Strategy and Policy Department

Our interdisciplinary program blends classic and contemporary war theory with practical, real-world maritime case studies. Here, you will learn to evaluate complex problems at all levels of conflict—and formulate strategies to address them.

Strategy and Policy Department

Where Strategy Meets Operations

Our department’s coursework is designed to sharpen your analytical and critical thinking skills while deepening your understanding of the relationship between war’s purpose, objective, and means.

We take an interdisciplinary approach to teaching strategy and policy, drawing on history, political science, international relations, and economics—and blending these academic areas with critical military factors, such as doctrine, weaponry, training, technology, and logistics.

Coursework: What to Expect

Our curriculum comprises two core components:

Strategic Theory

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Case Studies

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Additionally, the Strategy and Policy course requires you to write two graduate-level papers, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge of theory and your critical analysis skills. It is our hope that your written work will inspire innovative thinking and provoke discussion.

Goals and Objectives

Upon completing the strategy and policy course, you will be prepared for positions of strategic leadership. You’ll leave the course with:

  • proficiency in strategic decision-making and problem-solving involving maritime, joint, interagency, and multinational sea power
  • the ability to evaluate alternative courses of action, and to write clearly and speak articulately about the relationship between strategy, policy, and operations
  • the skills to serve as effective maritime spokespersons who understand warfare at sea

See Strategy and Policy Faculty

Our experienced and renowned faculty have years of earned expertise across a wide range of naval and educational topics. To learn more, please use the link below to access the online directory.

Visit Faculty