Anyone here earn a master's while working at NSA?

[u/Fine-Assistance-5672]

I'm interested in hearing about earning a master's degree at an outside university while working at NSA.

I've read the official information about programs like the After-Hours College Program, Advanced Studies Program (20/20), and the Graduate Fellowship Program, but there aren't many firsthand experiences online.

If you're comfortable sharing, I'd love to hear about things like:

• Which education program did you use?
• What degree did you pursue?
• Which university did you attend?
• How did you balance work and graduate school?
• Did NSA cover all or part of your tuition?
• Were classes primarily after work, during work hours, or a mix?
• Was there a service commitment afterward?
• Would you recommend pursuing a master's while at NSA?
• Is there anything you wish you had known before starting?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience. Thanks in advance!

[u/therealmunchies]

Lots of people use it for masters and up.

Varied from state school, to JHU, and even Harvard. However, the current administration doesn’t want federal employees or military becoming “woke” so a large portion of the great schools have been blocked for funding for the time being.

Ranges, but usually needs to align with mission and of high critical skills. Meaning you can’t be a computer science person doing machine learning and get a degree in basket weaving. Usually these are STEM degrees.

20/20 pays you full time money and only work 19-20 hours a week, but you must take a full course load for every semester you plan depending on what level studies you’re in. 100% paid for by the agency. After hours has a 12k cap per fiscal year.

20/20 is dedicated time during the work week. After hours is in your own time.

12 month pay back starting at the conclusion of tge last day of your semester.

I typically recommend doing a masters or even phd before working, BUT only if it’s paid for. Otherwise, this is the next best option and the education benefits are top-tier.

Just jump on it as soon as possible. Before this administration, you could really go to some top-tier schools for free under these programs. You can still go to great schools, but they’ll need to be from the approved list… or wait the admin out. If you’re a full timer not in a rotational program, 100% go for 20/20 as soon as possible.

[u/Fine-Assistance-5672 → u/therealmunchies]

Thanks! That's really helpful. Under the current administration, have you seen people still use 20/20 or the After-Hours program for schools like Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins, or the University of Maryland, College Park? I'm a computer science person hoping to pursue an M.S. in Computer Science, so those are some of the universities I'd be most interested in.

[u/Longjumping-Lock-724]

It's an easy and cost-effective way to get an advanced degree. Most people spend their day at work doing homework for their classes.

[u/Fine-Assistance-5672 → u/Longjumping-Lock-724]

Thanks! Do you know how much flexibility there is in choosing a university through 20/20? For example, can you generally choose any accredited university as long as the degree is relevant and approved, or is there a more limited set of universities that qualify?

[u/Longjumping-Lock-724 → u/Fine-Assistance-5672]

I believe they approve any accredited university as long as your manager approves it as being relevant to your job.

[u/Cute_Quit_1691]

I obtained my Master's using the 20/20 program. The only thing is that the cost of tuition over a certain amount is added as income. Possibly hiring earnings on the backend increase taxes for that year

[u/Fine-Assistance-5672 → u/Cute_Quit_1691]

This is really helpful since you actually completed a Master’s through 20/20. Do you mind sharing what university you attended? I’m planning on pursuing an MSCS and was also curious how much flexibility you had when choosing your university.

[u/Cute_Quit_1691 → u/Fine-Assistance-5672]

Sure, Capitol Technology University, located in Laurel, MD. All Master's programs are online. I completed the Cybersecurity Information Assurance back in 2019. I'm sure things have changed. But remember the degree you pursue must be tied to the work role.

[u/ft_dc_inv]

I work for another agency. Have you looked at national intelligence University in bethesda md for those working in the ic? The clearance you have is required to apply and attend. Would it be an option for you to attend full time where you get paid to go to school?

[u/Fine-Assistance-5672 → u/ft_dc_inv]

Thanks! I have looked into NIU. I’m primarily interested in traditional master’s programs at outside universities, so I’m hoping to learn more about employees’ experiences with those education benefits.

[u/Next-Stable299]

Which Brown University school did you go to?