UMass Dartmouth joins elite cyber workforce coalition VICEROY

The designation positions UMass Dartmouth among the nation's leading universities preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and defense-related technologies

UMass Dartmouth was recently selected to the Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY), a Department of War initiative aimed at developing the talent pipeline in cyber operations, electromagnetic spectrum warfare, secure communications, and sensing.  

UMass Dartmouth is one of 50 universities nationwide selected as an academic partner for the VICEROY initiative. As a VICEROY academic partner, UMD will offer undergraduate and graduate students exclusive opportunities for scholarships, internships, applied research, hands-on training, networking and mentorship, and professional development.  

The initiative connects universities with Department of War laboratories, government agencies, and industry partners to prepare students for careers supporting national security through research and experiential learning. Funding for VICEROY is provided by The Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Griffiss Institute.  

"Being selected as a VICEROY partner recognizes the strength of UMass Dartmouth's cybersecurity programs and our commitment to preparing students for careers that address some of our nation's most critical security challenges," said Dr. Lance Fiondella, director of the UMass Dartmouth Cybersecurity Center. 

"The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow across government and industry," said College of Engineering Dean Robert Griffin. "Through VICEROY, UMass Dartmouth is expanding the pathways that connect our students with meaningful research, experiential learning, and careers where they can make an immediate impact." 

Inclusion in VICEROY builds on UMass Dartmouth's well-established leadership in cybersecurity education and expands opportunities for students pursuing careers in the field. The university is designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research through 2029 by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) and the National Security Agency (NSA). UMass Dartmouth also participates in the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which provides eligible students with full scholarships for up to three years in exchange for a commitment to work in a federal cybersecurity position after graduation.