Naval Staff College Diploma

International officers in the Naval Staff College (NSC) complete a robust program of academic core courses and electives, as well as professional development including a Field Studies Program and country presentations. Upon completion they receive a U.S. Naval War College (NWC) Diploma. Selected students will be eligible to earn a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies.
International students in class at Naval War College

General Information

Eligibility

NSC is open to U.S. and international military officers from participating countries in the O3, O4, and O5 pay grades.

Location & Duration

The 11-month curriculum for resident students is divided into trimesters and is taught at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

Learning Format

Core Courses are primarily seminar format but include the field studies program, capstone exercises, and comprehensive writing assignments.

Outcome

Upon completion, international officers receive an NWC Diploma. Selected students will be eligible to earn a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies degree.

Program Structure

Ongoing

Field Studies Program

Required | Core Course
The Field Studies Program provides students with an understanding of U.S. society, institutions, and culture through exposure to various topics. These field studies include approximately six out-of-area trips and numerous day trips.

Country Presentations

Optional | Elective
Each student must deliver an oral and visual presentation describing their country to a large audience of academics, students, and interested guests. This will broaden the knowledge of the entire class and develop the student’s public speaking skills.

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

Strategy and War

Required | Core Course
The Strategy and War course examines how the overall strategic environment shapes operational choices and outcomes. It also examines the strategic effects of operations, exploring how battlefield outcomes can change the strategic environment.

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

Optional | Elective
The elective program, optional but encouraged, offers graduate level courses that provide specialized areas of study. Note: Electives are required each trimester for those international officers pursuing a master’s degree.

Winter Trimester

Theater Security Decision Making

Required | Core Course
The Theater Security Decision Making course educates students on effective decision-making and leadership, focusing primarily at the theater strategic level.

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

Optional | Elective
The elective program, optional but encouraged, offers graduate level courses that provide specialized areas of study. Note: Electives are required each trimester for those international officers pursuing a master’s degree.

Spring Trimester

Joint Maritime Operations

Required | Core Course
The Joint Maritime Operations course prepares students on critical and creative problem-solving skills that pertain to decision-making and leadership in the maritime domain.

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

Optional | Elective
The elective program, optional but encouraged, offers graduate level courses that provide specialized areas of study. Note: Electives are required each trimester for those international officers pursuing a master’s degree.

Incoming Students

Contact Information

Naval Staff College

More Information

Prepare for your arrival at Naval Staff College—and see what others have done after completing our program.

Road sign on the U.S. Naval War College campus
International Flags at Naval War College