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.
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.
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 certificationsto prepare our participants for rewarding tech jobs in any industry.
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.
In addition to technical curriculum, Microsoft partners with participants in career planning, professional skills-building, and job search strategies. Our graduates have opportunities to interview for a full-time job at Microsoft or our hiring partners.
MSSA pillars
Our approach combining technical and professional development training is how our graduates get more jobs.
MSSA participants elect to specialize in Cybersecurity Operations (CSO), Cloud Application Development (CAD) or Server and Cloud Administration (SCA). 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.
Being successful and confident in military career transition takes more than just technical know-how. As a participant you’ll get an all-up education in translating your unique experience and passions for a business audience. MSSA provides participants opportunities to engage with professional and technical mentors working at Microsoft.
At the end of 17 weeks, you’ll have a resume, an elevator pitch, the networking and interview skills to get the job — and negotiate your compensation. You’ll also have opportunities to interview with some of the many companies and organizations who look to MSSA for veteran talent.
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.
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
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.
Virtual briefs are held the first Tuesday of each month on Microsoft Teams. Attendees can ask questions and get the most current information available.
Detailed program information — including eligibility, prerequisites, docmentation requirements, and application timelines — are available in our program FAQs.
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.
Military veterans, reservists, and service members transitioning from any branch are eligible — probably. Review eligibility for your specific status before applying.
MSSA training is intensive, and requires your full-time effort to be successful. We strongly advise prospective applicants not to apply for program dates that do not accommodate their complete professional full effort for all 17 weeks.
MSSA is not aligned to your goals. Browse our skilling library to find training calibrated to your needs.
If technical terminology makes your eyes cross, you’re exactly who MSSA was designed with in mind. Investigate our learning paths and required prerequisites to decide if you’re up for the rewarding challenge of transitioning to tech with MSSA.
Our newest program offers US service members and veterans across the European region an opportunity to learn in Central European Time (CET).
Stay tuned for upcoming program dates by bookmarking this link.
Building from our core MSSA program model, MSSA-Asia Pacific offers US service members and veterans across the Asia-Pacific region an opportunity to learn in Japan Standard Time (JST).
Stay tuned for upcoming program dates by bookmarking this link.
MSSA-Federal develops veteran talent with technical learning paths customized to support Microsoft Federal business teams. Unlike other MSSA offerings, MSSA-Federal targets transitioning service members and veterans with 5+ years of IT experience for advanced skilling with custom curricula.
No future MSSA-Federal cohorts are scheduled. MSSA’s Cybersecurity Operations (CSO) learning path is targeted to participants with 2+ years of IT experience, and may appeal to applicants with extensive prior experience in IT.
How to apply
Submit basic information during the application window to initiate your application. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll need to prepare for materials cutoff—which includes specific documentation from your service branch, and certification in the Pearson VUE exam corresponding to your chosen learning path.
Cohort dates and application windows
