The Application Process

Applying for both the Scholarship for Service program (SFS) and the Scholarship for Industry program (SFI) begins with an online application, supplemented with additional information. See below for details about online submissions. 

The admissions committee reviews all applications and selects top candidates for an in-person and/or video interview. This may be followed by additional interviews and/or meetings to ensure selection of the best candidates.

The AZSecure Cybersecurity program has eligibility requirements beyond those of the MIS department. Please see the eligibility section of the Scholarship for Service page before beginning your application.

When to Apply

All students begin the program in the fall semester (August) of the academic year.

• Master's students should apply at the same time they are applying for the MIS Master’s program, with all supplemental materials submitted by no later than January 15th.
• Ph.D. students should apply at the same time they are applying for the MIS Doctoral program, with all supplemental materials submitted no later than February 28th.

Master's Students

Master's students interested in being considered for the AZSecure Cybersecurity program are advised to contact Dr. Mark Patton, Program Administrator (mpatton@email.arizona.edu) or Brandi Gaulin, Program Manager (brandig@arizona.edu) to discuss their interest in the program before applying.

Students who meet eligibility requirements can apply for the AZSecure Cybersecurity program when submitting their professional application for the MIS Master’s program. There will be separate application questions related to the AZSecure Cybersecurity program where you should upload the following:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in applying for the AZSecure Cybersecurity program, the track you are applying for, and explaining your reasons why.
• A CV or resume (should include all information pertinent to your interests, experiences and background in cybersecurity)
• A 3-5 page essay in which you describe how your background, interests, experience and motivations make you a suitable candidate for the AZSecure Cybersecurity program.

After submitting your application, please inform Dr. Mark Patton, Program Administrator (mpatton@email.arizona.edu) and Brandi Gaulin, Program Manager (brandig@arizona.edu), via a brief email that you have applied and include a copy of your cover letter and essay. 

PhD Students

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD through the AZSecure Cybersecurity program, you must apply to the MIS PhD program through the online application process. In addition, you must email the following documents to Dr. Mark Patton (mpatton@email.arizona.edu) and Brandi Gaulin (brandig@arizona.edu) with the subject line, "PhD application to AZSecure Cybersecurity program":

• A cover letter expressing your interest in applying for the AZSecure Cybersecurity program, the track your are applying for and explaining your reasons why
• A CV or resume (should include all information pertinent to your interests, experiences and background in cybersecurity)
• A 3-5 page essay describing how your background, interests, experience and motivations make you a suitable candidate for the AZSecure Cybersecurity program.

You must be accepted to both the MIS PhD program and the AZSecure Cybersecurity program to be eligible to receive funding.