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Welcome to ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ DOD Cyber Institute!

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Department of Defense Cyber Institute (CDCI) was established to address the critical national security need for a skilled and capable cybersecurity workforce. The Department of Defense (DoD) is facing a significant shortage of qualified cyber professionals, both military and civilian, with over 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions nationwide. In response, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ, along with the nation’s five Senior Military Colleges, has each been awarded approximately $1.5 million in federal funding to establish cybersecurity institutes as part of a national pilot program.

The mission of the CDCI is to develop principled leaders who are experts in cybersecurity, equipped with the advanced technical skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to immediately contribute to the DoD’s cyber workforce upon graduation.

Cyber Leaders Development Program (CLDP)

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ cadets selected for the CLDP will pursue a major in Cyber Operations or a major in Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity, or a major in Computer Science with a minor in Data Science. Each year,Ìý10-20Ìýcadets will be selected for CLDP. Selected students will receive a stipend, participate in experiential learning, outreach activities and cyber defense competitions and pursue training on Network+/ Security+ Certifications.

Cyber Lab

A Cyber Lab with the NetLab+ framework and VMware vCloud Director will be implemented where students, through hands-on projects, will develop cyber-competency skills with Network+, and Security+. Cyber Lab will be used for outreach activities for K-12 programs and SC National Guard / State Guard. The CDCI will complement and leverage college-wide resources and expertise from the Department of Cyber and Computer Sciences, Center for Cyber, Intelligence and Secure Studies, STEM Center of Excellence, Academic Support Center and ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Career Center.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen
• ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Student
• Capable of being granted a Top-Secret security clearance
• Enrolled in a cybersecurity-related field of study (any of the three tracks- a major in Cyber Operations or a major in Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity, or a major in Computer Science with a minor in Data Science)

Evaluation Criteria

• Major
• GPA
• Actively engaged with ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Cyber Club / Cyber Competitions
• Interest in DoD employment
• Leadership experience

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ÌýCOA (Cyber Outreach Ambassadors)

COA is a key outreach initiative within the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ DoD Cyber Institute, dedicated to serving K–12 schools the lowcountry and across South Carolina. Through engaging presentations and interactive activities, COA aims to enhance awareness and understanding of cyber safety, cybersecurity principles, and career pathways in the cyber field.

Currently, COA hosts in-person events for students, faculty and staff, and parents, with plans to expand its reach to additional community groups in Spring 2027. CLDP students that are interested in contributing to COA’s impactful mission are encouraged to complete the form below. Members of the CDCI team will contact interested students in August 2026.

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