Core Curriculum
The future security environment is characterized by dynamic, complex situations that require adaptive leaders who can thrive under conditions of uncertainty. The Profession of Arms is built on leaders who build trust and confidence up and down the chain of command and with the American people they serve. The degree of trust and confidence that exists is based on the combination of the leader's competence and character.
About Leadership in the Profession of Arms
As part of the core curriculum, students will take the Leadership in the Profession of Arms (LPA) course for one trimester. This pre-assigned core course is taken in lieu of electives and held once per trimester, depending on a student’s schedule.
The LPA course provides students with the opportunity to focus on themselves as leaders, reflect on past performance, examine personal strengths and weaknesses, develop new competencies and strengthen their personal character to enhance their ability to lead in a complex and dynamic environment.
For LPA, students in the College of Naval Warfare take Stewardship in the Profession of Arms (SPA), while students in the College of Naval Command and Staff take Foundations in the Profession of Arms (FPA).
SPRING 2024-25 SPA SYLLABUS SPRING 2024-25 FPA SYLLABUS
Primary Objective
The primary objective of the course is to provide a developmental experience through a self-learning journey that combines educational rigor and professional relevance. Focus will be on internal growth in order to be more effective leaders in future roles. The intended outcome of this course is to enhance the ability to self-assess, apply critical thinking, and the strength of character needed by leaders in the profession of arms.
Outcomes
Students in the College of Naval Warfare are awarded a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies degree, graduates are also eligible for JPME Phase II certification. For students in the College of Naval Command and Staff they are awarded a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies degree and are eligible for JPME Phase I certification.
International Students
Upon completion, international students in the Naval Command College will receive an NWC Diploma and selected students will be eligible to earn a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies degree. International Students in the Naval Staff College will also receive an NWC Diploma and selected students will be eligible to earn a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies degree.
Professional Development
Broaden your understanding of leadership and ethics by pursuing courses for flag officers and their civilian senior executive service equivalents.
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We support each U.S. Navy community in their community leader development and maintain a strategy for leadership growth beyond major command.
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