JPME Phase I & Master’s Degree
The Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies is a 10-month curriculum for resident students divided into trimesters with core teachings and electives. Core courses are primarily taught in seminar format but include capstone exercises, wargame participation, and writing assignments.

General Information
Eligibility
Students are selected to attend the College of Naval Command and Staff (CNCS) by each service based on professional performance. Candidates are intermediate officers (O3-O4) that are Majors or Lieutenant Commanders. In addition, selected departments and agencies are invited to nominate civilian applicants (GS13-GS14, or equivalent) for admission. A limited number of Lieutenants can attend CNCS, rank waiver is approved by the Navy Personnel Command.Location & Duration
The 10-month curriculum for resident students is divided into trimesters and is taught at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, Rhode Island.Learning Format
Core Courses are primarily seminar format but include capstone exercises, wargame participation, and comprehensive writing assignments.Outcome
U.S. resident students in CNCS are awarded a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies degree, graduates are also eligible for JPME Phase I certification.Program Structure
Once Per Academic Year
Leadership in the Profession of Arms
Required | Core CourseFall Trimester
Strategy and War
Required | Core CoursePerspectives on Modern War
Required | Core CourseStudent Selected Elective
Required | ElectiveWinter Trimester
Theater Security Decision Making
Required | Core CoursePerspectives on Modern War
Required | Core CourseStudent Selected Elective
Required | ElectiveSpring Trimester
Joint Maritime Operations
Required | Core CoursePerspectives on Modern War
Required | Core CourseStudent Selected Elective
Required | ElectiveIncoming Students
More Information
Prepare for your arrival at College of Naval Command and Staff—and see what others have done after completing our program.
Fostering friendship and breaking barriers
Each year, representatives from more than 40 countries are nominated to attend our 11-month residential program, which is designed to build trust, confidence, and cooperation between American and international officers.
Selected Civilian Application
Every academic year, selected departments and agencies are invited to nominate civilian applicants (GS13-GS14, or equivalent) for admission to CNCS. Civilian students nominated to the resident program requires a formal application to NWC along with additional information. Please see our Registrar page for more information.