The NSA Summer Internship Programs at our Fort Meade, MD location offers students exciting, impactful professional work opportunities (with pay and limited benefits!) to grow their knowledge of the Intelligence Community and federal government while advancing NSA's two primary missions: 1) Collecting, analyzing, and producing foreign signals intelligence; and 2) Providing cybersecurity solutions and guidance to protect critical national infrastructure. These summer internship opportunities are open to students who are pursuing education in a variety of degree programs.
As a Summer Program for Operations Research Technology (SPORT) intern you will apply the technical skills you've learned in graduate school to challenging Agency operational problems. You will be responsible for both leading the technical development of your project and interfacing with your Agency customer. Throughout the summer, you will be working alongside full-time Operations Research analysts and attending weekly seminars on operations research best methods and practices. At the conclusion of the program, you will present your findings directly to your project customer, fellow interns, and Senior Leadership.To be accepted into the NSA Summer Internship - Summer Program for Operations Research Technology, candidates:
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program (undergraduate, graduate, doctorate) at time of application
Specific education requirements vary by program
Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Must be eligible to be granted a TS/SCI security clearance after successfully completing a background investigation, a Full-scope Polygraph and a Psychological Evaluation
Must be available and in the U.S. for operational and technical interviews and other applicable processing, both in-person and via telephone/internet, between the months of October 2026 and April 2027 Must be enrolled in and have completed at least one semester of an M.S. or Ph.D. program in a field of study closely related to one or more of the following disciplines:
Undergraduate students will not be accepted (Exception: Combined BS/MS is acceptable)
PLEASE NOTE: Other majors may be considered, however the majors listed above are highly recommended.
PLEASE NOTE: You may be required to complete an Unproctored Internet Testing (UIT) requirement measuring cognitive ability, motivation, and English proficiency.Students are paid a competitive salary commensurate with their education level.
All internships are 10 - 12 weeks during the summer.
Receive annual leave, sick leave and paid federal holidays.
Students who attend school in excess of 75 miles from Fort Meade, MD are eligible for housing accommodations and travel entitlements of a round trip airfare ticket to and from school or mileage reimbursement up to the cost of a government-issued airline ticket.
Daily transportation to and from work is NOT provided. Students participating in the program are highly encouraged to bring a vehicle. Carpooling with other students MAY be available, but is NOT guaranteed.
Participation in agency-wide extracurricular programs.
| Location | MD |
| Industry | Government and Military |
| Company Size | 10,000 employees or more |
| Year Founded | 1952 |
| Website | https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/ |
NSA is at the forefront of U.S. government cryptology, integrating signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cybersecurity to enhance national and allied advantages. Our mission encompasses computer network operations aimed at securing critical insights and services, ensuring decisive advantages for the nation and our allies.
NSA's cybersecurity initiatives are pivotal in safeguarding U.S. national security systems, particularly within the Defense Industrial Base and enhancing the security of U.S. weaponry. We are committed to advancing cybersecurity through education, research, and career development.
Through foreign signals intelligence (SIGINT), NSA delivers crucial intelligence to U.S. policymakers and military forces. This intelligence, derived from electronic signals and systems used by foreign entities, provides essential insights into the capabilities, actions, and intentions of adversaries worldwide. It supports our efforts to defend the nation, save lives, and advance U.S. objectives and alliances globally.
Visit IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA to learn about our mission and how you can have a rewarding career that safeguards the country’s future – and your own.
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