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Transition to tech with MSSA

Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) provides transitioning service members and veterans with critical technical and career skills required for today’s growing technology industry.

Find upcoming program dates

Career transition is challenging—and thrilling.

Service members bring deep experience from their military careers, that's highly transferable to career paths throughout tech. MSSA provides technical training that enables our participants to leverage their core skills and interests to chart—and start—their career journey in IT.
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Holistic career skilling

MSSA couples technical curriculum with professional skills training—so program graduates are equipped with the comprehensive knowledge to be competitive for entry-level technical roles throughout the IT industry.

Torqued to address the unique needs of the military community

Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) is a full-time, 17-week technical training program leading to in-demand careers in cloud development, cloud administration, and related fields. Our proven training model incorporates live instruction, hands-on virtual labs, real-life application scenarios, and opportunities to obtain industry-recognized certifications to prepare our participants for rewarding tech jobs in any industry.

Our learning paths instill a foundational level of technical knowledge—

MSSA is suited to participants looking to transition into IT from another profession, those with little knowledge but much passion about IT, and those returning to the industry after a long period of absence. Participants learn the foundational tools to succeed in fields aligned to our learning paths.

—and equip participants with the skills to chart their career path in tech.

In addition to technical curriculum, Microsoft partners with participants in career planning, professional skills-building, and job search strategies. MSSA participants will be able to engage directly with Microsoft recruiters, connect with alumni, and receive resources and education on Microsoft roles, how to apply, and the overall hiring process.

MSSA pillars

Curated training makes the difference

Our approach combining technical and professional development training is how our graduates get more jobs.

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Our learning paths are aligned to in-demand tech careers

MSSA participants elect to specialize in Cybersecurity Operations (CSO), Cloud Application Development (CAD) or Server and Cloud Administration (SCA). Our curriculum combines Upon completion of MSSA training, participants have a pathway to achieve Microsoft certifications aligned to their learning path—and put them to use with direct hiring opportunities with Microsoft or some of our 1,000+ hiring partners.

Learn more about MSSA learning paths

Industry-leading technical training

  • Current technology instruction
  • Work experience projects
  • Microsoft mentorship
  • Valued technology certifications

Holistic professional development

  • Translating military experience
  • Constructing a resume
  • Effective networking
  • Interview skills

Chart your career journey in IT

  • Interview for careers at Microsoft
  • Access to virtual hiring events
  • Continuing access to career support
  • Network with other veterans in tech
Impact
  • >1k
    Companies have hired our graduates
  • 2500+
    Graduates hired by Microsoft or our hiring partners
  • 97%
    Graduates employed or pursuing continuing education
  • 3,732
    MSSA graduates
  • 95%
    MSSA graduation rate
  • 92%
    MSSA graduates employed in tech

Join our community

Community is integral to what we do and offer at Military Affairs. Learn about our community’s experiences, insights, and advice about finding your footing in tech and military transition.

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Partners in your career transition

Sometimes it takes a few tries to land the right job. We’re invested in your successful career transition. Stay in touch—our network offers career services and support long after your cohort’s graduation.

However long it takes to find the right career fit, we’re in this with you.

Eligibility

Who is eligible for MSSA?

MSSA is available to military veterans and retirees, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve members, and military service members within six months of separation or retirement. To be a good fit for MSSA, there are a few more boxes to check off before applying.

See if you're eligible

Even better—attend a live session

Virtual briefs are held the first Tuesday of each month on Microsoft Teams. Attendees can ask questions and get the most current information available.

Register to attend a virtual brief

[Un]official eligibility checklist

We are invested in the success of each of our participants. Experience has shown that certain factors make otherwise eligible applicants unlikely to fully benefit from the time investment MSSA participation requires. Review the factors listed here and be sure that MSSA is a good fit for you before applying, and especially before investing time preparing for materials cutoff.

Consider our expanded offerings in new time zones

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MSSA-Europe

Our newest program offers US service members and veterans across the European region an opportunity to learn in Central European Time (CET).

Check upcoming program dates by bookmarking this link.

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MSSA-APAC

We’ve brought back MSSA-APAC to serve US service members and veterans across the Asia-Pacific region an opportunity to learn in Japan Standard Time (JST).

Check upcoming program dates by bookmarking this link.

How to apply

The application window opens for 2 weeks. You'll want to be ready.

Submit basic information during the application window to initiate your application. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll need to submit critical documents by the materials cutoff deadline.

Learn what you'll need to apply—and how to prepare for materials cutoff

Cohort dates and application windows