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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 undergraduate 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. State-of-the-art computing resources are available to all students. Computational algebra packages, including Mathematica, MATLAB, Magma and MAPLE are available, in addition to a variety of statistics packages.

The DSP is looking for students who have distinguished themselves in national mathematics or modeling competitions, or in undergraduate research. At the beginning of the summer, students are presented with introductory lectures on modern cryptologic mathematics and with descriptions of several current problems of interest. 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 September 1st - October 15th each year.

About the Program
The DSP is a 12-week program that runs from the end of May through mid-August each year 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. Applicants should have demonstrated superior mathematical aptitude. One full year of abstract algebra and one full year of analysis are strongly recommended. Some computer experience and mathematical software packages, is desirable.

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

Benefits

  • Receive vacation time, sick leave and 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 an undergraduate student or a student completing their undergraduate degree and pursuing graduate school, majoring in mathematics. Other majors with either a minor in math or a strong math curriculum may apply.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online on or before October 15th. 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 the directions as prompted.

To be considered, you must submit a complete application package that includes:

  • A resume
  • At least two letters of recommendation from math faculty members who can speak directly to your mathematics background
  • Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended through current academic year

For additional information, please e-mail ljmcwee@nsa.gov or call 410-854-4726.

IMPORTANT: When applying online, you may only submit your resume. Please send the letters of recommendation and official transcripts to:
National Security Agency
Attn: R1 (DSP)
9800 Savage Road, Suite 6515
Fort 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 the DSP, please call 301-688-0983 or email math@NSA.gov.

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Date Posted: Jan 15, 2009 | Last Modified: Oct 04, 2011 | Last Reviewed: Oct 04, 2011

  
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National Security Agency / Central Security Service