Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship (no dual citizenship)
- Current enrollment in a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Minority Institution (MI)
- Major in a STEM or DoD-relevant academic discipline
- 18 years or older at the time of application
- Full-time student or recent graduate (December 2024 or later)
- GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Possession of a Federal ID, such as a REAL ID* or a valid U.S. Passport
- Successful completion of a background investigation
*To learn more about what a “Real ID” is, please visit the DHS website below and your state’s DMV website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
STEM Academic Disciplines or DoD-relevant Discipline
The program focuses on students pursuing disciplines relevant to DoD functions. The following disciplines are general umbrella disciplines—specific applicant majors or fields of study may fall under one or more disciplines on the list or not be listed. If you have a question about your academic discipline, please contact the help desk.
- Acoustical Engineer
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agricultural Engineer
- Analysis
- Artificial Intelligence
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Aviation
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Cognitive Science
- Communications
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Network System Management
- Computer Science
- Computer Vision
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Data Analysis
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Biologist
- Environmental Engineer
- Game Design
- Genetics
- Geologist
- Geospatial Science
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Hydraulics Engineer
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems Specialist
- Law
- Linguistics
- Machine Learning
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
- Naval Architecture
- Neural Networks
- Neuroscience
- Nuclear Engineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Oceanographer
- Operations Research
- Optical Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Photonics
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Science
- Pre-Med
- Prevention Science
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Structural Engineer
- Synthetic Biology
- Systems Engineering
- Textile Technology
Background Investigations
Applicants may be required to obtain a security clearance to access the laboratory. This involves conducting and passing an extensive background investigation. The investigation verifies and corroborates key information and events from the applicant’s past and recent history. This may include interviews of people who know the applicant well. The investigator may conduct a face-to-face interview with the applicant as part of the process. Security clearances may be required for some institutions.