JPME Phase I & Master’s Degree

The Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies is a 10-month curriculum for resident students divided into trimesters with core teachings and electives. Core courses are primarily taught in seminar format but include capstone exercises, wargame participation, and writing assignments.
Forty U.S. Naval War College students graduated during the ceremony on Nov. 13.

General Information

Eligibility

Students are selected to attend the College of Naval Command and Staff (CNCS) by each service based on professional performance. Candidates are intermediate officers (O3-O4) that are Majors or Lieutenant Commanders. In addition, selected departments and agencies are invited to nominate civilian applicants (GS13-GS14, or equivalent) for admission. A limited number of Lieutenants can attend CNCS, rank waiver is approved by the Navy Personnel Command.

Location & Duration

The 10-month curriculum for resident students is divided into trimesters and is taught at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, Rhode Island.

Learning Format

Core Courses are primarily seminar format but include capstone exercises, wargame participation, and comprehensive writing assignments.

Outcome

U.S. resident students in CNCS are awarded a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies degree, graduates are also eligible for JPME Phase I certification.

Program Structure

Once Per Academic Year

Leadership in the Profession of Arms

Required | Core Course
This course allows students to recognize their impact on those they lead and enhance their thinking and ethical decision-making for their future leadership roles. It is taken in lieu of a single trimester elective course once per academic year and is assigned depending on a student's schedule.

Fall Trimester

Strategy and War

Required | Core Course
The Strategy and War course examines how the overall strategic environment shapes operational choices and outcomes. It also examines the strategic effects of operations, exploring how battlefield outcomes can change the strategic environment.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Fall trimester, the course considers the changing character of modern war. It explores how the evolving character of modern warfare is shaped by advancements in technology, societal shifts, and climate change, raising strategic and ethical questions for future conflict. Students will examine these factors and their impact on national security, alliances, and strategic concepts, beginning with insights from the Future Warfighting Symposium.

Student Selected Elective

Required | Elective
The elective program offers graduate level courses that expand on subjects not in the core curriculum, enhance your regional expertise, or examine core subjects in greater detail. If a student is in the Leadership in the Profession of Arms course, they will not be required to take an elective that trimester.

Winter Trimester

Theater Security Decision Making

Required | Core Course
The Theater Security Decision Making course educates students on effective decision-making and leadership, focusing primarily at the theater strategic level.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Winter trimester, the course focuses on leadership, culture, and ethics in modern war. It emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and strategic empathy in enhancing ethical leadership and joint warfighting strategies. Students will explore the impact of cultural and societal factors, including the role of women in conflict and stability, through core courses, guest lectures, seminar discussions, and the Women, Peace, and Security conference.

Student Selected Elective

Required | Elective
The elective program offers graduate level courses that expand on subjects not in the core curriculum, enhance your regional expertise, or examine core subjects in greater detail. If a student is in the Leadership in the Profession of Arms course, they will not be required to take an elective that trimester.

Spring Trimester

Joint Maritime Operations

Required | Core Course
The Joint Maritime Operations course prepares students on critical and creative problem-solving skills that pertain to decision-making and leadership in the maritime domain.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Spring trimester, the course focuses on strategy in today's world. It focuses on understanding and developing strategies for today's global security environment while preparing for future challenges. Students will critically analyze current strategic competition and various national security threats through core courses, guest lectures, and seminars, culminating in the Current Strategy Forum.

Student Selected Elective

Required | Elective
The elective program offers graduate level courses that expand on subjects not in the core curriculum, enhance your regional expertise, or examine core subjects in greater detail. If a student is in the Leadership in the Profession of Arms course, they will not be required to take an elective that trimester.

Incoming Students

Contact Information

Dean of Students Office

More Information

Prepare for your arrival at College of Naval Command and Staff—and see what others have done after completing our program.

Upcoming Events

November 04, 2024
All Events
U.S. Naval War College celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps 244th birthday in Spruance lobby, Nov. 6.
U.S. Naval War College celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps 244th birthday in Spruance lobby, Nov. 6. The celebration included a cake cutting and video message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Jaima Fogg/released)
U.S. Naval War College campus