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Defense Civilian Training Corps

National Security Leaders Today and Beyond

Application window for Cohort 2028 expected to open September 2025.

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Welcome to Purdue’s Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) webpage. Here you will find information about the program and how to apply. You can also contact Purdue’s program office at: PurdueDCTC@purdue.edu.

DCTC cohort, President Mung Chiang, and other leadership pose on the steps of Hovde Hall

General DCTC Information

The Defense Civilian Training Corps pilot program offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for business and management, national security and public policy, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with real-world experiences that can jump-start your career before you even graduate. As a DCTC scholar, you’ll join a multidisciplinary cohort, participate in a project-based summer internship with the Department of Defense, and gain a valuable security clearance. This program equips you with critical skills and sets you on a clear path to employment within the defense acquisition mission.

Scholarship Benefits

  • $12,000 toward tuition
  • $1,000 monthly stipend
  • Security Clearance
  • Summer Internship
  • Immersive Learning Experience
  • Pathway to DoD Employment after Graduation
  • Core Curriculum
    • DCTC 301 – Fundamentals of Civilian Public Service in the DoD
    • DCTC 302 – The DoD Acquisition Environment
    • DCTC 401 – Overview of DoD Missions and Community Functions
    • DCTC 402 - Using Systems Thinking and Complex Problem Solving to Drive Institutions to Success

Student Eligibility

  • Full-time enrollment, in-person bachelor’s or joint bachelor’s/master’s degree program. You must submit an academic plan with four semesters remaining before graduation.
  • Must maintain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. This GPA must be maintained from the time you submit your application through graduation from the program.
  • Citizen of the United States.
  • Cannot be committed to another federal scholarship and/or internship program (such as SMART or ROTC).
  • Security Clearance. Can qualify for a security clearance and be subject to a background check.
  • Able to complete an 8–10-week project-based internship. Placement can be anywhere in the country.
  • Attend orientation the summer before starting the DCTC Program.
  • Accept a two-year service obligation as a civilian employee in the Department of Defense.

To learn more about the DCTC application process and to apply, visit:
https://dctcscholarapp.acqirc.org.

DCTC Related Websites