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Director's Summer Program (DSP)

The Director's Summer Program (DSP) is a highly competitive program that seeks to reach the Nation's most outstanding undergraduate mathematics majors. Each summer, we invite exceptional students to put their problem-solving skills to the test in mathematics, cryptology, and communications technology. These problems often involve applications of abstract algebra, geometry, number theory, probability, statistics, combinatorics, graph theory, algorithms, computer science, and analysis.

Introductory lectures on modern cryptologic mathematics are given at the beginning of the summer, as well as a presentation of the current operational problems at NSA. Each student chooses one or two problems as the focus of his or her research. Throughout the summer, students are expected to document their work in technical papers, which are internally published at NSA.

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted August 1st - October 31st of each year.

About the Program
The DSP runs from the end of May through the middle of August and is open to students majoring in Mathematics. Computer Science majors with either a minor in math or a strong math curriculum may also apply. These programs afford the opportunity to "earn while you learn" by providing hands-on experience during a 12-week paid work assignment. Assignments are based on the student's experience and academic status. These intense 12-week programs give the brightest math students in America's colleges and universities the chance to put their problem-solving skills to the test and receive valuable work experience at the same time. Students participating in the programs have the opportunity to learn and develop cryptomathematical theory and to apply the theory to operational problems.

Salary
Students are paid a salary commensurate with their education level.

Benefits

  • Receive annual and sick leave, federal holidays
  • Participation in Agency-wide extracurricular programs
  • Those who attend schools in excess of 75 miles from Fort Meade, MD, are eligible for a round trip airline ticket to and from school or mileage reimbursement up to the cost of a government issued airline ticket.

Qualifications

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be eligible to be granted a security clearance
  • Must be a college student majoring in Mathematics. Other majors with either a minor in math or a strong math curriculum may apply.

How to Apply
Applications must be received by October 31st. Applications received after the deadline, as well as incomplete packets, will not be considered.

To submit a resume online during open season, click any "Apply Online" link. Under "Basic Job Search", type in keywords "Director's Summer Program" and click on "search." Select Director's Summer Program and click "Apply Now." Follow directions as prompted.

To be considered for any of the summer math programs, you must submit a complete application packet that includes:

  • A resume
  • At LEAST two teacher recommendations from faculty members familiar with your technical work
  • ALL official college transcripts through current academic year

Submit your application package to:
National Security Agency
Attn: R1 (DSP/MSEP/GMP)
9800 Savage Road, Suite 6515
Ft. George G. Meade, MD 20755-6515

You may also fax your application materials to (301) 688-0689 or e-mail them to math@NSA.gov.

For additional information about our summer math programs, call (301) 688-0983.

IMPORTANT: When applying online, you may only submit your resume. Please mail or e-mail your teachers' recommendations and official transcripts separately.

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Date Posted: Jan 15, 2009 | Last Modified: Jan 15, 2009 | Last Reviewed: Jan 15, 2009

  
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