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.
About OUP

The Office of University Programs (OUP) harnesses the intellectual power of America’s universities to provide innovative research, development, and education to the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE). One of the department’s most forward-looking programs, OUP supports the HSE by: identifying emerging trends and pursuing ground-breaking research through the DHS Centers of Excellence; providing opportunities that cultivate a diverse and talented workforce through the Minority Serving Institutions Program; and developing the current and future homeland security workforce through Workforce Development Initiatives.
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Centers of Excellence
ImageThe Centers of Excellence (COEs) are university-led research networks that anticipate threats and challenges to the homeland and operations. The COEs leverage their unique access to multidisciplinary expertise to conduct groundbreaking research resulting in rigorous, objective knowledge and solutions for DHS.
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Minority Serving Institutions
ImageThe Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Program provides grants and awards to build a diverse, talented research capability and technical workforce for the homeland security enterprise.
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Workforce Development Initiatives
ImageWorkforce 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.
- Feature Article: S&T Hackathon Addresses Emerging Threats to Critical Infrastructure
- News Release: DHS S&T Selects 2022 Summer Research Teams from Minority Serving Institutions
- News Release: DHS S&T Launches the 2022 HS Power Program
- News Release: DHS S&T Awards Funding to Minority Serving Institutions to Advance Summer Research Projects
- Blog: Training a Resilient Workforce to Secure our Critical Infrastructure
- News Release: DHS Selects Northeastern University to Lead Center of Excellence for Engineering Secure Environments from Target Attacks
- Feature Article: Using DNA to Search for the True Origins of Imported Honey
- Feature Article: Is it a Virus or Bacteria? New Tech Rapidly Tests for COVID-19 and More
- News Release: DHS Selects George Washington University to Pilot New Center of Excellence in Security Technology Transition
- Snapshot: Overcoming the Tyranny of Distance in the Arctic