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JPME Phase II & Master’s Degree

The Master of Arts in National Security 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.
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U.S. Naval War College students at their graduation.

General Information

Eligibility

Students are selected to attend the College of Naval Warfare by each service based on professional performance. Candidates are senior officers (O5-O6) that are selected for promotion to Commander and Captain. In addition, selected departments and agencies are invited to nominate civilian applicants (GS14-GS15, or equivalent) for admission. A limited number of Lieutenant Commanders can attend CNW, if JPME I requirements are completed, 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 CNW are awarded a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies degree, graduates are also eligible for JPME Phase II certification.

Program Structure

Once Per Academic Year

Leadership in the Profession of Arms

Required | Core Course
This course allows students to recognize their impact on those they lead and enhance their thinking and ethical decision-making for their future leadership roles. It is taken in lieu of a single trimester elective course once per academic year and is assigned depending on a student's schedule.

Fall Trimester

Joint Military Operations

Required | Core Course
The Joint Military Operations course engages students in an in-depth study of the theater-strategic and operational levels of war across the spectrum of conflict.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Fall trimester, the course considers the changing character of modern war. It explores how the evolving character of modern warfare is shaped by advancements in technology, societal shifts, and climate change, raising strategic and ethical questions for future conflict. Students will examine these factors and their impact on national security, alliances, and strategic concepts, beginning with insights from the Future Warfighting Symposium.

Student Selected Elective

Required | Elective
The elective program offers graduate level courses that expand on subjects not in the core curriculum, enhance your regional expertise, or examine core subjects in greater detail. If a student is in the Leadership in the Profession of Arms course, they will not be required to take an elective that trimester.

Winter Trimester

Strategy and Policy

Required | Core Course
The Strategy and Policy course emphasizes grand strategy. Students will examine case studies to consider the long-term effectiveness of all instruments of national power, the importance of the ability to adapt in strategic leadership, and the strategic success and failure of great and regional powers as well as non-state actors over long periods of time.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Winter trimester, the course focuses on leadership, culture, and ethics in modern war. It emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and strategic empathy in enhancing ethical leadership and joint warfighting strategies. Students will explore the impact of cultural and societal factors, including the role of women in conflict and stability, through core courses, guest lectures, seminar discussions, and the Women, Peace, and Security conference.

Student Selected Elective

Required | Elective
The elective program offers graduate level courses that expand on subjects not in the core curriculum, enhance your regional expertise, or examine core subjects in greater detail. If a student is in the Leadership in the Profession of Arms course, they will not be required to take an elective that trimester.

Spring Trimester

National Security and Decision Making

Required | Core Course
The National Security and Decision Making course focuses on strategic-level issues, including the effective selection and leadership of military forces in the context of constrained national resources, strategic planning and selection of future military forces, and their potential use as an instrument of national power.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Spring trimester, the course focuses on strategy in today's world. It focuses on understanding and developing strategies for today's global security environment while preparing for future challenges. Students will critically analyze current strategic competition and various national security threats through core courses, guest lectures, and seminars, culminating in the Current Strategy Forum.

Student Selected Elective

Required | Elective
The elective program offers graduate level courses that expand on subjects not in the core curriculum, enhance your regional expertise, or examine core subjects in greater detail. If a student is in the Leadership in the Profession of Arms course, they will not be required to take an elective that trimester.

Incoming Students

Contact Information

Dean of Students Office

(401) 856-5500
DeanOfStudents@usnwc.edu

More Information

Next Steps
Prepare for your arrival at the College of Naval Warfare—and see what others have done after graduating.

Upcoming Events

New Student Orientation

February 10, 2025
All Events
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Attend the Naval Command College International 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.

Discover International Program
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Nominated Civilian Applicants for CNW

Selected Civilian Application

Every academic year, selected departments and agencies are invited to nominate civilian applicants (GS14-GS15, or equivalent) for admission to CNW. Civilian students nominated to the resident program require a formal application to NWC along with additional information. Please see our Registrar page for more information.

More on Attending as a Civilian

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