Office of University Programs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Office of University Programs (OUP) streamlines access to the expertise of the nation's colleges and universities to address pressing homeland security needs.

Bringing Innovation to Operations

OUP taps the expertise of the nation’s colleges and universities to tackle tough homeland security challenges through three unique programs.

Centers of Excellence (COEs), university-led consortia, work with industry, DHS components, other government and homeland security agencies (federal, state, and local), and first responders to develop critical technologies and analyses to secure the homeland. COEs also develop homeland security-related curricula and training.
Workforce and Professional Development Initiatives develop the current and future homeland security science and engineering workforce. OUP grants, internships, and fellowships expose students to advanced technical knowledge, training, and complex, real-world challenges, in order to become the next generation of homeland security leaders.
Minority Serving Institutions Programs provides grants and awards to build a diverse, highly capable, technical workforce for the homeland security enterprise.

OUP’s Mission

Build a stable community of homeland security researchers and educators at U.S. colleges and universities.
Foster a homeland security culture within the academic community through research and educational programs.
Strengthen U.S. scientific leadership in homeland security research and education.
Generate and disseminate knowledge and technical advances to advance the homeland security mission.
Integrate homeland security activities across agencies engaged in relevant academic research.
Develop a permanent homeland security science and engineering workforce.