VICEROY
Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) is designed to identify and nurture the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who will serve in critical roles within the Department of Defense (DoD).
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Applications are currently closed
VICEROY Scholar Applications for Fall 2025 are currently closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. The pre-application window has ended for this cycle. We’ll share the next opening date on this page and by email (via the newsletter signup link).
Advancing Future Cyber Leaders for the Department of Defense/War
Targeting incoming juniors, the program prepares students for civilian and commissioned careers in agencies such as the NSA, CIA, Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Space Force, and other government entities essential to national security.
Commitment to DoD/DoW Careers
Participation in VICEROY carries a clear expectation: students must have a strong interest in pursuing careers within the DoD/DoW or its affiliated agencies. These opportunities span civilian and commissioned roles that are vital to protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure. If you do not intend to pursue a career within the DoD, we respectfully ask that you consider other opportunities better suited to your career goals so we can prioritize students who are passionate about serving in these capacities.
VICEROY provides experiential learning through access to the Texas Cyber Range, faculty-led research, hands-on training, and leadership in certification academies such as AWS Academy, Cisco Academy, Red Hat Academy, and others. The program fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and technical expertise, ensuring graduates are mission-ready to meet the cybersecurity needs of the DoD/DoW.
Funding for VICEROY is provided by The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Griffiss Institute.
Who:
Junior or Senior Cyber Students at Texas A&M, Prairie View A&M, and Texas A&M San Antonio.
For Houston City College, selected students can apply.
What:
Enrichment Opportunities and Incentives for Participants
Important Program Update – Effective Fall 2025
The VICEROY Scholars Program is undergoing significant changes beginning Fall 2025. All current Scholars will be required to reapply under the new process outlined in VICEROY Manual 2.0.
Key changes include:
- A limited number of slots will be available across all participating institutions
- Scholars will first complete a pre-screening application through Texas A&M University
- Selected applicants will then apply directly to the Griffiss Institute (GI)
- Final selection and approval will be made by GI, with additional review by our team
Students selected as VICEROY Scholars under the new model will be expected to:
- Maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA
- Actively participate in VICEROY activities and events
- Submit a monthly report to GI
- Complete all program requirements throughout the year
- Optionally work toward HONOR Scholar designation
The 6 VICEROY Initiatives
- Programs leading to certifications and cyber-related degrees
- Targeted strategic foreign language proficiency training
- Programs focused on the mathematical foundations of cryptography
- Programs related to data science
- Development of cyber talent and early interest in cyber careers
- Training and educational programs to expand the pool of qualified cyber instructor
Important Notes for VICEROY
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be able to acquire a security clearance.
- Slots are limited.
- Strong applicants should highlight certifications, competitions, research, and leadership experience.
