Education: Graduate Education and Fellowship Programs - Training, Education, Qualifications
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization.
A lock ( lock icon ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Graduate Education and Fellowship Programs
Navy Graduate Education Program Overview: Graduate education programs support our National Defense Strategy by developing Navy leaders who understand the art and science of warfighting and can lead in complex strategic environments. Intellectual Leadership, groomed through graduate education, goes beyond adaptation of new technology to include promoting ideas, values, understanding, vision, approaches and actions. The Navy's highest performing individuals are sought out, encouraged and placed in selective graduate level programs to enhance our warfighting capabilities and sustain strategic superiority.
Choose the program that best reflects your current situation and needs, then select the appropriate title to learn more about the program and what to do next.The ASM program is a two-year program for candidates seeking to complete a PhD or to achieve an 'All But Dissertation' status in a politico-military related field. For more information see the latest Strategist and National Security Fellowships and Graduate Education Scholarship Programs Call for Applications NAVADMIN.
Federal Executive Fellows (FEF) Program
The FEF program provides selected due-course officers an opportunity to improve their understanding of the national security decision-making process through a one-year assignment at a world-class research organization or academic institution. Fellows will serve follow-on tours in a number of critical strategy, policy, national security decision-making, and international engagement billets on major Joint and Navy staffs. For more information see the latest Strategist and National Security Fellowships and Graduate Education Scholarship Programs Call for Applications NAVADMIN.
Fleet Scholars Education Program (FSEP)
FSEP is a Navy talent management initiative that provides education opportunities to community-selected unrestricted line (URL) and Information Warfare Community (IWC) officers. FSEP selectees will attend an accredited graduate school of their choice in-residence (CONUS, Alaska and Hawaii) for up to 24 months in a major that supports Navy strategy. Distance learning, medical and legal education are not authorized under this program.
Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) Program
Open to any designator, at Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Tech Research Institute (GT/GTRI). GT/GTRI offers a military graduate degree fellowship to a student pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related Master's Degree at Georgia Tech. The student will simultaneously work part-time conducting research on a related defense technology project at GTRI. Depending upon the degree being pursued, the program can be completed in 18 to 24 months (3 or 4 semesters).
Hudson Fellow Program, University of Oxford
Hosted by St. Antonys College at the University of Oxford in the UK, the Hudson Fellow will attend the Changing Character of War (CCW) program, led by the History Faculty at Oxford. CCW brings together representatives of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, Government, and multi-national organizations to provide practical knowledge in the interdisciplinary study of war and armed conflict. For more information see the latest Strategist and National Security Fellowships and Graduate Education Scholarship Programs Call for Applications NAVADMIN.
Legislative Fellows Program
The Navy Legislative Fellows program provides an opportunity to broaden experience and knowledge in the operations and organization of Congress while enhancing the Navy's ability to fulfill its role in the national policy development process. The fellowship consists of a year-long full-time assignment to the office of a U.S. Congressional member, either in the Senate or the House of Representatives, who serves on a defense-related committee. The Fellow serves as a member of the staff and is assigned duties and tasks based on the needs of the office. For more information please see the latest Navy Legislative Fellowship Call For Applications NAVADMIN.
Mansfield Fellows
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Woods Hole Institute (MIT/WHOI)
MIT/WHOI website offers a master's degree program suitable for motivated warfare qualified unrestricted line officers, warfare qualified METOC officers, and MIDN 1/C with undergraduate degrees in engineering or physical sciences. The fully-funded program is designed to be completed in 27 months (two years and a summer). Navy students are required to conduct research at WHOI for one summer or equivalent amount of time. Additional information on this program can be found by visiting the MIT/WHOI website or the latest Graduate School Opportunities at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution NAVADMIN.
Olmsted Scholarship Program
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. For additional information please visit The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation's website, and the Navy College Olmsted Scholar Program page. For more information see the latest Strategist and National Security Fellowships and Graduate Education Scholarship Programs Call for Applications NAVADMIN.
Politico-Military Masters (PMM) Program
The PMM program provides officers a graduate education in strategy and politico-military affairs at leading civilian universities. The PMM program is a key component of the Navy Strategic Enterprise, educating naval strategists who will be utilized in subsequent strategy and policy-related billets. For more information see the latest Strategist and National Security Fellowships and Graduate Education Scholarship Programs Call for Applications NAVADMIN.
SECDEF Executive Fellows Program (SDEF)
The Secretary of Defense Executive Fellows (SDEF) program provides a venue for exceptional officers to experience innovative business practices within the nation’s leading business enterprises. Military fellows from each of the Services are paired with senior executives in various companies known for their willingness to challenge and adapt their business practices. For more information see the latest Strategist and National Security Fellowships and Graduate Education Scholarship Programs Call for Applications NAVADMIN.
SECDEF Strategic Thinkers Program (SD STP)
The SD STP program is a one-year master's program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (JHU SAIS) campus in Washington, D.C. STP scholars form a specialized cohort within JHU SAIS' Master of International Public Policy program and will develop advanced analytical and strategic thinking skills. For more information see the Strategic Thinkers Program website and the latest Strategist and National Security Fellowships and Graduate Education Scholarship Programs Call for Applications NAVADMIN.
SECNAV Tours with Industry Program (SNTWI)
SNTWI is a Navy talent management initiative that will provide opportunities to community-selected Service Members (E6-E9 and O3-O6) to observe and immerse themselves in the processes of high-performing corporations for 10-12 months. These tours offer the service member a chance to learn from and with leading industry, partners to better improve leadership, management, and communications skills. The tour will provide valuable perspective to civilian business world about the Navy and in turn provide the service member with a unique look at civilian best practices. For more information on program specifics, sample application package, or a list of partner companies, please visit the MyNavy HR Fellowships site.
Training With Industry (TWI) - NAVSUP
TWI is a 12-month program providing Supply Corps lieutenants and lieutenant commanders serving as interns with some of the top corporations in the nation. Officers selected for this program are exposed to executive level decision-making at a Fortune 500 Company and will expand their professional supply and logistics education.
White House Fellow Program
Founded in 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson, the White House Fellows program is one of America's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. White House Fellowships offer exceptional young men and women first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Selected individuals typically spend a year working as a full-time Fellow to senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries and other top-ranking government officials. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with renowned leaders from the private and public sectors, and trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally. Fellowships are awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis. For more information, please visit the White House Fellows website.
Midshipmen begin graduate work during their senior year at USNA or immediately upon graduation from USNA or Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
Immediate Graduate Education Scholarship Program (IGEP)
IGEP helps USNA and ROTC graduates attend in-residence graduate education. Officers selected for this program must coordinate with Officer Community Managers to ensure curriculum placement is based on community subspecialty code needs.
Marine Corps Burke Scholarship Program
Up to two-year master's program after first fleet tour at NPS or civilian universities.
Navy Burke Scholarship Program
Top scholars are identified as eligible for up to two-year STEM master's program at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA after first fleet tour.
NPS Bowman Scholar Program
Bowman Scholars shall participate in a one-year engineering program at NPS with a June/July start. Bowman Scholar graduates shall receive the "I" suffix subspecialty code, as well as a "P" or "G" dependent on Education Skill Requirements (ESR) completion. Program is specific to midshipmen selected for service in the Submarine community.
NPS Shoemaker Scholar Program
Shoemaker Scholar program is specifically for newly commissioned officers from USNA/ROTC assigned to the 13XX community. Shoemaker Scholars shall participate in a one-year aerospace or mechanical engineering program at NPS with a June/July start. Shoemaker scholar graduates shall receive the "U" suffix subspecialty code for tracking purposes, as well as a "P" or "G" dependent on Education Skill Requirements (ESR) completion. Program is specific to midshipmen selected for service in the Aviation community.
Naval Postgraduate School
The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) offers first-class graduate degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines to eligible U.S. military students, international students, DOD civilian employees and a limited number of defense contractors. For more information please visit the Naval Postgraduate School website.
- Master's Programs: Master's programs are available to officers of all U.S. military services, civilian employees of the government, a limited number of DOD Contractors and selected international students from allied nations. A candidate entering any master's degree program must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution; or in the case of foreign students, a recognized institution. A detailed listing of the standards for admission can be found in the Academic Catalog on NPS website. GRE Scores are required for some programs.
- Ph.D. Programs: NPS doctoral degree programs are available to officers of most U.S. services and civilian employees of the government. Naval Officers (USN and USMC) can only apply to Ph.D. programs under the annual USN PMP or Doctoral Studies Program or under the USMC Special Education Program (SEP). Visit the Doctoral Studies Program on MyNavyHR for program information.
- JPME I Program: Students assigned to NPS may also complete the intermediate-level College of Naval Command and Staff (with JPME I) through the NWC-at-NPS program. More information can be found on the NWC-at-NPS page.
- Distance Learning: NPS Distance Learning (DL) enables students to earn certificates or degrees at locations across the nation and around the globe. Courses may also be taken on campus in Monterey for resident students.
Civilian Institution (CIVINS) Program
The CIVINS program supports the Navy's subspecialty system by enabling and supporting full-time, fully-funded graduate education programs in curricula which are not available at NPS.
Masters in Applied Cyber Operations
This program is for enlisted Sailors to attend NPS for one year in order to complete their Master's degree in Applied Cyber Operations. This program is open to IT's and CTN's that already hold a bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
Masters in Defense Analysis – Special Operations Low Intensity Conflict (SOLIC)
This program is for senior enlisted SPECWAR sailors to attend NPS for 18 months to obtain their Master's degree in Defense Analysis. This program is open to SOs and SBs that already hold an accredited bachelor's degree and meet NPS academic requirements for admission.
Temasek Defense Systems Institute (TDSI)
TDSI is a strategic alliance between National University of Singapore and Naval Postgraduate School established in July 2001 to provide a platform that brings together military members and defense technologists in an education and research environment. The partnership, rooted in systems engineering, has grown to encompass a variety of defense-related topics. TDSI's goal is to produce graduates who understand the complexities of a military force, enabled to create maximum leverage by the integration of operations and technology.
Naval War College Programs
Resident Programs: Officers are assigned to Navy-funded, full-time Navy PME and JPME at the College of Naval Command and Staff or the College of Naval Warfare. College of Naval Command and Staff is the Navy's intermediate-level service college accredited by CJCS to award JPME Phase I credit. The College of Naval Warfare is the Navy's senior-level service college accredited by CJCS to award JPME Phase II credit. Students earn a master's degree at each college. Visit the Naval War College Programs website for additional information.
- Maritime Advanced Warfighting School (MAWS): Educates officers to be operational-level leaders and to conduct effective operational planning as members of planning teams in multinational, interagency, joint, and maritime environments. It differs from other Services' with advanced warfighting programs in that it integrates the NWC resident ILC/JPME I curriculum with a tailored operational planning and leadership curriculum in a single 13-month package rather than a one year ILC plus a one-year advanced warfighting curriculum. Graduates earn AQD JP1. Navy officers who attend MAWS and then complete operational planner assignments, receive AQD upgrade from JP1 to JP3.
- Advanced Research Project (ARP): In place of required electives, resident U.S. Naval War College students may apply for the opportunity to participate in ARPs. These research programs involve group work, individual study, faculty collaboration, wargaming, workshops, and even research trips. From exploring emerging warfare technologies to developing operational strategy, ARPs give participants practical experience that can be applied to their careers. ARPs include the Holloway Group, Halsey Alpha, Halsey Bravo, CIPI Gravely, Stockdale Leader Development Concentration, and the Joint Land, Sea Strategic -Special Program.
- Advanced Strategist Program (ASP): Students complete the core ILC/SLC JPME and MA program coupled with a 10-month double elective course focusing on international security, political economy, sea-power, and other strategic topics. They complete a Master's Thesis and a 10-week summer capstone project developing products tailored to U.S. Naval Strategy.
Distance Education Programs: Officers who are unable to attend one of the Services' resident Command and Staff programs may complete their intermediate-level professional military education (with JPME I) through a number of programs delivered through the College of Distance Education. Visit the Naval War College Distance Education Student page for more information.
- Fleet Seminar Program: The Naval War College's Fleet Seminar program allows officers the flexibility to fulfill Joint Professional Military Education Phase I credit or earn a master's degree at a location closer to where they live or work.
- Online Program: Closely aligned with the College of Naval Command and Staff and our Fleet Seminars, our online program offers core and elective courses that lead to a diploma.
- Naval War College at the Naval Postgraduate School: Naval War College Monterey is a satellite office of the United States Naval War College, College of Distance Education (CDE) located on campus at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Qualified officers and select DoD civilians attending NPS can earn an NWC diploma and JPME I credit.
Expeditionary Warfighting School (EWS)
EWS is a 41-week resident school in Quantico, VA which provides career-level, professional military education and training to company grade Marine officers and selected officers from other services and countries. EWS delivers seven core courses: Profession of Arms, Doctrine, Planning, Marine Air Ground Task Force Operations Ashore, Marine Air Ground Task Force Operations Afloat, Future Operating Environment, and Occupational Field Expansion Course (OFEC). The curriculum is accomplished in a building block approach beginning with a doctrinal foundation and the Marine Corps Planning Process. This combination is the cornerstone that EWS uses to then understand and explore the operational environment through MAGTF Operations Ashore and Afloat courses, with the overarching themes of innovation and officership.
International Military Colleges
Officers are assigned to Navy-funded, full-time JPME at intermediate and senior level international colleges. Programs differ in length and foreign language requirements, but all result in award of JPME Phase I credit. OPNAV Director, Plans, Policy and Integration (OPNAV N5) provides an annual requirements list for international military college opportunities to OPNAV N71 for inclusion in the annual Strategic Education and Alignment plan and to achieve prioritized engagement efforts. Interested individuals should contact their detailers.
Joint/Sister Service War Colleges Programs
Officers are assigned to Navy-funded, full-time JPME at other Service intermediate and senior level service schools to meet officer development requirements. Intermediate level schools are accredited by CJCS to award JPME Phase I credit while senior level schools are accredited to award JPME Phase II credit. Students may earn a master's degree if offered by the school.
Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JCWS)
JCWS is a 10-week program for O-4s through O-6s which teach the art and science of joint, interagency, and multinational warfighting at the operational level of war as directed by the CJCS Officer Professional Military Education Policy.
School for Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies (SANDS) Program
Program is open to one 1120 officer to attend the SANDS Program created by Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). The graduate will receive a Master's of Science in Operations Management degree from Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
Permanent Military Professor (PMP) Program
The PMP program was created in 1997 to establish a cadre of career naval officers with both doctoral degrees and extensive operational experience who would instruct at one of the Navy's education institutions until statutory retirement or until released from active duty. The program improves the educational background of military instructors and senior role models, strengthens military instructor presence at the Navy's education institutions, and provides viable opportunities for naval officers with doctoral degrees. For more information please visit the Officer community manager PMP page at MyNavyHR.
USNA Graduate Education + Teaching (GE+T) Program
The GE+T program provides approximately 12 months of graduate education directly followed by a two-academic-year teaching assignment at US Naval Academy as an officer instructor, resulting in a 36-month combined tour. Visit the USNA Academics page for additional information and application procedures for the GE+T program.
USNA Permanent Military Instructor (PMI) Program
The PMI program help meet the demands for military instructors at the USNA. The PMI program provides a stable source of officers in the grade of lieutenant commander (O-4) with the appropriate professional experience and academic preparation to teach at the USNA. PMIs offer greater staffing stability, improved return on investment, and more experienced classroom instruction to USNA midshipmen. As with PMPs, the goal of the PMI program is better-educated midshipmen and officers. Visit the USNA Academics page for additional information and application procedures for the PMI program.
USNA Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program
The LEAD Program provides graduate education and preparation for talented, highly qualified URL officers to serve as company officers at the United States Naval Academy and for continued future service in the Navy and Marine Corps. The program develops students' abilities to think critically and analytically, and focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for understanding, designing, and conducting leader and team development. Officers selected for this fully-funded master's in Leadership Education and Development from Naval Postgraduate School via distance learning in Annapolis. This is followed by a required two-year, follow-on commitment as a company officer at USNA. Additional information on the LEAD program can be found on the USNA LEAD Master's Program page.
Advanced Education Voucher (AEV) Program
The AEV program offers advanced education opportunities and provides financial assistance to senior enlisted personnel (E7-E9) to complete a baccalaureate or master's Navy-relevant degree in designated areas of study through off-duty education. For more information on AEV please review the Education Vouchers Programs page on the Navy College website.
Graduate Education Voucher Program (GEV)
Selected URL officers receive a voucher for a maximum of 2 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 Naval Postgraduate School. The curriculum must also meet the requirements of the GEV areas of study and subspecialties prescribed each fiscal year. For more information on GEV please review the Education Vouchers Programs page on the Navy College website.
Joint Professional Military Education (JPME)
JPME enhances the ability of leaders to deliver maritime capabilities to joint force commanders and it is required for certain billets and career milestones. Officers should discuss JPME opportunities with their detailers and establish a plan to complete this important professional requirement consistent with career goals. For more information on JPME opportunities please visit the Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) page on MyNavy HR.
Law Education Program (LEP)
LEP gives active-duty Navy officers the opportunity to enter law school, earn the degree of Juris Doctor, and subsequently serve as a career Navy judge advocate. This is a selective program typically accepting only four Navy officers each year. For more information about the LEP Opportunity, please visit the JAG Corp website.
Judge Advocate Generals Corps In-service Procurement Program (IPP)
The Judge Advocate Generals Corps In-service Procurement Program provides a pathway to commission as a JAG Corps Officer for active-duty, enlisted Sailors. Some JAG Corps IPP selectees may have the opportunity to train to complete a Juris Doctor (JD). Applicants may apply as either a Direct Commission Applicant or a Funded Legal Education Training Applicant. For more information please visit the Navy Lawyers In-Service Procurement Program page on the JAG Corp website.
National Intelligence University
Intelligence personnel are assigned to Navy-funded, full-time degree programs at this institution to meet current and future challenges to national security. Visit the National Intelligence University website for more information.
Useful Resources
