Viceroy Decree
Cybersecurity and EMS scholarship opportunity
Northern Arizona University is seeking applications from current STEM undergraduate students to join the VICEROY DECREE program.
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, addressing recruitment and training challenges faced in DoD-related cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) fields. The program’s goal 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 have opportunity to take virtual, credit-bearing coursework from three consortium institutions. Scholars will have access to professional development opportunities, mentoring programs, as well as access to DoD-related internships, co-ops, and post-graduation employment opportunities within the DoD and/or defense industry.
The Virtual Institute addresses high priority needs in the following areas:
- Cybersecurity
- Electromagnetic spectrum
- Strategic foreign languages
- Cryptography
- Data science
Scholars will be required to complete 8-10 credits within the VICEROY DECREE designated curriculum by the end of the Fall 2026 semester. At least one-third of credits must be completed, online, outside the home institution. For a list of courses and institutions, please refer to the Courses page.
Eligibility criteria
Scholars participating can obtain two VICEROY Scholars Designations: Viceroy Scholars or Viceroy Scholars with Honors, based on their completion of the program requirements.
- To be recognized as a Viceroy Scholar, students must meet the following:
- Maintain eligibility for security clearance
- Complete an academic program aligned with OPM standards
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2+
- Engage in a cyber-security club
- Participating in cyber competitions
- Complete an applied learning experience (Security +, Pentest +, …)
- To be recognized as a Viceroy scholar with Honors, a student who meets all the Viceroy Scholars criteria, PLUS the following requirements:
- a. Participate in mentorship and/or engagement
- b. Completion of a DoD-related internship
- c. Participating in the Annual Viceroy Symposium
Students who meet all VICEROY Scholars requirements will receive a completion stipend and a letter of recommendation from the Viceroy National Director, while scholars with honors will receive additional recognition for their exceptional contributions and commitment to the program. 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. VICEROY DECREE scholarships will be awarded to students selected by their home institution’s scholarship committee.
Applicant must:
- Be a current full-time student
- Be enrolled in a STEM program at the home institution
- Be security clearance eligible
- Intend to pursue employment within DoD or the defense industry
Scholars will be evaluated on their academic and extracurricular achievement, and potential to succeed in DoD-related careers.
Priority application deadline
The priority application deadline for the Spring 2026 application is September 28, 2025.
Note:
- This scholarship is not related to a military scholarship.
- For ROTC students, this coursework is in addition to the ROTC curriculum. Any questions or inquiries should be directed to Viceroy-Decree@nau.edu.