JPME Phase I & Master’s Degree
The Graduate Degree Program (GDP) allows students who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from the Fleet Seminar Program (FSP) to pursue a Master of Arts degree. In addition to the required FSP core courses, nine semester credit hours of approved electives are required to fulfill the M.A. degree requirements.

General Information
Eligibility
Applicants must have a Baccalaureate Degree (i.e., B.S./B.A.). Active or reserve officers in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard must be grade O3 or above. Civilian federal government employees must be in the grade of GS11 or above (or equivalent). Selected staff in the federal Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary branches may also be eligible. All applicants must have at least one FSP course completed with no course grade below a B-.Location & Duration
Core courses are taught annually at Naval bases and stations across the United States. Classes meet one evening per week for three hours, from September to May. Elective coursework will most likely need to be completed at non-NWC institutions as only a very limited number of elective courses are offered each year through the College of Distance Education’s Online Program. More information on location and duration is available on the FSP webpage.Learning Format
Core courses are conducted at the graduate level and require appropriate initiative, research, writing, and oral commentary from each student. Elective coursework varies between institutions.Outcome
Students accepted into GDP from July 2015 forward are awarded a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies degree upon program completion. Those accepted prior to July 2015 and graduating after June 2015 can choose to be awarded either the M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies or the M.A in Defense and Strategic Studies.Program Structure
Ongoing
Elective Courses
Required | Electives
Students must complete all nine semester credit hours for elective work under a single Area of Study to meet the degree requirements.
Student Selected Core Curriculum
Required | Core Course
Each academic year a student will take courses in the Core Curriculum, which may be completed in any order.
Core Curriculum
Joint Maritime Operations
Required | Core Course
The Joint Maritime Operations course prepares students on critical and creative problem-solving skills that pertain to decision-making and leadership in the maritime domain.
Strategy & War
Required | Core Course
The Strategy and Warfare course examines how the overall strategic environment shapes operational choices and outcomes. It also examines the strategic effects of operations, exploring how battlefield outcomes can change the strategic environment.
Theater Security and Decision Making
Required | Core Course
The Theater Security Decision Making course educates students on effective decision-making and leadership, focusing primarily at the theater strategic level.
Incoming Students
More Information
Students accepted into the GDP must complete nine semester credit hours of approved electives and 21 semester hours in core courses to be awarded the NWC M.A. in Defense and Strategic Studies degree.
Signing up for Joint Professional Military Education
Fleet Seminar Program
The Fleet Seminar Program curriculum expands critical and creative thinking and develops problem-solving skills students need for decision-making and leadership in the maritime domain.