Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
You must apply to NPS online--see the "APC Calculation" link below.
The biggest sticking point here is your APC--once you have your APC calculated, view the NPS Homepage link below to see which curricula requirements you meet.
APC Calculation
You will not be assigned any NPS quota until your APC is calculated and forwarded to NPC by NPS Admissions.
**APC Waiver: We can request a waiver (PERS-432D via NPS Placement) if your APC does not meet the curriculum requirement. Approval rests solely with NPS Admissions, and often comes with the requirement to attend a refresher quarter prior to curriculum start. This may impact your
PRD/Availability date (how much earlier we need to get you a qualified relief, or the need for your to extend onboard for a couple of months); be prepared to discuss a PRD adjustment with your chain-of-command and your Detailer.
NPS also provides distance learning programs that allow students to pursue higher level education outside the classroom. If you are interested in obtaining more information on these programs please visit the distance learning homepage (hyperlink above) or contact NPS.
NPS Master of Systems Analysis (MSA)
Similar to the EMBA program mentioned below, the MSA program is specially tailored for students whose career milestones and requirements will not allow them to pursue full-time graduate education. The MSA is a 24-month, part-time Master's Degree program delivered through a blend of distance learning methods. Students take two courses a quarter for eight consecutive quarters: one using web-based instruction (ONLINE) and the other using video tele-education (VTE). The web-based courses are paced week to week while providing students the flexibility to complete assignments at any point throughout the week. The MSA curriculum begins in the spring and fall quarters. Part way through the program, students are awarded the Certificate in Systems Analysis and, upon completion, receive a Master of System's Analysis degree. In addition, graduates will be awarded the 3201P (Operations Research Analysis) subspecialty code.
NPS Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) This is a 24-month, part-time, distance-learning program through the Naval Postgraduate School. Students attend class during normal duty hours one day a week for 6-7 hours in their local duty area. The primary course delivery mode is two-way video and audio video teleconferencing. Students enter the program as a “cohort,” taking classes together and completing the program as a group. All students are required to attend a one-week orientation session at NPS the week prior to the first quarter of classes. Two cohorts convene per fiscal year (spring/fall). Upon successful completion of the EMBA program, students are awarded an Executive Master of Business degree granted by the Naval Postgraduate School, as well as earning a subspecialty code of 3100P (Financial Management – Defense Focus).
USNA LEAD Program (Company Officer Program)
Historically, PERS-412 has 5-7 billets annually for the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) Program. One year is spent working on a degree in Leadership from NPS while at the Naval Academy. Following the academic portion, two years are spent as a Company Officer. PERS-41 holds a selection board in late fall for the following year's program starting in May. RJCSRB is required for officers in this program.
USNA Graduate Education Plus Teaching Program (GE+T)
The GE+T Program provides approximately 12 months of graduate education at either a selected civilian institution in the Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC area or the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), directly followed by a two-academic-year teaching assignment at USNA as an officer-instructor, resulting in a maximum 36-month combined tour. USNA GE+T offers both technical and non-technical degree programs. RJCSRB is required for officers in this program.
Graduate Education Voucher (GEV)
This voucher pays up to $20,000 per year for a maximum of two years for graduate school tuition, books, and most fees. The voucher can be used at any university of the officer's choice with approval of the curriculum from NPS. The curriculum must also meet the requirements set forth by Commander, Naval Education and Training.
Tuition Assistance Program
The Navy's financial assistance program provides active duty personnel and some reserve personnel on active duty a percentage of the tuition costs for courses taken in an off-duty status at an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical institution.
Olmsted Scholarship
The Olmsted program is a unique scholarship opportunity offering two years of graduate study using a foreign language while providing overseas cultural and travel opportunities, often leading to a graduate degree at a foreign university. Open to URL, IWC and Supply Corps officer designators.
Pol-Mil Masters Programs
Mix of one and two-year programs at various universities (updated annually). Navy-wide selection board held each October. Officers also must be accepted to one of the approved schools.
The Naval War College
The Naval War College Intermediate course of instruction is designed for Officers in the grade of LCDR or CDR. PERS-43 does not have discrete quotes for LTs to attend NWC. However, if we are short a LCDR/CDR for a quota, we have been able to place LTs into open quotas with a rank waiver approved by PERS-4. THIS OPTION IS EXTREMELY LIMITED and Junior Officers must be highly competitive to receive a rank waiver. Classes convene in February, August and November of each year. In 12 months, these LTs earn an accredited Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies along with JPME Phase 1. All interested officers must posses strong operational backgrounds to ensure they are capable of interacting in a classroom environment with senior officers.
The National Intelligence University (NIU)
The National Intelligence University (NIU) is located in Bethesda, Maryland, and offers masters degrees designed for enlisted personnel and officers, regardless of rank or designator, Unrestricted Line and Warrant Officers are strongly encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications for the in-residence, full-time program is in January and classes convene in August of each year (please contact your detailer prior to submitting your application). Applicants must hold an active TS/SCI clearance and have been indoctrinated by their command SSO. In 12 months, students earn an accredited Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence (MSSI) or Master of Science and Technology Intelligence (MSTI) along with JPME Phase 1.