution.
• Current resume (template provided with the application).
• List of Recognitions, Honors, and Awards.
• One (1) Letter of Reference from a current faculty member who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability. Letters must be on University letterhead and contain the full name and contact information of the faculty member (phone, email, and address).
•  One (1) additional Letter of Reference from either a current or former faculty member, or a current or former supervisor who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability. Letters must be on official letterhead and contain the full name and contact information of the faculty member or current/former supervisor (phone, email, and address).

Additionally, a Supplemental Competency Statement: Knowledge, Skills and Attributes will be required. You will provide narrative responses that describe the level of your attainment of the knowledge and ability factors indicated below. An instructional video on how to fill out the competency section can be found on this website.

• Knowledge of the techniques of the cybersecurity discipline, including encryption, access control, physical security, training, threat analysis, and authentication.
• Knowledge of the human factors in cybersecurity, including human computer interaction, design, training, sabotage, human error prevention and identification, personal use policies, and monitoring.
• Ability to identify and analyze problems, distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions, and provide solutions to individual and organizational problems.
• Ability to consider and respond appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful, compassionate and sensitive, and treats others with respect.
• Ability to make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication.
• Ability to express facts and ideas in writing in clear, convincing and organized manners appropriate to the audience and occasion.

Finally, Acknowledgement of the Supplemental Statement of General Academic and Employment Conditions (OF612) will need to be completed. If you agree with all of the academic and employment conditions required for your receipt of scholarship assistance and appointment under the DoD CSA, and wish to be considered for it, you must review and acknowledge the OF612 Supplemental Statement of General Academic and Employment Conditions, which is referenced multiple times in the application.

• 18 years of age or older
• A citizen of the United States at the time of application to the DoD Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA) program. (Note, if family members are not U.S. Citizens, some DoD Agencies may be unable to process the applicant (student) to the security clearance level required. Every effort will be made to assign eligible students at an Agency without such restrictions.)
• Enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at Fordham University or enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at an institution selected by Fordham as a collaborative partner.

Ability to achieve security clearance is required to be selected for the DoD CSA. For more information regarding security clearances and your ability to achieve them please see the links below:

• National Background Investigations Bureau
• DoD Digital Clearance Readiness Assessment is a private assessment tool to evaluate your readiness to undergo a background investigation that leads to a decision on your clearance. It is not associated with you or your account and is completely confidential. Only you will see your own results.
• Background Investigations and Clearances for DoD CSA