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.

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 CourseFall Trimester
Joint Military Operations
Required | Core CoursePerspectives on Modern War
Required | Core CourseStudent Selected Elective
Required | ElectiveWinter Trimester
Strategy and Policy
Required | Core CoursePerspectives on Modern War
Required | Core CourseStudent Selected Elective
Required | ElectiveSpring Trimester
National Security and Decision Making
Required | Core CoursePerspectives on Modern War
Required | Core CourseStudent Selected Elective
Required | ElectiveIncoming Students
More Information
Next Steps
Prepare for your arrival at the College of Naval Warfare—and see what others have done after graduating.
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 (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.