Department of Defense (DOD) - National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship

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Program Purpose: 

The Department of Defense is committed to increasing the number and quality of our nation's scientists and engineers. As a means of increasing the number of U.S, citizens and nationals trained in science and engineering disciplines of military importance, the DOD plans to award approximately 200 new three-year graduate fellowships annually.

Program Description: 

The DOD's National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship is a highly competitive, portable fellowship for those who intend to pursue a PhD in science and engineering in one of the 15 supported disciplines of research interest to the DOD. The Program supports approximately 8,000 graduate students annually. The NDSEG confers high honors upon its recipients, and allows them to attend whichever U.S. institution they choose, and engage in fundamental studies under the leadership of a senior researcher.

Supported Fields: 

Supported fields are: aeronautical and astronautical engineering; biosciences; chemical engineering; chemistry; civil engineering; cognitive, neural, and behavioral sciences; computer and computational sciences; electrical engineering; geosciences; materials science and engineering; mathematics; mechanical engineering; naval architecture and ocean engineering; oceanography; physics.

Program Benefits: 

NDSEG Fellowships last for three years and pay for full tuition and all mandatory fees, a monthly stipend, and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance. The stipend for each of the 3 years is at the following rates: $30,500 for the first year, $31,000 for the second year, and $31,500 for the third year. Fellows also receive up to $1,000 per year for medical insurance. Fellows must be enrolled in coursework or engage in research activity during the summer months. Persons with disabilities may receive additional special educational expenses.

Applicant Profile: 

These fellowships are offered to individuals with a demonstrated ability and special aptitude for advanced training in science and engineering. Applications are encouraged from women, persons with disabilities, and members of ethnic and racial minority groups – including African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and Hispanic or Latino persons – that have been underrepresented in science and engineering fields.

Eligibility: 

Graduating seniors or graduate students in the first or second year of a Ph.D., or master's, program.

Citizenship: 

U.S. citizens or nationals.

Program Deadline: 

Usually mid-December.

How To Apply: 

Students or alumni, as applicable, may apply directly to this program. Applicants are encouraged, however, to work with SF State's fellowship advisor well in advance of the program deadline to perfect their application essays and other materials.