Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART)
The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Individuals applying to the program should have a strong interest in working for the DoD as a civilian research scientist or engineer. There is a post-graduation service requirement.
If selected, an awardee is assigned to the DoD laboratory where they will serve as a summer intern and complete a period of post-graduation employment service as a DoD civilian. Awardees sign the SMART Service Agreement, confirming their understanding that the employment obligation to the DoD civilian Science and Technology workforce upon graduation is a one-to-one commitment. For each academic year of a participant's award, they are required to commit to one year (12 months) of civilian employment with the DoD.
Last updated: October 2025
About the Award
To be eligible, you must:
- be eighteen years or older by the start of the program (August 1 of program year)
- be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom at time of application
- be able to participate in 8-12 week summer internships at DoD laboratories
- be willing to accept post-graduate employment with the DoD
- be a student in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the supported disciplines
- be either currently enrolled in a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or awaiting notification
- (graduate applicants only) have taken the GRE and test scores must be reportable by ETS
There is no required campus endorsement or application process for DoD SMART, but Drexel applicants are encouraged to seek support on their application from fellowships advisors. Fill out the Fellowship Interest Form to request advising.
- December 05, 2025
- Public Service
- Professional Opportunity
- Research
- Graduate Fellowship
- Undergraduate Tuition Scholarship
- Co-op Compatible
- Study
- United States
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Multi-year
- Post Undergraduate
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
- US Citizen/National
- Citizen of another country
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