VICEROY DECREE VIRTUAL INSTITUTE Scholarship Program

Criteria and application information

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is seeking applications from current undergraduate students to join our inaugural cohort of VICEROY DECREE scholars.

The Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) DoD Electromagnetic and Cyber Research and Experiential Education Virtual Institute (DECREE) is a consortium of three universities created in close collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD) and Defense Information Base partners to address recruitment and training challenges faced in DoD-related cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) fields.  The goal of the program is to grow the availability of well-qualified and trained students with essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required to plan, synchronize, and lead DoD-related cyber and EMS operations.

VICEROY DECREE scholars will receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 to participate in a virtual curriculum focused on cybersecurity, electromagnetic spectrum operations, data science, cryptography, and strategic foreign languages offered by a consortium of three institutions. The scholarship amount is contingent upon the funding provided by the Griffiss Institute and may be adjusted or discontinued if such funding is reduced or terminated. This scholarship is not related to a military scholarship.

Scholars will be eligible to take virtual, credit-bearing coursework from consortium institutions, have access to mentoring programs, as well as access to DoD-related internships, co-ops, and post-graduation employment opportunities.  Scholars will be required to complete 8–10 credits within the VICEROY DECREE designated curriculum by the end of the Fall 2025 semester, with at least one-third of credits taken outside their home institution. For ROTC students, this coursework is in addition to the ROTC curriculum.

Eligibility criteria

VICEROY DECREE scholarships will be awarded to students selected by their home institution’s scholarship committee.

Applicant must:

1. Be a current full-time student
2. Be enrolled in a STEM program at the home institution
3. Be security clearance eligible
4. Intend to pursue employment within DoD or the defense industry

Expectations of scholars:

• Will complete 8–10 credits of VI-designated courses, one third of which is outside their home institution. A list of courses is available on the following pages.
• Will participate in VICEROY related events, including but not limited to professional development sessions, mentoring meetings, and symposiums.

Application components

All requirements below must be submitted to be considered by the scholarship committee:

1. Letter of recommendation from a professor, supervisor, or commander that can speak to your skills and potential in DoD-related cybersecurity and electromagnetic spectrum operations
2. Plan of study (POS) or degree plan
3. Short essay responses to the following questions:
   • What are your educational and professional goals and objectives? (250 words or less)
   • In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges facing DoD cybersecurity and electromagnetic spectrum operations within the next 20 years? (250 words or less)
4. Resume that includes any academic honors, awards, community service activities, athletics, military/ROTC service, extracurricular activities, and/or leadership positions held, if applicable
5. Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
6. Completed and signed application/survey form:

 Any questions or inquiries should be directed to Viceroy-Decree@nau.edu.