Students detailed to the Naval War College in Newport participate in a ten-month tour of academic and strategic development. Depending on the curriculum requirements of each trimester, students are expected to read anywhere between 300 and 600 pages per week, write regular papers and take exams. Average student class and study time is 50 to 60 hours per week. The core curriculum provides the backbone for Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) credit and an accredited Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. The electives track supplements the core curriculum, allowing each student to pursue a more specialized area of study and in most cases graduate with an Additional Qualification Designator (AQD). Needless to say, it is a rigorous and incredibly rewarding year requiring significant time management skills.
Seminars and lectures typically take place in the mornings between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Many weeks are Monday through Thursday. Afternoons are dedicated to individual student and personal time. Electives take place either Wednesday or Thursday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students may also choose to attend voluntary "lectures of opportunity" for enrichment, typically scheduled during the lunch hour. Flag level briefings are mandatory and evening lectures occur several times per trimester.
The Naval War College administers a writing assessment to all incoming students. For this assessment you will write a short (750 - 1,000 word) essay in response to a writing prompt provided by the
Writing Center Director, Dr. Donna Connolly. She will then provide feedback to each of you so that you know the areas on which you need to work during your time at the War College. The assessments are not graded nor does anyone other than Dr. Connolly read them. The actual writing assessment assignment will be forthcoming, and it will include all instructions. The assignment will also be posted on the College's internet site under the Writing Center link.
The tour also offers a rare opportunity to spend some time with family. Newport is one of New England's most historic seaports, offering a wide array of extracurricular activities: sailing, music and food festivals, turn of the century mansions and a bustling downtown area, just minutes from the War College.
For questions related to the adjustment between operational and academic life, the Dean of Students Office and the individual Service Advisors stand ready to assist. The Dean of Students Office can be reached by phone at 401-841-3373 or e-mail the Dean of Students (StudentPOC@nwc.navy.mail).
You should have received a welcome aboard email from the Dean of Students. If you have not received one before the new year, please contact the Deputy Dean of Students, CDR Maynard at timothy.maynard@usnwc.edu
Service Advisors can be reached at the following phone numbers:
| Air Force |
401-841-3786/2694 |
| Army |
401-841-2134/4795 |
| Coast Guard |
401-841-3398 |
| Marine Corps |
401-841-4779 |