A graduate student displays a microscope slide holding an array of more than 300 microparticles

About DGE

The U.S. National Science Foundation Division of Graduate Education (DGE) advocates for innovative, inclusive, high-quality graduate education in the STEM fields. 

What we support

DGE invests in graduate students and the development of novel, innovative programs to prepare tomorrow's leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The division’s efforts support a globally competitive U.S. graduate education enterprise advancing STEM innovation, research, scholarship, diversity, and education. DGE programs directly or indirectly support U.S. citizens and permanent residents as they prepare to become leading scientists and engineers.

Core programs

DGE manages innovative programs that serve all NSF-supported STEM disciplines.

CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service Program

Supports scholarships in cybersecurity to increase the number and diversity of qualified professionals prepared to serve in cybersecurity.

Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Supports fellowships for outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time, research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or STEM education.

Innovations in Graduate Education Program 

Supports research on innovative approaches to improve STEM graduate education and the effectiveness of interventions and policies.

NSF Research Traineeship Program

Supports interdisciplinary, evidence-based traineeships that advance ways for graduate students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs to pursue a range of STEM careers.

Racial Equity in STEM Education

Supports projects focused on advancing racial equity in STEM education and workforce development that are led or co-developed by individuals and communities most impacted by the inequities caused by systemic racism.

Security, Privacy and Trust in Cyberspace

Supports research that will contribute novel understanding and impact on cybersecurity learning, pedagogy, and equity and inclusion in educational settings.

STEM Education Individual Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Supports professional development activities for postdoctoral fellows to position them for careers as STEM education research scholars and to develop their expertise in STEM education research design and methods.

STEM Education Organizational Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Supports the development of cohorts of postdoctoral fellows in education and STEM education to develop independent research and to implement an independent professional development plan under the guidance of an experienced sponsoring researcher.

Who we are

DGE's workforce is composed of both federal employees and scientists from research institutions in temporary positions with a wide range of expertise.

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