College of Distance Education
U.S. Naval War College (NWC) extends its rigorous, executive-level programs beyond campus through the College of Distance Education. An alternative to the resident programs in Newport, these programs are delivered online or through faculty-led seminars on location. Students are able to pursue a Joint Professional Military Education Phase I credits, or a master’s degree. Additionally, we offer Introductory, Basic, and Primary Professional Military Education via My Navy Portal.
College of Distance Education Programs
Executive Education, Afloat or Ashore.
Through the College of Distance Education, officers and select government employees pursue the same caliber of courses as resident students through convenient and flexible formats. Core programming areas are strategy and war, theater security decision making, and joint maritime operations.
Seminar-style Classes
The Fleet Seminar Program delivers Joint Professional Military Education Phase I to students at multiple Naval bases and stations across the United States. Seminar-style classes include research, writing, and discussions.
Discover This ProgramClasses Taken Online
The Naval Command and Staff, Online Program delivers Joint Professional Military Education Phase I to students online. Courses consist of online discussion boards, individual essays, and other assignments.
Explore Online ProgramAttending Classes at NPS
Naval War College Monterey is a satellite office of the U.S. Naval War College, College of Distance Education located on campus at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
More On NPSIncoming Students
More Information
Resources for College of Distance Education students, a few commonly accessed tools and support services for our distance education students.
Featured Faculty
Paul Eliot Rasmussen
Professor Paul Rasmussen joined the U.S. Naval War College at Monterey faculty in 2022 after a 28-year military career. During his career, he served as a naval aviator flying primarily the F/A-18C Hornet, as well as the Super-Etendard Modernized (SEM) with the French Navy embarked on the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. After receiving a degree in national security and strategic studies in 2012, he served on the faculty in Newport teaching National Security Affairs in both the junior and senior courses. He also has taught an elective in Newport on Southeast Asia security.
Ross M. Coffey
Adjunct Professor Ross Coffey starting teaching College of Distance Education coursework in the fall of 2022 following his terminal assignment as USNWC Military Professor. Commissioned in 1994 as an infantry officer, he is the veteran of combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and operational deployments in Kosovo and Mali. He has commanded multiple infantry formations as a company grade officer and as a lieutenant colonel. Later, he has served as a Joint Operations Planner in the U.S. Africa Command Directorate of Strategy, Engagement and Programs, earning joint qualification. Post-military, Ross contractually supports the State Department in its management of foreign assistance.