Course Highlights
- FSP students can apply after completing one core course.
- Students earn a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies.
- Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Apply to Graduate Degree Program
GDP is an online application, please ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Who is Eligible
U.S. military officers and federal government employees only may be eligible to apply and take part in the GDP.
- Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officers, active or reserve, must be in the grade of O3 or above.
- Officers, active or reserve, in the other military services must be in the grade of O4 or above.
- Civilian federal government employees must be in the grade of GS11 or above (or equivalent). Selected staff members in the federal Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary branches that are eligible to take part in FSP may also be eligible.
For more information please visit our Eligibility & Overview page.
What to Expect
Students interested in pursuing the M.A. degree must complete 30 semester credit hours of coursework—21 hours from FSP core courses and nine hours from electives.
- FSP courses are conducted at multiple Naval bases and stations across the United States.
- FSP courses are conducted in a seminar-style and include research, writing, and class discussion.
- Elective coursework will most likely need to be completed at a non-NWC regionally accredited institution.
For more information please visit our Electives & Area of Study page.
How to Enroll
Students applying for GDP must meet the required employment criteria, have completed one or more FSP courses with no course grade lower than a B- and possess a baccalaureate degree, preferably from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must:
- Apply to the GDP using the online application.
- Request official transcripts be sent from each previously attended undergraduate or graduate institution directly to the GDP office.
- Have two letters of recommendation on their behalf sent to the GDP office–at least one must be from an NWC faculty member.
For more information please visit our Enrollment page.