How do I obtain my Academic Profile Code (APC)?
To obtain an Academic Profile Code (APC), you need to apply online. In Step 1 of 5 of the application process, you will be asked to identify the APC Request Type. You can select “Initial APC Calculation” or “Update Existing APC.”
If the purpose of the APC calculation is an upcoming board, please provide details of the board in the Additional Information, which is also located on Step 1 of 5 of the application.
How do I apply to NPS?
All NPS applications will be completed via the online application process. To guarantee proper handling, be sure to complete the application in its entirety. If you have any questions, please contact Admissions.
May I contact an Admissions Counselor at NPS?
Due to the high volume of applications, the best way to get your application question or concern resolved is to send an e-mail. Our goal is to provide an answer within one business day. Admissions counselors can be reached at: grad-ed@nps.edu or COMM: (831) 656-3093; DSN: 756-3093.
Do you have to be in the Navy to attend NPS?
All U.S. and allied military members, as well as government civilian employees may apply for NPS admission. However, an applicant must meet the academic requirements of the desired graduate degree program. For specific admission requirements, please visit the NPS Admissions web page for full details at either the Master’s Degree Programs or Doctoral Degree Programs sites.
What constitutes a complete application?
Once received, an Admissions counselor reviews the application for completeness. Requirements for a complete application are detailed on the application confirmation page.
An Admissions counselor will contact you if there are any missing documents. Once all required academic documents are received, your application packet will be processed.
Where do I send my transcripts?
Once you have completed page five of the application, a confirmation page will verify that your application has been submitted. Please print it for your records. The page also includes further instructions on completing your application package, as well as the mailing address to which your previously attended institutions should mail your official sealed transcripts. The NPS mailing address is also listed below:
Admissions OfficeAttn: Director of Admissions - Official Transcripts
Naval Postgraduate School
1 University Circle, He-019
Monterey, CA 93943-5100
Transcripts should be sent directly to NPS from the school(s) attended. Another resource is to have your official transcripts electronically delivered. There are many electronic transcript delivery services that usually offer receipt confirmation. Please check to see if your academic institution is a participating member.
What is the difference between an unofficial, issued to student, and official transcript?
Official transcripts have the institution's seal and the registrar's signature. They are usually printed on security transcript paper and/or have a raised seal embossed on the paper.
Issued-to-student transcripts are the same as the official transcripts; however, they are stamped “Issued to Student” on the transcript.
Unofficial transcripts do not have the characteristics of an official transcript. Copied, faxed, and email scanned transcripts fall into this category. Transcripts from unaccredited institutions are not acceptable for admission to NPS.
Is the GRE required?
GRE scores are required for anyone applying to a doctoral program.
The National Security Affairs (NSA) Department is the only department that requires GRE scores as part of the academic evaluation process for a masters’ degree. Specifically, the NSA Department requires all U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army officers to submit GRE scores. Additionally, the NSA Department may request GRE scores from certain applicants to help enhance their academic record. The GRE must have been taken within five years of the date of application.
Faxed or emailed copies of GRE scores may be accepted on a case-by-case basis until the original copy arrives at the Admissions Office.
Please use Institutional Code 4831 to have your scores sent automatically to NPS.
What are the academic requirements for admission?
In order to attend NPS as a degree-seeking student, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants should possess sufficient preparatory background coursework to enable comprehension and classroom interaction with fellow students and instructors. Key indicators of a student’s potential for academic success also include undergraduate GPA, as well as recent GRE scores.
In order to attend NPS as a non-degree-seeking student, (including graduate level certificate programs), applicants must have:
- A bachelor's degree (or be able to provide proof of undergraduate degree completeness by the time of class start)
- An academic background supportive of the certificate program or courses desired
- GPA levels that reflect academic merit
Admission requirements vary by program; however, the general standard is:
- A minimum grade point average of 2.2 on a 4.0 system, of which 100 semester hours/150 quarter hours must be letter-graded.
- For those applicants requiring the GRE, test scores are evaluated by the applicable department.
- Those not meeting the minimum requirements may petition academic departments for a waiver. The waiver process will be handled by the Admissions Office—DO NOT contact the department directly to request a waiver.
What if I do not meet the admission standards?
If the candidate does not possess an undergraduate degree, the following are standards for admission to a program leading to a graduate degree:
- A minimum of 100 semester hours/150 quarter hours of letter-graded undergraduate work must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution with an average grade of "B." Courses in which grades lower than "C" were earned will not be counted in the total. Courses which have been duplicated on various transcripts should be counted only once in arriving at the number of semester hours to be credited.
- The general education requirements prescribed for the Naval Postgraduate School baccalaureate degree must be satisfied as specified in the Academic Policy Manual.
- No more than 20 semester hours may be credited for work done in non-degree granting service schools.
- Final approval of candidacy will be made by the Academic Council upon the recommendation of the appropriate department chair.
What programs may I apply to at NPS?
NPS offers a vast array of master's degree programs in areas such as business, engineering, information science, defense analysis and national security affairs. NPS also offers doctoral and certificate programs. Please review the Academic Catalog for a listing of our programs, as well as program descriptions.
What is your application deadline?
The NPS Admissions Office has no formal application deadlines. However, externally driven deadlines may require an NPS conditional acceptance letter as part of an application package.
I have been informed that my application is under academic review. What does that mean?
Normally, this indicates that the NPS Admissions Office has received your application, transcripts, and all other required documentation and has began the formal academic review process leading to a decision regarding your eligibility. When a decision is made, you will receive a letter by mail or email regarding your admission status.
How may I provide feedback to the Admissions Team?
Please take a moment to let the admissions team know how they are doing by completing the following survey:
http://www.surveymk.com/s/NPS_Admissions_Customer_Survey
What are the Tuition Costs?
Tuition costs vary by service and program. Tuition is set by NPS and the different Services are notified of any change.
NPS does NOT accept Tuition Assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill, Graduate Education Vouchers, personal checks or the Post-9/11 GI Bill for tuition payment.
For information regarding distance learning tuition programs, click here.
For resident tuition information please contact: funds@nps.edu
Can I take courses at NPS and not be admitted?
Single courses can be taken prior to being admitted if you are staff at NPS, the Defense Language Institute, the Defense Manpower Data Center, or other local/tenant commands. This enables the prospective applicant to assess the appropriate curriculum for which to apply. It is highly recommended that the application for admission be completed as soon as possible in order for the applicant to comply with staff admissions procedures. In order to graduate, the student must be officially admitted by the Director of Admissions, with approval by the Academic Council.
Is base housing available, and when should I apply for base housing?
Base housing is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Housing Main Office at (831) 644-0400 for more information.
Can I order a printed version of the catalog?
The Academic Catalog, as well as instructions for ordering printed copies, is available online.