The Mace is a symbol of U.S. Naval War College as an academic institution.
The Mace is a symbol of U.S. Naval War College (NWC) as an academic institution. In an academic procession, the Faculty Marshal leads the faculty in the academic procession carrying this Mace. The graduating class of 2018 included 323 resident students of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, federal civilian employees and 103 international students. Additionally, 1,109 students completed coursework through NWC’s College of Distance Education programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jaima Fogg/Released)

Academics & Programs

U.S. Naval War College (NWC) educates and develops today’s military leaders and civilian officials through rigorous academics, strategic simulations, and practical learning experiences. From at-sea scenarios to in-depth discussions, NWC prepares ethically-minded leaders to meet the operational and strategic challenges of today and tomorrow.

Colleges & Academies

U.S. Naval War College, the first senior service institution in the nation, is home to many special programs and research centers. At our Newport campus, you can fulfill your Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) or Professional Military Education (PME) requirements, earn a diploma or master’s degree, or complete senior leadership, ethics and operational level of war training and education. Our College of Distance Education expands our mission and reach by offering programs to those at sea, abroad, or otherwise unable to travel to New England.

An MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1).

College of Distance Education

Location: Student’s locale, online, various military bases
Format: Fleet seminar, online-based
Eligibility: Active duty and reserve officers, eligible U.S. government civilians
Duration: Varies
Outcome: JPME Phase I credit, diploma, master’s degree (Fleet Seminar Program)

U.S. Naval War College’s Luce Hall on Coasters Harbor Island in Newport, Rhode Island.

College of Leadership and Ethics

Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Format: Classroom
Eligibility: From intermediate to senior U.S. military officers, including international military and government civilians
Duration: 10 months
Outcome: Diploma

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the South China Sea.

College of Maritime Operational Warfare

Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Format: Classroom
Eligibility: Varies by program—From mid-grade officers and senior enlisted to general and flag officers
Duration: Varies (one to 11 weeks)
Outcome: Various PME credits and AQD’s

U.S. Naval War College hosted its 2019 commencement ceremony on Dewey Field in Newport, R.I., June 14.

College of Naval Command and Staff

Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Format: Classroom
Eligibility: Intermediate officers, U.S. military and government civilians
Duration: 10 months
Outcome: JPME Phase I and master’s degree

Students of U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) 2017 graduating class participate in a commencement ceremony at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

College of Naval Warfare

Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Format: Classroom
Eligibility: Senior officers, U.S. military and government civilians
Duration: 10 months
Outcome: JPME Phase II and master’s degree

Students of U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) 2017 graduating class participate in a commencement ceremony at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

Naval Command College

Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Format: Classroom
Eligibility: Senior international officers
Duration: 11 months
Outcome: Diploma

Combination covers representative of several international navies and coast guards sit on display at NWC's 14th Regional Alumni Symposium held at the Peruvian Naval Academy in LaPunta-Callao, Peru.

Naval Staff College

Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Format: Classroom
Eligibility: Intermediate international officers
Duration: 11 months
Outcome: Diploma

U.S. Naval War College Programs

Established in 1884 as an advanced course of professional study for naval officers, the U.S. Naval War College educates and develops leaders at specific stages in their careers from all services, U.S. government agencies and departments, and international navies.

Student support and resources at U.S. Naval War College, The Writing Center
Stars hanging on a wall with a flag.