NSEP Service Requirement

In exchange for funding support, NSEP award recipients agree to work in qualifying national security positions for a minimum of one year. This unique service requirement generates a pool of U.S. undergraduate and graduate students with competencies in critical languages and area studies who are highly committed to serving at the federal level in the national security community.

Qualifying Jobs and Service Credit

The NSEP Service Requirement was amended in 2008 to expand creditable federal employment under the Service Agreement. Award recipients from 2008-present are required to first seek employment within the four “priority” areas of government, namely:

  • Department of Defense;
  • Department of Homeland Security;
  • Department of State; or
  • Any element of the Intelligence Community.

In addition to the four priority areas, Boren award recipients may expand the search for employment to include any federal position with national security responsibilities. NSEP defines national security broadly and requires the award recipient to make a strong case for how their position supports national security in sectors which include, but are not limited to, economic stability, international finance, and energy security.

Working in the Government

Commitment to Public Service

NSEP’s goal is to enhance the capacity of the federal sector to deal effectively with the challenging global issues of the 21st century. NSEP supports David L. Boren Scholars and Fellows, Flagship students, and EHLS Scholars, a vital pool of highly motivated individuals, in finding employment in Federal Government organizations. NSEP strongly emphasizes the importance of seeking employment with Federal Government organizations whose missions and functions are most directly related to national security.

NSEP Alumni in the Federal Government

NSEP works closely with each Scholar and Fellow and with U.S. Government agencies to identify employment opportunities which can be found on the NSEPnet Job Board. NSEP award recipients have completed work in more than 5,000 federally funded positions, a majority with the Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security, as well as the Intelligence Community. Special hiring authorities create opportunities for employers to hire NSEP candidates regardless of their federal employment status.

What is a Global Professional?

While studying under an NSEP award, students combine a professional field of study, an understanding of one or more areas of the world outside of the United States, and proficiency in at least one critical foreign language and culture, developing strong intercultural abilities. This experience results in a highly skilled pool of global professionals eager to contribute to agencies across the federal government.

How Does NSEP Define National Security?

NSEP defines national security broadly, to include such varied issues as:

  • Arms control
  • Conflict resolution
  • Counter-proliferation
  • Economic competitiveness
  • Export controls
  • Export strategy
  • Health and population issues
  • Human rights and humanitarian assistance
  • International and regional conflict
  • International drug trafficking 
  • International trade
  • Market penetration
  • Nuclear proliferation
  • Peacekeeping
  • Sustainable development
  • Terrorism and counterterrorism
  • Weapons of mass destruction