Eligibility & Overview

Student typically take three years to complete all core courses: Strategy and War, Theater Security Decision Making, and Joint Maritime Operations. These courses are offered in seminar format at multiple locations in keeping with efforts of the Chief of Naval Personnel to foster a deliberate and flexible learning environment.

Recruit division commanders salute graduating divisions as they enter Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall during a pass in review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command.

Please Note: Students who become ineligible before the start of the academic year may have their enrollment canceled. Students who experience a change in eligibility status after classes begin must immediately notify the Naval War College. Failure to disclose a change in eligibility status may result in administrative withdrawal from the program and may affect future participation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree (B.A. or B.S.), preferably from a regionally accredited institution, and must meet at least one of the eligibility categories listed below at the time of application/registration during the annual open enrollment period (April-May) and again at the start of the academic year in September.

Eligibility is assessed each academic year. Students who continue in the program from one academic year to the next must reapply or register for courses and remain eligible both during the enrollment period and at the start of classes in September.

Contracted personnel are not eligible to apply, enroll, or participate in the program.

Students are responsible for promptly notifying the Naval War College of any change in employment, military status, grade, rank, or other criteria that may affect their eligibility at any time during the academic year.

Military Officer Eligibility

Active-duty and reserve officers may apply if they meet the following grade requirements:

Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard: O-3 and above
Army, Air Force, Space Force, and other uniformed services: O-4 and above

Officers must meet these requirements during the open enrollment period (April-May) and continue to meet them at the start of the academic year in September.

Civilian and Congressional Staff Eligibility

Federal civilian employees may apply if they are:

GS-11 or above, or the equivalent pay grade; or
Eligible congressional staff members; or
Other qualified personnel serving in the Executive, Legislative, or Judicial branches as authorized by program policy.

Applicants must hold an eligible position during the open enrollment period (April-May) and continue to hold an eligible position at the start of the academic year in September.

Course Syllabi & Format

Each academic year students will take a core course: Strategy and War, Theater Security Decision Making, and Joint Maritime Operations. Classes meet one evening per week for three hours and run from the first week in September to the third week in May, 34 times per year. These seminars are conducted at the graduate level and require appropriate initiative, research, writing, and oral commentary from each student.

Classes are taught under the direction of a U.S. Naval War College (NWC) adjunct faculty member. Occasionally, formal presentations are delivered by resident faculty members from Newport, Rhode Island and by visiting professors from colleges and universities around the world.

Credits

The NWC Fleet Seminar Program (FSP) courses starting in academic year 2025-2026 (AY25-26) and moving forward, have been authorized by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) to award the following graduate-level credits for course completion:

Joint Maritime Operations (JMO): 8 Graduate Semester Hours
Strategy and War (S&W): 8 Graduate Semester Hours
Theater Security Decision Making (TSDM): 7 Graduate Semester Hours
Leadership in the Profession of Arms (LPA): 1 Graduate Semester Hour

Credit for successful FSP course completion prior to AY25-26 remains at JMO (7 hours), S&W (7 hours), and TSDM (7 hours). LPA is now a sub-course part of the TSDM curriculum and successful completion of both results in 8 Graduate Semester Hours (1 + 7).

*If you completed TSDM prior to 2025, you do not need to complete LPA; this only applies to current and future enrollees.

Coursework

Students must coordinate in advance with their professor if they will miss a deadline for coursework, all delinquent work must be completed within 30 days.

Extension Request

Students unable to meet the deadline must request, in advance, an extension from the Dean of College of Distance Education.

Incomplete Grade

A student with an 'Incomplete’ grade will not be allowed to re-enroll until the 'Incomplete' is eliminated.

If a student is unable to complete a course, they may receive credit for work that has been successfully submitted. For more information please see Course Withdrawal and Re-enrollment.

Attendance

All courses require the student's presence in class, they must coordinate with the professor to make up any missed classroom instruction.

Absences

Upon the fourth absence, or when it is anticipated, the student is evaluated for continuation in the course. If allowed, the fifth absence will result in disenrollment, no exceptions.

Materials

The college provides all study materials to the student on a loan basis.

Returning Materials

Once notified of their enrollment, a student will receive information for receipt of materials. During the course, a student will receive return labels for returning their books.

If a student fails to return materials, they will be billed for the replacements and no credit for the course will be granted until all materials have been returned or purchased.

Buying Materials

If you wish to purchase the course materials most books are available online or at bookstores.

Please Note: Regulations preclude direct purchase of this government property from the NWC or FSP.