As our world becomes increasingly digitized, the privacy, intellectual property, and fraud risks continue to grow. These cyber threats are highly relevant to all sectors of the economy, which is driving a major talent shortage for the information security industry. Our Summer Security Intensive will begin to prepare its participants for a career in this high-growth field.

IT Lab: Summer Security Intensive (SSI) is a paid seven-week summer fellowship where participants:

• Study with the world’s leading security, analytics, and policy researchers, including the CERT division of the Software Engineering Institute
• Take coursework in security analytics and policy
• Apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through experiential learning to improve the cybersecurity posture for local organizations

SSI is a fellowship program for rising college seniors. This program is designed for U.S. citizens and permanent residents interested in pursuing graduate degrees and careers in the information security sector.

Students who complete SSI and are later admitted to a master’s program at Heinz College will be eligible to receive a scholarship of at least 50% of tuition.

Whether you are interested in IT, data analytics, or cybersecurity, SSI delivers an excellent summer experience. Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy is home to the most well-regarded master’s programs in IT Management and Information Security in the world. A unique aspect of our cybersecurity curriculum is that it is relevant for not only technologists but also for students from all backgrounds with a sincere interest in IT security and policy.

The pairing of our two schools, the School of Information Systems and Management and the School of Public Policy and Management, offers a unique academic experience that allows us to examine how technology can be used to solve problems that arise in the public and private sectors of our economy. Heinz College prepares students with skills to conduct careful and objective analysis of relevant data, to understand and leverage the power of information technology, and to lead and implement change in managerial and policy contexts.

SSI provides an opportunity for participants to engage in this unique academic and experiential learning environment. Participants take classes and interact with some of the world’s foremost experts in information security through*:

• Three specialized courses over the summer at CMU fo­cusing on security policy and technology implementation as well as engage in an interactive colloquium addressing issues facing security professionals.
• Work with a real-world client (from the local government or non-profit sectors) on a cyber security-related project.

IT LAB PROJECTS

During the 7-week SSI program, students will participate in a group project, fulfilling an actual business or operational need for our partners, giving students an opportunity to have a measurable impact.

Recent Project Partners

• Carnegie Mellon University CISO Office
• Allegheny Heath Choices, Inc.
• Consortium for Public Education
• Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
• Pittsburgh Mercy
• Allegheny Digital
• National Cyber Forensic Tarining Alliance (NCFTA)
• Nimbus Robotics

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for admission to the IT Lab: SSI, an applicant must meet ALL of the following criteria:

1. Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, 18 years or older
2. Be entering their senior year, or have one semester remaining, of college in Fall 2021
3. Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher
4. Have a sincere interest in cybersecurity and cyber policy
5. Follow all instructions for the IT Lab: SSI Application (below)
6. Apply by the deadline: April 1, 2021 (11:59 pm EST)

Admission Criteria

Our selection committee reviews all aspects of the application, not just a student’s grades. Our goal is to attract talented students who are passionate about information security.

Required Application Materials (details on website)

1. Online application form
2. Required Essay
3. Résumé
4. Two (2) Recommendations
5. Unofficial undergraduate transcript(s)
6. Video Interview

All of the required application materials must be received before they will be reviewed by the selection committee. Please carefully review all information below for application instructions.

IT LAB: SSI 2021 DETAILS

• Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2021 (receive admission decision by mid-February)
• Final Application Deadline: April 1, 2021 (receive admission decision by May 1)
• Dates: June 10, 2021 to July 31, 2021
• Financial Support: Heinz College will cover costs of participation in the IT Lab program. This includes the costs of housing, meals, tuition, books, supplies, social functions, travel expens­es to and from Pittsburgh (within the United States) AND a $1,500 stipend.

*IT Lab intends to host all fellows on campus for the Summer 2021 program. Due to COVID-19 and the uncertainty of health safety for students on campus, the program location and format is subject to change as we continue to monitor the development of the virus. If the program goes remote, CMU’s Heinz College may choose to adjust the design of the program, including reducing classes and/or eliminating the client project.