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Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) employs 950,000 civilians, many serving in critical positions worldwide. There are many opportunities requiring a diverse range of skills. If a competitive salary, great benefits, unsurpassed training, and the pride of defending our nation interests you, then your future is with DOD.

As a civilian in DOD, you play an important role in the defense of our nation and in supporting our Armed Forces. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and other DOD agencies have civilian positions in nearly 675 occupations. Find the positions that fit your talents and pursue your future with a diverse, challenging, and rewarding DOD civilian career.

Learn more about civilian careers in the DOD.

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Department of Defense Civilian Employment Opportunities

The Department of Defense employs 950,000 civilians, many serving in critical positions worldwide. There are multitudes of opportunities requiring a diverse range of skills. If a competitive salary, great benefits, unsurpassed training, and the pride of defending our Nation interests you, then your future is with DOD.

As a civilian in DOD, you play an important role in the defense of our Nation and in supporting our Armed Forces. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and other DOD Agencies have civilian positions in nearly 675 occupations.

Link:  https://www.DODciviliancareers.com/

As a student or recent graduate, you may be able to begin your career in the Federal Government through internships, the Recent Graduates Program, Presidential Management Fellows Program, with the assistance of DOD scholarship programs:

Link: https://www.DODciviliancareers.com/civiliancareers/studentsrecentgraduates

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The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security.

About NDSEG

What is the dod ndseg fellowship.

The DoD, through the Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering and the military services, promotes education in science and engineering disciplines relevant to the Defense mission. One means of promoting science and engineering education is through awarding fellowships to encourage promising U.S. scientists to pursue doctoral degrees in designated research disciplines.

The DoD National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship Program is a competitive fellowship that is awarded to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. dual citizens who intend to pursue a Doctoral degree aligned to the DoD services Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) in research and development at a U.S. institution of their choice.

Since the program's inception, over 4,400 fellowships have been awarded from over 70,000 applications received. The three-year Fellowship program, described herein, will award between 150-350 fellowships annually, and is designed to encourage baccalaureate, masters, and current PhD candidates early in their course of study recipients to enter graduate school and ultimately gain doctorates that align to the DoD services Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and other strategy documents in research and development.

Who Sponsors the DoD NDSEG Program?

The DoD NDSEG Fellowship Program, was established in 1989 by direction of Congress and sponsored by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.

What are the Required Program Research Area Disciplines?

The broad research area disciplines include, but are not limited to:

The Government may revise the aforementioned disciplines annually to ensure relevancy to the Defense mission is maintained. For the most relevant research areas please review the tri-services BAAs.

What Does the Fellowship Offer Awardees?

The NDSEG fellowship will pay the fellows’ full tuition and required fees (excluding room and board). The monthly stipend is $3,600 ($43,200 annually) for fellowship tenure. The NDSEG fellowship will pay for the minimum health insurance coverage offered through the institution or if the institution requires health insurance coverage but does not offer it the fellow may purchase private insurance, up to a total value of $1,600.

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Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program

What is the dod smart program.

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program , funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students.

SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students currently pursuing a degree in one of the 24 STEM disciplines. SMART scholars receive full tuition, annual stipends, and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation.

SMART provides the research leaders of tomorrow with not only an education, but a career.

Visit the SMART Program’s website

Apply between August 1st and December 1st

High school seniors are eligible to apply for the Dellums SMART Scholarship

SMART Scholar Benefits

SMART provides scholars with the tools to pursue their STEM education and begin their career in a civilian position with the DoD.

Benefits include:

Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship

In 2023, the SMART Program expanded the scholarship program eligibility by introducing the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship (Dellums SMART Scholarship) . To honor the lifetime work of Representative Dellums, Congress established the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship, with the goal to increase participation of underrepresented students in the DoD STEM workforce. This opportunity expands the SMART scholarship opportunity to rising college freshmen who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the 24 SMART STEM disciplines. High school seniors are eligible to apply for the Dellums SMART Scholarship.

Students seeking to attend a Historically Black College and University, Minority Institution, or Minority Serving Institution are particularly encouraged to apply. The Dellums SMART Scholarship is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.

Check if you are eligible

SMART STEM Disciplines

The program focuses on students pursuing disciplines that are critical to national security functions of the DoD. The following is a list of SMART’s 24 approved STEM disciplines. These disciplines are general umbrella disciplines—specific applicant majors or fields of study may fall under one or more discipline on this list.

• Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biosciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Data Science and Analytics
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Geosciences
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Information Sciences
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Oceanography
• Operations Research
• Software Engineering

Meet SMART Scholars

“The SMART Program was the catalyst for my research career. It has given me the opportunity to travel, meet new people, learn about new topics, and research areas, build my leadership skills, and confidence in my abilities. I am grateful for the SMART program because without it, I might not have pursued my masters and doctorate due to lack of knowledge and resources.”

Jennifer Lopez, Ph.D.

Mathematics, air force institute of technology, ph.d. (2019) mathematics, san francisco state university, ma (2010) mathematics, university of california, davis, bs 2007 (through smart 2005 cohort).

SMART scholar Jennifer Lopez, Ph.D., decided to take her family’s history of serving their country in a new direction. Jennifer comes from an enlisted family, a legacy she wanted to honor while pursuing her passion for mathematics. SMART provided Jennifer that opportunity when she received one of the first SMART Scholarship awards in 2005 for her bachelor’s degree. Nearly 15 years later, she still serves the Department of Defense at her current facility, the Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate . Since receiving her SMART Scholarship in 2005, Jennifer has gone on to earn both a master’s and Ph.D. Jennifer’s mentor, Dr. Richard Albanese, showcased how mathematics could be applied to various research to benefit the warfighter. He encouraged her to continue her education and listen to customer. On a daily basis, Jennifer works on collaborative teams, to apply her mathematic skills to analyst needs, by developing artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, and designing experiments. Jennifer is also motivated by her role as a mother and says, “I work hard because I know I am a role model to my children. I want to show them that though it might be difficult, they can make their own path through education and make positive changes. Programs like SMART make this possible.”

Meet Additional SMART Scholars

Become a SMART Scholar!

Visit the SMART Program’s website to learn more about eligibility requirements, award cycles, and how you can become a SMART scholar.

Visit the SMART Program’s Website

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• Office of the Director of National Intelligence
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• National Reconnaissance Office
• National Security Agency
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• Coast Guard Intelligence
• United States Space Force
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Students and Internships

Hiring, developing and retaining a highly skilled, technically savvy cadre of employees with the ability to solve problems in an increasingly data-driven environment will be essential to meet the needs of defense intelligence. Are you up for the challenge?

How to apply to student programs

You must apply online to our student programs. Follow the steps below to apply to student opportunities that have been posted to DIA.mil .

Go to our online job portal to find student internships and programs.

• Select View vacancy announcements & apply for DIA jobs .
• Select No when asked if you are a current DIA employee.
• Search for the Summer Internship Program job announcement.
• Click Apply .
• Please submit only the information requested.

Helpful tips when applying to student programs and internships

• Include an unofficial copy of your transcript. We will tell finalists how to submit an official transcript.
• Identify a functional area of interest.
• Tell us about your geographic preference for work assignment.
• Tell us how you learned about the Summer Internship Program.
• Provide a permanent address, email address and daytime telephone number along with college information.
• Include your GPA.

The application processes may differ by program. Review the application instructions for the program before applying.

Career Fields

Summer internship program (sip).

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students

Majors/fields: Foreign area studies, computer science, business administration, human resources, public administration, international relations, legal studies, political science, STEM fields, engineering or intelligence analysis

When: May through August over a 10–12-week period. Internship announcements typically open in March.

The SIP provides promising students the opportunity to gain practical, on-the-job experience working side-by-side with intelligence, technology, human resources and other professionals in their field of study while providing support to the DIA mission. While at DIA, you will gain insight into a career in the Intelligence Community, what it takes to support the warfighter and how to become a permanent employee at DIA. You will work full-time during the summer and enjoy the same benefits as permanent employees.

You are paid on a bi-weekly basis and your salary is based on the total number of completed credit hours. You can accrue annual and sick leave, as well as be paid for federal holidays.

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be enrolled in a full-time U.S. accredited college or university or be a recent graduate, depending on the program.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Maintain a security clearance. Dual citizenship holders are eligible to receive a security clearance under this program.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program

When: January to May for one academic semester. Internship announcements typically open in March.

You will gain valuable work experience combined with your academic studies by exchanging one academic semester for full-time employment. You will serve your country by participating in the critical work of the agency through an extended work period. You will also receive other federal and DIA benefits like annual and sick leave, federal holidays, the Civilian Fitness Program, foreign language program and Mass Transit Benefit program.

• Be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program, or be a recent graduate, depending on the program.
• Have minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Have a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent.
• Live within a 50-mile radius of your duty station.
• Have successfully completed the Summer Internship Program or co-op program.

Academic Semester Internship Program (ASIP)

Open to: Current Summer Internship Program and Co-op interns enrolled in undergraduate and graduate program

When: August to May during your fall and spring semesters. If you are graduating, you cannot participate in ASIP, but you may receive a 120-day extension if you successfully complete the Summer Internship Program. ASIP is a retention program so there is no internship application period for this program.

The ASIP is a retention program where you can continue gaining practical work experience in your respective career fields while enrolled in classes. You must complete the Summer Internship Program to apply. We offer a limited number of paid academic semester internships. You will work for one semester as a part-time employee (29 hours per week) with the possibility for extension into the following semester. You can also take advantage of our foreign language program and mass transit benefit program.

• Be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program, or be a recent graduate, depending on program.

Louis Stokes Education Scholarship (STOKES) program

Open to: High school seniors, college freshmen and sophomores

When: May to August over a 10–12-week period. Internship announcements typically open in September or October.

STOKES is a needs-based program offering tuition assistance to students enrolled at accredited colleges or universities, while providing challenging summer work and guaranteed employment in their field of study upon graduation. You will attend classes full-time during the academic year and work at DIA full time during the summer in positions related to your course of study. Once you graduate, you must commit to working at DIA for up to 18 months of continued service for each academic year of the STOKES educational sponsorship. You will also receive other federal and DIA benefits like annual and sick leave, federal holidays, the Civilian Fitness Program, foreign language program and Mass Transit Benefit Program.

• Be enrolled or seeking enrollment in an undergraduate degree program.
• Be a high school student in your senior year at the time of application.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
• Have exhibited leadership abilities through your extracurricular student activities, civic involvement, volunteer work or part-time employment.
• As a college freshmen or sophomore, you will need to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• All immediate family members have U.S. citizenship.
• Maintain a security clearance. Dual citizenship holders are not eligible to receive a security clearance through this program.

Application tips for high school seniors

Your high school guidance office must review your application prior to submitting it online and must include:

• Your entire high school transcript and a list of scheduled classes for your senior year.
• Your SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Test) results.
• A completed ( DIA form 418A ) which includes your gender, ethnicity, race and disability self-identification.
• Your resume, including extracurricular activities during high school (awards, leadership roles, etc.), civic involvement, volunteer work or part-time employment.
• An essay explaining why you wish to pursue a particular field of study and illustrating your leadership ability.
• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a copy of last year's income tax return of your parent(s) or guardians.

If any of the items listed above are missing, we will not consider your application package.

Application tips for college freshmen and sophomore students

You must submit your application online and include:

• Your complete transcript and a list of courses scheduled for the next semester.
• Your resume, including your extracurricular activities, civil involvement, volunteer work and any work experience.
• One signed letter of recommendation from a college professor or employer.

Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

This program connects federal sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities eager to apply their knowledge, skills and abilities in the workplace through summer internships.

Once selected for the program, you will connect with an employee mentor. Your mentor will assist you with interviewing techniques, goal setting, the federal application process and other workplace challenges. You are eligible to work full-time for up to 14 weeks or part-time for up to 28 weeks.

Currently, WRP opens its student registration in August. Please also visit the WRP website for more registration information.

• Be enrolled in a full–time undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Have a minimum of 60 semester hours and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
• Provide proof of disability.

Learn more about the Workforce Recruitment Program and application process .

Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) program

Open to: Undergraduate or graduate students

Majors/fields: STEM fields within SMART's 21 approved fields of study

When: May to June for up to three summers. Internship announcements typically open in August.

This program provides you with a full-time, paid summer internship. You must pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) fields of study. Current DoD employees seeking advanced degrees can apply. We will provide paid tuition and fees, a stipend and guaranteed employment when you successfully complete the program.

• Be pursuing a degree in one of SMART's 21 approved STEM fields of study.
• Have a minimum of 60 semester hours or its equivalent and possess a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent at the time of application.

National Security Education Program (NSEP)

When: Internship announcements open in November. NSEP Interns are hired year-round.

This program connects federal employers and U.S. citizens with foreign language and international exposure to work in national security positions. This scholarship program promotes language skills, cultural awareness and an understanding of national security issues. If you are awarded a NSEP scholarship, you will spend the entire internship working on federally funded projects.

This one-year, full-time internship program provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and gain practical work experience.

• Have a minimum of 60 semester hours or its equivalent and a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent at the time of application.
• Include a narrative of work experience that highlights your interest in the intelligence field or other specialized skills.
• Be a recipient of a grant or scholarship under the David L. Boren National Security Education Program.
• Have an anticipated graduation date between June and September.
• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a university or college.
• Maintain a security clearance. Dual citizenship holders may be eligible to receive a security clearance under this program.

Office of the General Counsel Unpaid Internship Program

Open to: First-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) student

Majors/fields: Law school

When: May to June over a 12-week period. Internship announcements open in February and November.

In this program, you will gain experience on a full-time basis and receive academic credit for your time.

• Be a first-year J.D. student enrolled in a full-time U.S. accredited law school.

Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics internship program

Open to: Undergraduate students

Majors/fields: Politics, government or public service

When: May to June over a 12-week period. Internship announcements open in June.

You will experience a substantive, career-oriented summer internship in politics, government or public service.

• Be enrolled full-time in a U.S. accredited college or university degree program.

To apply, contact the career services or career center at your university. Learn more about the HARVARD Program .

John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows program

This one-year civilian fellowship program provides you with leadership development for a career track toward senior leadership in the Department of Defense. You will experience rotations in the Office of the Secretary of Defense or an office of a secretary of a military branch. You will also gain experience and leadership skills through challenging opportunities that allow you to flourish into a problem solver, strategic thinker and a future leader. Mentorship by DoD senior leaders is also part of the program.

Please visit the McCain website for application window.

Join The Defense Intelligence Agency.

DOD CIVILIAN CAREERS

DOD Civilian Employment. Where Talent Makes Global Impact

Internship Programs

Begin your professional career in one of the boundless opportunities offered by the Department of Defense for recent graduates.

Internship Program

A unique opportunity to experience the work environment in the Department of Defense while still in school. Current students enrolled in educational institutions ranging from high school to graduate school gain the experience of working for DOD and ability to explore the many opportunities that the Department of Defense has to offer.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS