The Naval Postgraduate School was established in 1909 to serve the advanced education needs of graduate-level military students. NSP is operated by the United States Navy and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. NPS provides STEM-based outreach programs to K-12th-grade students in hopes of creating a future generation of military employees with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math careers. The Graduate School of Defense Management (formerly the Graduate School of Business and Public Policy) holds business accreditation from the AACSB and Public Affairs Public Administration accreditation from the NASPAA.
Education
Four distinct academic graduate schools offer more than 70 master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as professional certificates. Two premier resident programs are offered; a Master’s of Business Administration and a Master’s of Science in Management.
Student Life
The Annual Acquisition Research Symposium is held every May and serves as a forum for all employees in the acquisition field. Students also have opportunities to conduct research through the Academic Research Program, Naval Research Program, and The Center for Defense Management Research. Up to four students from each graduating class of Financial Management MBA students are selected to be part of the elite Conrad Scholar Program. Conrad Scholars write and present a thesis to a military Financial Management Board.
All of the programs offered by the Graduate School of Defense Management are designed for students wishing to assume military and government leadership positions directly related to the business aspects of national defense. Faculty consists of dedicated professors from civilian and military backgrounds. Students can also receive one-on-one tutoring from the National Naval Officers Association. Whether volunteering at a school or serving the nation in a global defense role, students at NPS are making a difference in the world.
Online Programs
Online students can earn an Executive MBA or a Master’s of Science in Contract Management or Project Management. Students enrolled in the online programs are able to participate in video teleconferences and complete their assignments through web-based learning at a time and location that is convenient with their lifestyle.
There are also 12 graduate-level certificates offered, which can be completed online, allowing military personnel to stay at their duty station. These certificates are comprised of between four and six graduate-level courses. Students who later decide they’d like to pursue a master’s degree can apply the credits from their certificate towards their degree. Certificates can be earned in Acquisition, Acquisition Management, Economics of Public Policy Analysis, Defense Data-Driven Policy Analytics, Strategic Leadership, Leadership for Public Administration, Innovation Management, Principles of Analytical Management, Managerial Logistics, Acquisition Logistics, Data to Decisions, and Advanced Acquisition Studies. Human Resources and Veterans Affair short-term professional development courses are also available online or in person.