Students walking down hallway at U.S. Naval War College

Colleges & Academies

U.S. Naval War College is home to seven individual colleges, as well as specialized groups and research centers. Each of these units contributes to our mission of developing future leaders, whether through rigorous academics, practical learning experiences, or professional development opportunities.

Exploring Our Colleges and Academies

An MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance operability with partners, serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency and advance the Up-Gunned ESG concept. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor King/Released)

College of Distance Education

U.S. Naval War College (NWC) offers its rigorous, executive-level programs beyond Newport. Through web-based courses or by attending fleet seminars, students can pursue a NWC diploma, Joint Professional Military Education Phase I credits, or a master’s degree.

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

College of Leadership and Ethics

The College of Leadership and Ethics (CLE) is responsible for leader development and associated strategies for U.S. Navy flag officers delivering courses and tailored activities. CLE also supports 17 Navy communities in the development and execution of their respective leader development strategies through the Leader Development Continuation Continuum.

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The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the South China Sea. The Carl Vinson Strike Group is currently operating in the Western Pacific as part of a regularly schedule deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Jasen Morenogarcia/Released)

College of Maritime Operational Warfare

The College of Maritime Operational Warfare provides intermediate- and senior-level leadership development and combat readiness programs. Its curriculum centers on the ever-evolving ethical and tactical challenges facing today’s naval officers.

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U.S. Naval War College hosted its 2019 commencement ceremony on Dewey Field in Newport, R.I., June 14. — U.S. Naval War College (NWC) hosted its 2019 commencement ceremony on Dewey Field in Newport, R.I., June 14. The graduating class of 2019 included 318 resident students of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, federal civilian employees and 110 international students. Additionally, 1,080 students completed coursework through NWC’s College of Distance Education programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Jaima Fogg/Released)

College of Naval Command and Staff

The 10-month residential program offered by the College of Naval Command and Staff prepares intermediate officers from all branches of the military and their civilian counterparts for increased responsibility or promotion.

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Students of U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) 2017 graduating class participate in a commencement ceremony at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island. The graduating class of 2017 included 423 resident students of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, federal civilian employees and 105 international students. Additionally, 1,079 students completed coursework through NWC’s College of Distance Education programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jess Lewis/Released)

College of Naval Warfare

The College of Naval Warfare prepares outstanding senior military professionals for executive-level responsibilities. Officers must be nominated to participate in this selective, 10-month residential program, which fulfills Joint Professional Military Education Phase II requirements.

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Naval Command College

The Naval Command College, for senior international naval officers, is an 11-month program designed to build confidence and cooperation between the U.S. and navies from around the world.

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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. The three-day event, hosted in partnership with the Peruvian Naval War College, brings together 65 NWC alumni from 21 North American, Latin American and Caribbean nations to discuss common challenges in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Daniel S. Marciniak/RELEASED)

Naval Staff College

The Naval Staff College provides an 11-month professional development program geared toward distinguished intermediate international officers who have completed at least eight years of service.

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