For students eager to start a meaningful career in national security, an internship at the National Security Agency (NSA) offers an unparalleled opportunity. The NSA is more than just a government agency—it’s a place where you can contribute to some of the most important missions in cybersecurity, intelligence, and defense while growing personally and professionally.
Internships at the NSA aren’t just about learning the ropes; they’re about jumping into real-world projects that have national significance. Here’s why an internship at the NSA might be the perfect step for students looking to shape their future careers.
A Unique Starting Point
Many NSA employees, including interns, start their journey at the agency with little knowledge of what the NSA does. While most people have heard of the CIA or other government bodies, the NSA’s work is often less understood, yet it plays a critical role in national security. Whether your background is in technology, communications, or any other field, an NSA internship exposes you to this vital mission while helping you understand how your skills can make a difference.
Professional Development and Mentorship
Interning at the NSA provides more than just work experience—it gives you access to career development programs and mentorship opportunities that help you explore different paths within the agency. One of the most rewarding aspects of an NSA internship is the chance to rotate through various departments, work alongside seasoned professionals, and gain insights from multiple facets of the agency’s mission.
As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in development programs designed to help you build both technical and non-technical skills. These programs often include networking with other interns and employees, engaging in hands-on projects, and discovering career paths you might not have considered before. The NSA values mentorship and personal growth, so you’ll have the support needed to navigate the internship and explore your interests.
An Internship that Makes an Impact
At the NSA, interns don’t just observe—they contribute. The work done here has real-world consequences, from protecting national infrastructure to securing communications that affect global security. Whether you’re passionate about cybersecurity, data science, communications, or policy, you’ll find that your work as an NSA intern has a direct impact on the agency’s mission.
Internships at the NSA are designed to help students transition into full-time roles, whether at the NSA or elsewhere. Many interns find that their experiences here set them on a path to long-term success in national security, intelligence, or other related fields. The mentorship, professional development, and hands-on experience you gain during your internship will help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Apply Today and Start Your Journey
For students who are eager to make a difference, develop new skills, and grow within a supportive and innovative environment, an NSA internship is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. The agency offers internships across a wide range of fields, and every role provides you with a chance to learn, contribute, and grow.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career in national security and make a lasting impact, consider applying for an NSA internship. It’s more than just a summer job—it’s an opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field and to start shaping your future.
The NSA is actively seeking passionate, motivated students like you to join their team. Apply before October 31 and embark on a journey that will challenge, inspire, and prepare you for a career with endless possibilities.
Mathematics programs
Director’s Summer Program (DSP)
Open to: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors
Majors/fields: Mathematics, computer science and physics
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
The DSP provides a summer opportunity to outstanding undergraduate mathematics majors. We invite students who have demonstrated superior mathematical aptitude to collaborate with each other and NSA mathematicians on problems that are critical to the intelligence gathering and cybersecurity mission of the agency.
A full year of abstract algebra and analysis is strongly recommended. Some experience in computer programming especially in C, Python and in mathematical software packages is desirable.
DSP participants gwork on problems in mathematics, cryptology and communications science that involve applications of abstract algebra, geometry, number theory, probability, statistics, combinatorics, graph theory, algorithms, computer science and analysis. Each student chooses one of these problems as the focus of their research and documents the work in technical papers which are internally published at NSA.
Cryptanalysis and Signals Analysis Summer Program (CASASP)
Open to: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors
Majors/fields: Mathematics and computer programming
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The CASASP gives undergraduate mathematicians and computer scientists a chance to contribute to mission-essential technical operations. We invite 12 students to learn, use and further our tradecraft while working on operational problems of national importance. The problems involve applications of math, statistics, computer science, reverse engineering and software development with results integrated into products, systems and new capabilities.
The CASASP is seeking students majoring in mathematics, computer science or related engineering fields that have a year of mathematics beyond calculus and some programming experience. Experience in C, C++, Java, Python or some mathematical software package is desirable.
Graduate Mathematics Program (GMP)
Open to: Graduate students
Majors/fields: Mathematics and statistics
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
The GMP provides an opportunity for exceptional mathematics and statistics graduate students to work directly with NSA Mathematicians on mission-critical problems and experience the excitement of the NSA mathematics community.
Applicants should have demonstrated superior mathematics aptitude and problem-solving skills. Evidence of successful work on an independent project in pure or applied mathematics, statistics, data science or computer science is desirable.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate program and intending to work in any area of mathematics or statistics. Computer programming experience, especially Python, C, or C++, is desirable.
GMP participants work on problems involving math, statistics, data analysis, cryptology and communications technology and document their work in technical papers which are internally published at NSA.
Summer Program for Operations Research Technology (SPORT)
Open to: Graduate or doctoral students
Majors/fields: Applied mathematics, data science and big data analytics, statistics, operations research, modeling and simulation, industrial engineering, systems engineering, computer network engineering, computer science or management science.
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
SPORT offers you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in the stimulating professional environment of one of the most advanced intelligence agencies in the world. You will spend the summer developing innovative solutions to unique problems.
You will apply the technical skills you’ve learned in graduate school to challenging operational problems. You will lead the technical development of your project and communication with your agency customer, work with operations research analysts and attend weekly seminars on best methods and practices. At the end of your internship, you will present your findings directly to your project customer, fellow interns and senior leadership.
Cybersecurity programs
Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-Cyber Ops) Summer Intern Program
Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
The CAE-Cyber Ops Summer Program is our premier outreach program for students enrolled in the cyber operations specialization at NSA-designated universities. You will gain knowledge of specific cyber-related topics and apply your skills to address various real-world technical challenges. You will work on a broad range of problems involving applications of computer science and engineering.
You will participate in a capstone activity focused on specific real-world technical problems. You will gain better understanding of how to conduct data analysis and will apply that learning to developing real-time solutions and experience the excitement of success built on hard work and innovation. The outstanding work you accomplish is documented in the program’s year-end report.
The goals of the program:
- Introduce our country’s future leaders in cyber-related fields to the agency’s mission and share the excitement of working on problems of
national importance. - Provide a deep understanding of the vital role that computer science and engineering play in enabling the agency to tackle a diverse set of technical challenges.
- Encourage undergraduate and graduate computer science and engineering majors to continue cyber-related studies and careers.
- Afford participants the opportunity to provide solutions to current operational problems.
Cyber Summer Program
Open to: Undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students
Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, mathematics, network security, Information assurance
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
This program is our outreach effort to the very best undergraduate and graduate computer cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, mathematics, network security and information assurance students in the country. You will work with other students in teams and directly with technical professionals on mission-critical cyber-related problems.
You will work on a broad range of problems, applying computer science and engineering skills. In the first two weeks, you are broadly exposed to the NSA’s cyber mission through lectures, classes and tours. Then, you choose a current mission-drive problem that you will focus on for the summer. You will present your work to senior leadership, as well as have it documented in the year-end report. You will learn and develop data analysis, network analysis and exploitation techniques, apply what you learn to come up with real-time solutions and experience the excitement of success built on hard work and innovation.
The goals of the program are to:
- Introduce our country’s future leaders in cyber-related fields to the Agency’s mission and share with them the excitement of working on problems of national importance.
- Provide a deep understanding of the vital role that cybersecurity, engineering, mathematics, network security and information assurance majors to continue their studies and pursue careers in the cyber-related fields.
- Provide solutions to current operational problems.
Hawaii CAE Cyber Operations Summer Internship
Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, jun
iors or seniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering and electrical engineering
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
Your knowledge is applied to real-world, mission-related technical projects. Participants in the program will work on a broad range of problems involving computer science and engineering. As an added bonus, this position is in Hawaii, so you will spend the summer in a tropical paradise unlike anything you can find stateside.
As a participant in the program:
- You will learn about NSA’s unique mission and will be exposed to the broad scope of cyber studies and careers.
- You will gain a deep understanding of the vital role that cyber operations play in enabling NSA to work a diverse set of technical challenges.
- You will work on a classified project that will support a real mission.
Computer science, engineering and information systems programs
Installations and Logistics (IandL) intern program
Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Architecture, accounting, business management, business statistics, control systems, data analytics, data visualization, design and planning, economics, engineering, environmental science, finance, fire protection, operations/supply chain management and urban development/city planning
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
Along with valuable work experience, you will gain substantial exposure to our mission operations through supporting functions and tours of various sites. You will interact with leaders daily and receive unparalleled mentorship and professional development. The internship will culminate in a final presentation to senior leadership, describing your project impact and summer experience at the NSA. By the end of the program, you will understand the infrastructure backbone of an intelligence agency.
Previous intern projects have included:
- Contribute to construction and renovation projects that support facility operations and maintenance through infrastructure planning, design development, standards application and project management services.
- Monitor our 24/7 operations at the Facilities Control Center with a team of control systems specialists, including experts on fire alarms, SCADA and electrical systems.
- Coordinate master plans for the new campus under construction, backed by quantifiable cost-benefit analysis.
- Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical system deficiencies through control management systems with a team of seniors engineering and optimizing functionality for successful future operations.
Data Center Facility Management (DCFM) intern program
Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Mechanical engineering, electrical/power engineering, industrial control systems and information technology/networking
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
This program provides you with real world exposure to data center facility management and technology. You will gain hands-on experience managing a data center. Positions are available in Washington D.C.–Ft. Meade, San Antonio, Texas and outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.
You will learn about the dynamic field that governs the facilities and complex engineering frameworks that support massive parallel computing systems. DCFM involves an unprecedented integrated approach that combines power and HVAC engineering disciplines with information technology. All these branches of knowledge join together to help create a safe and secure environment where parallel computing systems and their infrastructure can operate at peak efficiency with optimal potential for future expansion. DCFM also ensures that efficient and forward-thinking practices are implemented during the design, construction, installation, and maintenance projects that occur regularly within the walls of an operating data center.
Previous intern projects have included:
- Research of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools, which are software-based programs to better manage most aspects of a data center.
- Creation of room layouts to optimize efficiency of a data center.
- Collect and analyze power space and cooling data for new system installations.
- Use of 6 Sigma Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool to better understand how certain factors affect the information technology environme
nt. - Design of a new-zero data center facility with the latest industry power and cooling infrastructure technology.
Science of Security (SoS)
Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, information technology, mathematics, psychology
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
The Science of Security (SoS) program is an innovative approach by NSA to advance security. It is a catalyst for the global community to establish a discipline identifying foundational truths of cybersecurity and privacy. This discipline provides the NSA and global community with the methods and evidence to develop cybersecurity technologies and operations based on science for trustworthy defenses.
The SoS summer internship provides an opportunity for exceptional STEM students to work directly with NSA researchers on mission-critical cybersecurity research problems. Students will have the opportunity to participate in tailored research projects aligned with their specific interests. A mentor who is an expert in that field of research will guide the students through the learning experience and help navigate the intricacies of the project.
Students will gain real time, hands-on experience and exposure to NSA’s critical research questions and top professionals during their summer internship. The SoS team will further support students by providing opportunities for learning about other related parts of the agency to ensure a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
The Summer Intern Program for Science and Technology (SIPST)
Open to: Undergraduate sophomores or juniors
Majors/fields: Computer science, cybersecurity, data science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, network engineering, software engineering, telecommunications
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
You will work with leading computer scientists and engineering on the nation’s toughest cyber problems while enhancing your skills in assignments related to your major. You will work closely with a project mentor on a specific, mission-focused problem while learning in an exciting high-tech environment.
Computer Science Intern Program (CSIP)
Open to: Undergraduate students, graduate students and doctoral students
Majors/fields: Computer science with preference given to those who have completed courses in data structure, discrete mathematics or structures and calculus I and II.
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
In this program you are assigned to projects that contribute to our mission. Projects culminate in a short presentation and technical paper. Projects are typically in the areas of:
- Big data
- Information retrieval
- Information visualization
- Computer and network security
- Machine learning/artificial Intelligence
- Human language technology/computational linguistics
- Ontology/taxonomy and graphical analysis
- Information query and question answering
- Knowledge and data representation, distillation and sharing
- Knowledge and database crawling
- Software agent planning and control
- Signal processing
- Architecture and systems
Summer Intern Program for Information Assurance (SIP/IA)
Open to: Undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate and doctoral students
Majors/fields: Computer science, computer networking, cyber and Information Security, computer technology/computer information technologies, management information systems, information systems security, information assurance, computer and information systems, network system administration, computer engineering, cybersecurity engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, software engineering, electrical engineering, system/network administration and operations, systems security engineering, information assurance systems and project acquisition, cryptography, threat and vulnerability assessment, risk management, operations of computer emergency response teams, education and management, computer forensics/cyber forensics/digital forensics, defensive information operations
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
Accelerate your career in the field of information assurance in this program by experiencing hands-on technical experience. You will work on projects that enable the cyber mission through current analysis, expertise, training and tools. You will work on projects that include protecting and defending the nation’s information systems networks and outmaneuvering cyber adversaries. To participate in this program, students must return to school for at least one semester following the internship.
Signals Intelligence Collection Program (SICP)
Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores or juniors
Majors/fields: Computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, data science, physics, information systems, political science, area studies, international relations, history, telecommunications
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
In this program you will support NSA as a salaried intern by working on projects involving the development, production and modification of tools, software applications or hardware. You will have the opportunity to leverage your skills to support information collection strategies, implement mission initiatives with lawful compliance, manage collection tasks and understand critical mission data flows. You are mentored by experienced SIGINT professionals and will discover various career paths you could pursue in the future as full-time NSA employees. Finally, the friendships and networks SICP interns build during their tour can last a lifetime.
NSA Colorado College Summer Intern Program
Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores and juniors
Majors/fields: Computer science, engineering, mathematics, cybersecurity, political science, criminal justice, English or history
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
This program offers you the chance to gain hands-on work experience while building knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of the NSA mission. We offer internships in multiple mission areas requiring a range of competencies like computer science, programming and engineering.
There are two positions offered for the NSA Colorado Summer Internship:
Software engineer internship positions duties:
- Analyze user/customer requirements related to software or software system design.
- Build software prototypes.
- Design, develop and debug software applications.
- Troubleshoot and debug computer code.
Target analyst internship positions duties:
- Conduct analysis of metadata.
- Conduct target analysis.
- Conduct target research.
Texas Summer Intern Program
Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores and juniors
Majors/fields: Computer science, engineering, mathematics and related fields
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
You will gain hands-on work experience while building knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of the NSA mission. We offer internships in multiple mission areas requiring a range of competencies like computer science, programming and engineering.
NSA Hawaii Technical Summer Intern Program
Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores and juniors
Majors/fields: Computer science, engineering, mathematics or related fields
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
In this program, we offer internships in multiple mission areas requiring a range of competencies like computer science, programming, engineering and analysis.
You will gain hands-on work experience while building knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of the NSA mission. Plus, this position is in Hawaii, so you will spend your summer in a tropical paradise unlike anything you can find stateside.
NSA Georgia Summer Internship Program
Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and seniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Science and technology, applied mathematics, computer engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, cyber intelligence and security, information assurance or information technology
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
How would you like to spend your summer developing technological solutions that contribute to the security of our nation? Does the prospect of applying your skills to NSA/CSS mission spark your interest? You can join a team of highly skilled, motivated and passionate professions who lead the cryptologic enterprise.
You will gain hands-on work experience while building knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of the NSA mission. Take charge of your professional development and experience a once-in-a-lifetime internship opportunity.
Research Experience Student Program (RESP)
Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students
Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer network operations, computer science, engineering, physics and information technology< /p>
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
The RESP provides an opportunity for exceptional students to work directly with NSA researchers on real-world, mission-critical problems while in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment.
Students will gain hands-on summer research experience in areas spanning cybersecurity, signals intelligence and cyber operations facets of NSA’s mission. This opportunity includes working with recognized intelligence experts who are taking on the emerging technological challenges of NSA.
Successful students, who maintain security clearance eligibility and progress towards their terminal degrees, will be offered opportunities to continue the experience through successive summers in the NSA Research Directorate, gaining further exposure to a variety of projects and organizations for the duration of the student’s participation in the program.
Workforce support programs
Office of the Inspector General Summer Intern Program
Open to: Undergraduate juniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Accounting, information technology or cybersecurity
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
Are you looking for an opportunity that will provide innovative professional work experiences that are significant and meaningful to your career and academic goals, enable you to explore the fascinating and unique world of intelligence and give you the opportunity to serve your country? This program offers you training and experience in auditing multiple disciplines (e.g., program performance, cybersecurity and financial statements). You can be an agent for change, analyzing operations for efficiency and effectiveness and deliver results to our customers to reduce program costs and provide value to the NSA and the U.S. taxpayer.
You will join an audit team from day one with an assigned supervisor and sponsor to help you learn and acclimate. During your first few days on the team, you will participate in an overview to become familiar with various business functions at the NSA and within the Intelligence Community. You will have the opportunity to work on audits that provide meaningful recommendations for change within the agency and influence the direction of the Intelligence Community and DoD.
Your specific responsibilities are to:
- Assess and evaluate internal controls within the context of the audit objective.
- Identify and evaluate criteria to measure performance and evaluate compliance.
- Conduct interviews within the context of an audit or evaluation.
- Gather and analyze audit evidence and compare observed results to specified requirements in the criteria.
- Identify problems and develop recommendations to improve the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness.
- Write work papers and reports outlining results and findings from audits and evaluations.
Behavioral Health and Life Services (BHLS)
Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and seniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Health promotion and wellness, health education, nutrition and dietetics
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
You will gain practical health promotion experience within the Office of Occupational Health Environmental and Safety Services (OHESS).
We seek candidates with:
- Interpersonal relationship and team-building skills.
- Program design, implementation and evaluation.
- Organizational skills for project places and events.
- Public speaking.
- Assistance with meditation and stress reduction programs.
- Assistance with health promotion and wellness special programming.
- Partnering with clinical staff to select appropriate health education materials.
- Judgment and insight to develop updates to our wellness webpages.
- Research for cause/benefit analysis and return o
n investment for wellness programs. - Research topics and craft health tips for distribution to the agency workforce.
Business Management and Acquisition Summer Internship
Open to: Undergraduate juniors and graduate students
Majors/fields: Finance, accounting, marketing, business administration, economics, operations research, industrial engineering, statistics or mathematics
When: 12-week program from mid-May or June
Do you want to gain professional significant and meaningful work experiences that enable you to explore the fascinating and unique world of intelligence and give you the opportunity to serve your country? You will train and gain experience within a multifaceted business organization for business majors or those interested in applying their math knowledge to financial challenges. In this paid internship, you will build knowledge and skills in a variety of disciplines within the business field and attend various operational tours so you can understand what the NSA does in defense of our nation.
You will work directly with seasoned business professionals on activities like:
- Developing negotiation positions or negotiating multimillion dollar contracts.
- Preparing the agency’s annual budget.
- Acquiring products and services from industry partners.
- Providing financial support in execution of the agency’s budget and for major acquisition programs.
- Analyzing financial, performance and requirements data for business decision making.
You will:
- Gain knowledge of the fundamental concepts of government planning, programming, budgeting and execution.
- Preparing and processing contractual agreements.
- Using business IT systems and tools.
- Gaining a working knowledge of the agency’s acquisition processes.
- Learning fundamentals of cost and price analysis of proposals.
- Using financial principles to identify trends in data