Admissions

For admission to either a degree or a non-degree program, whether on campus or by distance learning, the minimum qualification is a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree with appropriate preparation for the proposed program. Each program has its own admissions criteria. The Academic Profile Code (APC) is only one element of the admissions criteria used to evaluate applicants for admission to NPS. The school requires submission of official transcripts covering all college work (undergraduate and graduate) completed to date. It is recommended that applicants apply and submit all required materials at least six months prior to the estimated arrival date, or corresponding graduate education selection board. Any delay in the arrival of necessary documentation to include official transcripts will impede the evaluation for admissions.

Master's Program Admissions

A candidate entering any master's degree program must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution - or in the case of foreign students, a recognized institution - with a minimum grade point average of 2.2 on a 4.0 system, of which 75 semester hours/112 quarter hours must be letter-graded.

If the candidate does not possess an undergraduate degree, the following are standards for admission to a program leading to a graduate degree:

1. A minimum of 75 semester hours/112 quarter hours of letter-graded undergraduate work must have been completed at regionally accredited institution with an average grade of "B." Any course with a "C-" grade or lower 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.
2. The general education requirements prescribed for the Naval Postgraduate School baccalaureate degree must be satisfied as specified in the Academic Policy Manual.
3. No more than 20 semester hours may be credited for work done in non-degree granting service schools.
4. Final approval of the applicant will be made by the appropriate academic unit Chair.

All applicants must submit an online application at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html to be considered for entry into any NPS program. All undergraduate and graduate work to date (degree and non-degree) is required for academic evaluation. Please print the confirmation page displayed upon submission of the completed application. It contains further instructions regarding transcripts. Failure to comply with the instructions will delay the processing of the application.

U.S. Naval Officers

Selection for the Navy's fully funded graduate education program is based on outstanding professional performance, promotion potential and a strong academic background. Officers interested in this program should contact their assignment officers to determine professional qualification status. All applications for APC calculation should be initiated at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html.

Upon determination of academic qualification (by NPS), individuals are eligible for assignment. Officers who are professionally qualified but lack academic qualifications should contact the Director of Admissions at admissions@nps.edu for information on ways to improve their academic backgrounds.

U.S. Army Officers

Army officers applying to NPS should request an Academic Profile Code (APC) evaluation online at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html for the purpose of pre-screening prior to applying to Army Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS). Requesting an APC review in advance of applying to an ACS training agency will assist in the selection process and will expedite the formal NPS admissions process after an officer has been selected by the Army. Officers interested in fully funded education at NPS should provide their training agencies a copy of their NPS conditional acceptance letter when submitting their ACS applications.

Army officers applying for admission to the Department of National Security Affairs must include scores from the Graduate Record Examination, taken within five years of the date of application.

U.S. Air Force Officers

Selection for the Air Force's fully funded graduate education program (assigned to AFIT as a full-time student wherein all tuition costs are paid by the Air Force) is based upon professional performance, promotion potential, and academic background. Interested Air Force officers must contact their assignment team at Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) to determine professional qualification status and potential AFIT-sponsored graduate education opportunities available in their career fields. Air Force officers wishing to apply for an AFIT-sponsored graduate program must make their desires known to AFPC and follow AFPC application procedures.

To determine eligibility for an NPS curriculum, Air Force officers should apply online at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html, requesting an Academic Profile Code (APC) evaluation for the purpose of pre-screening from the NPS Admissions Office prior to applying to AFPC. Officers should submit a copy of their NPS conditional acceptance letters along with their AF Form 3849 application to AFPC and also maintain a copy in their personal records for future use if selected.

Air Force officers applying for admission to the Department of National Security Affairs must include scores from the Graduate Record Examination, taken within five years of the date of application.

U.S. Marine Corps Officers

NPS opportunities for Marine Corps officers fall under two categories: 1) Special Education Program (SEP) and 2) International Affairs Officer Program.

The Marine Corps holds selection boards for both programs that are announced annually by a MARADMIN message. Marine officers interested in these programs should consult the latest MARADMIN for board details and contact HQMC, MMOA-3 for any additional questions. Prospective applicants should also discuss the timing of NPS attendance with the Career Counseling Branch at HQMC. All Marine Corps officers must apply to NPS for academic eligibility at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html as well as applying to HQMC per the appropriate MARADMIN.

U.S. Coast Guard Officers

Each year, a message is promulgated by the USCG canvassing USCG program managers to nominate officers for graduate education. If you are interested, read the Education and Training Manual on the USCG intranet and speak with your program manager.

Military and Civilian Staff of NPS, Tenant and Local Commands

NPS, tenant command staff and staff of local commands, such as Defense Language Institute (DLI), Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) are permitted to attend classes on a space available basis. "Local command" is defined as located on the Monterey Peninsula. Employees of a local command may enroll in up to two classes per quarter with written approval from their supervisors and prospective academic associate. NPS employees are guided by the Civilian Academic Development Program NAVPGSCOLINSTRUCTION 12410.1A.

Most staff students seeking official admission into NPS require some time to establish which degrees they want to pursue. It is recommended that such students use the first two quarters (or up to four classes) to decide on a degree program before completing the application for admission.

In order for a degree to be granted, a staff member must be formally accepted and admitted to a degree program. This formal acceptance and admittance can only come from the Director of Admissions. All applications must be submitted online. Please note that even after being formally admitted, staff members are still required to register for classes through the Registrar’s office on a space available basis. The Staff/Employee Registration form can be found at the Registrar’s office and online.  The forms must be submitted each quarter to the Registrar’s office during the Add/Drop period, which typically begins in the last two-weeks of the preceding quarter and ends on the tenth school day of the new quarter (holidays excluded). 

There is no longer a requirement to submit paperwork to the Academic Council for approval of a staff matrix. Once a student has been accepted, the Admissions Office will send an acceptance letter to the applicant and have the Registrar’s office register the student into the approved curriculum.

International Students

Military officers and government civilian employees from other countries may be admitted to most curricula. The procedures for application are available from the Security Assistance Office or Defense Attaché Office of the U.S. Embassy, the MLO, MAAG, OMC or ODC, as appropriate. Correspondence must be processed through official channels; requests from individual prospective students should not be sent directly to the School.

All candidates must satisfy the curriculum academic standards, as described in this catalog. International candidates from non-English speaking countries will also be required to validate their fluency in English through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum TOEFL score required for direct entry to NPS is 83 IBT (Internet Based Test and 560 Written Test. Candidates for PhD Programs or Accelerated Programs need to score at least 100 on the IBT. Waivers will be considered on a case by case basis for scores between 90 and 100 based on the overall application package. (For candidates applying for entry into the Department of National Security Affairs, an IBT score of 90 is required.) If a candidate fails to achieve the 83 IBT or 560 Written score, but does achieve a score of 70 IBT or 523 Written or higher, he/she is eligible to attend the TOEFL Preparatory Academic Writing Course, MASL P177022 (16 weeks) at the Defense Language Institute in San Antonio, Texas.

The only countries exempted from TOEFL testing are those countries who are exempted from all ECL testing requirements as determined by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) Policy memorandum 11-67 dtd 27 Dec 11 (Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Brunei, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad, and the United Kingdom).

When applying for a TOEFL exam, the NPS identification code is 4831. This code should be included on the registration application so a copy of the results can be sent directly to NPS. TOEFL test results are valid for two years from the test date and must be valid when the student reports to NPS. Questions regarding available programs or admission procedures should be directed to Code 04IGP, 1 University Circle, Rm B-047, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA 93943-5025. Telephone: (831) 656-2186 or e-mail from this website: www.nps.edu/Adminsrv/IGPO/index.html.

Civilian Employees of U.S. Government

A civilian who is an employee of, or sponsored by, an agency of the United States Federal Government may be admitted for study upon request and sponsorship of the agency. Federal civilian employees are not required to pursue the curricula designed for officer-students as described in this catalog but instead determine, with the guidance from the assigned Academic Associates, the combination of courses that will best meet their needs.

A civilian who is expecting agency sponsorship should apply online requesting evaluation for admission at least six months prior to expected commencement of studies. A completed application should indicate the desired curriculum and degree intentions and be accompanied by a complete set of official transcripts of all previous college work to date (degree and non-degree). GRE and/or GMAT scores are required for consideration for admission to any doctoral program.

All official supporting documents should be directed to the Director of Admissions, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle, He-022, Monterey, CA 93943. Questions about available programs or admission procedures may be telephoned to (831) 656-3093 or DSN 756-3093 or e-mail: admissions@nps.edu.

The individual's employing agency is expected to meet the tuition expense for regular on-campus enrollment.

Civilian Scholarship-for-Service Programs

The Naval Postgraduate School offers several Scholarship-for-Service programs in which civilians, who are U.S. citizens, are supported with a full salary, generous government benefits, and full tuition waiver while working toward a master's or doctoral degree. Upon degree completion, these students are required to fulfill an obligated service commitment with the Defense Department or in certain programs of other federal agencies. These are highly competitive programs that require an outstanding academic record. GRE and/or GMAT scores are required for consideration for admission to any doctoral program. Current government employees are eligible for some of these programs.

To find program specific information go to Scholarship for Service at the NPS website. Questions about available programs or admission procedures may be telephoned to (831) 656-3093 or DSN 756-3093 or e-mailed to admissions@nps.edu.

Please note: The online application is a means of determining academic eligibility to attend programs offered at NPS and is not a scholarship application.

You must submit a separate scholarship application in addition to the NPS online application to be considered for a scholarship. Links to the Scholarship program applications currently accepted by NPS are found at www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ScholarPrograms/.

Programs available to civilian students can be classified as follows:

Regular Curricula: The School's numerous curricula are designed to meet service-specific education requirements for military officers. These curricular requirements typically exceed the requirements to earn the degree alone. For example, military students may be required to take more courses than civilian students. Civilian students may enter any curriculum at the point at which they are qualified and complete the curriculum along with regular officer students.

Degree Programs: Civilian students may enter programs designed to award a graduate degree, while meeting the educational goals of the individual or the sponsoring agency. To minimize the residency requirement, an off-campus preparatory program may be developed in consultation with a school advisor. If the available time in residence is insufficient to complete degree requirements, the thesis-project portion of the program may be completed off-campus.

Non-Degree Programs: Civilian employees may desire to pursue a program for professional advancement without a degree objective. NPS certificate programs are one such option available to civilians. These typically comprise four courses taken over one year. Certificate Program Managers are the initial point of contact for admission. Alternatively, for groups of employees from an agency, special courses can be offered to meet particular requirements, provided the demand is in an area of expertise of the school.

Civilian Employees of DoD Contractors

NPS accepts a limited number of employees of corporations that are contractors for the Department of Defense (DoD) in programs related to systems engineering and defense product development. Specifically, the following master's degree programs are open to employees of DoD contractors:

Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

311 - Systems Engineering (DL)

316 - Space Systems Operations (DL)

366 - Space Systems Operations

372 - Meteorology

373 - Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC)

374 - Operational Oceanography

380 - Applied Mathematics

440 - Oceanography (Master's-only)

525 - Undersea Warfare

533 - Combat Systems Sciences & Technology

535 - Underwater Acoustic Systems (DL)

570 - Naval/Mechanical Engineering

580 - Systems Engineering

590 - Electronic Systems Engineering

591 - Space Systems Engineering

592 - Electronic Systems Engineering (DL)

721 - Systems Engineering Management-PD21 (DL)

Graduate School of Operations and Information Sciences

326 - Cyber Systems and Operations

356 - Information Systems & Operations

360 - Operations Analysis

361 - Joint Operational Logistics

362 - Human Systems Integration

363 - Systems Analysis (DL)

365 - Joint Cmd, Cntrl, Comm, Comp/Intel (C4I) Sys

368 - Computer Science

369 - Software Engineering (Resident & DL)

370 - Information Systems & Technology

376 - Computer Science (DL)

399 - Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation

475 - Remote Sensing

595 - Information Warfare

Joint GSEAS/GSOIS

308 - Systems Engineering & Analysis

Graduate School of Business and Public Policy

805 - Executive Master of Business Administration (DL)

814 - Transportation Management

815 - Acquisitions & Contract Management

816 - Systems Acquisition Management

819 - Supply Chain Management

827 - Materiel Logistics Support Management

835 - Contract Management (DL)

836 - Program Management (DL

837 - Financial Management

For enrollment information on these programs, please visit our Website at: www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/Programs/.

Contractor Application Process

Application packages should include:

1. Submittal of a completed online application. The online application can be accessed at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html.
2. Certified transcripts from ALL undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
3. Letter from employer stating its willingness to pay tuition for the program and supply salary and benefits during your time at NPS, if a resident program.

Applications should be submitted online, and all official required documents should be mailed to the Naval Postgraduate School, Director of Admissions, 1 University Circle, He-022, Monterey, CA 93943. If you have questions about available programs or admission procedures please call (831) 656-3093 or e-mail: admissions@nps.edu.

Doctoral Program Admissions

The Navy Doctoral Program

This program typically selects a limited number of Navy officers each year for doctoral studies. Generic details are provided in a Navy Personnel Command (NAVADMIN) message that addresses curriculum/subspecialty quotas, service obligation, and Naval Personnel Command application procedures for this program. NPS applicants must additionally submit an online application at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html. Upon submission of your application online, you will receive a confirmation page outlining the fuller requirements necessary for a complete Ph.D. application to NPS. Applications for doctoral study at NPS under this program are first reviewed by the Admissions Office to ensure all necessary information has been received. Only then is the application package forwarded to the appropriate Departmental Ph.D. committee for consideration. Note: Incomplete applications will not be forwarded -- it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the Admissions Office has received all necessary information as outlined in the confirmation page of the online application form. Doctoral admission requirements are set by the academic units -- the Admissions Office does not have the authority to waive these requirements. Selected officers are notified by their detailers after the Navy Personnel Command conducts an annual Doctoral Program Selection Board.

The Permanent Military Professor (PMP) Program

This program is designed to prepare Navy officers to become military instructors at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), the Naval War College (NWC), and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). These officers serve a critical role in the education of the Navy's Officer Corps by combining fleet experience with advanced academic preparation to convey relevant knowledge to USNA midshipmen and officers attending NWC or NPS.

Applicants for the PMP program must have attained the rank of 0-5 (select) and 0-6s may apply only if in possession of a completed doctorate in the discipline they propose to teach. The Navy Personnel Command announces the program and publishes generic application procedures through an annual NAVADMIN message.

NPS applicants for both programs must submit an online application at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html. Applications for doctoral study at NPS under this program are first reviewed by the Admissions Office to ensure all necessary information has been received. Only then is the application package forwarded to the appropriate Departmental Ph.D. committee for consideration. Note: Incomplete applications will not be forwarded -- it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the Admissions Office has received all necessary information as outlined in the confirmation page of the online application form. Doctoral admission requirements are set by the academic departments -- the Admissions Office does not have the authority to waive these requirements. The Navy Personnel Command conducts the selection board and notifies selected officers. Once selected, the officers are obligated to serve as a PMP until their statutory retirement date.

Ph.D. applications for Naval Officers (USN/USMC) that do not fall under the Doctoral Studies or PMP guidelines will not be accepted.

Individual Doctoral Programs - All Services, Civilians, and Internationals

NPS doctoral programs are available to officers of all U.S. services, civilian employees of the government, and to individuals sponsored by selected allied nations. Applications may be submitted at any time. An individual applying for admission to a Ph.D. program must hold a bachelor's degree qualifying the student for graduate status in the department of his/her major study, or shall have completed an equivalent course of study.

Naval Officers (USN and USMC) can only apply to Ph.D. programs under the annual USN PMP or Doctoral Studies Program or under the USMC Special Education Program (SEP). At this time, SEP has no quotas for Ph.D. programs. Applications from active duty Marine Corps officers will not be accepted for Ph.D. programs.

All U.S. applications shall be submitted to the Director of Admissions, who will be responsible for processing them. International applications shall be submitted to the International Graduate Programs Office. All completed applications are forwarded to the Chair of the academic unit of the proposed major subject area for determination of acceptability by the Departmental Ph.D. Program Committee. The Chair will recommend appropriate action to the Director of Admissions, who will notify applicants.

NPS PhD applicants must submit an online application at www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/. Once submitted, an application will only be considered complete if the following materials are submitted:

1. Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. (Transcripts from NPS are not necessary.)
2. Results of a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test taken within the past five-years.
3. A brief outline (200 words or fewer) of specific areas of interest within the proposed major field of study.
4. Two letters of recommendation regarding academic potential (three for Information Sciences, Curriculum 474).
5. Applicants to the Ph.D. in Security Studies, Curriculum 694, must provide a writing sample.
6. International applicants not currently enrolled at NPS whose native language is other than English, or whose primary language of instruction was other than English, must submit current results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants need to score at least 100 on the Internet-Based Test (IBT). Waivers will be considered on a case by case basis for scores between 90 and 100 based on the overall application package.
7. Attestation by the student's sponsoring agency or nation that they are committed to tuition and salary support during the student's residence at NPS will be required before enrollment.

Applicants should review the NPS catalog for specific application and admission timelines pertaining to their intended Ph.D. program. In particular, applicants for the Ph.D. in Security Studies should note that although the program accepts applications for its program year-round, admissions decisions are made twice yearly; in March and the last week in September. Furthermore, applicants for the Ph.D. in Security Studies must now possess a Master's degree in Security Studies or a closely allied field.

The mailing address and contact information for the Director of Admissions is:

Naval Postgraduate School

Admissions Office

1 University Circle, He-022

Monterey, CA 93943

Telephone: (831) 656-3093 / DSN 756-3093

E-mail: admissions@nps.edu

The mailing address and contact information for the International Government Programs Office is:

Naval Postgraduate School

International Programs Office

1 University Circle, Rm B-047

Monterey, CA 93943-5025

Telephone: (831) 656-2186

www.nps.edu/Adminsrv/IGPO/index.html

Threshold for Admission

Each curriculum at the Naval Postgraduate School has a specified Academic Profile Code (APC) threshold for admission. See the Curriculum Listing in this catalog for specific APC requirements for each curriculum. Officers with deficient APCs may still qualify for entry into these curricula by completing suitable courses from any regionally accredited institution. In certain instances, NPS offers a technical refresher quarter for applicants whose APC does not qualify them for direct entry into a technical curriculum. Transcripts (not grade reports) of work done at civilian schools must be forwarded to the Director of Admissions, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University Circle, He-022, Monterey, CA 93943, to effect an APC change. The grades in all courses completed will be used to revise an officer's APC.

Academic Profile Codes

The NPS Admissions office evaluates applicants based on three criteria. The result is the assignment of an Academic Profile Code (APC). This is a three-digit code, which summarizes pertinent portions of a student's prior college performance. The three independent digits reflect an individual's cumulative grade-point average (Quality Point Rating), exposure to and performance in calculus-related mathematics courses and exposure to and performance in selected science/engineering areas.

First Digit

The first digit indicates overall academic performance based on a recalculated* GPA from all previous college transcripts. The first digit is derived from the following table:

*Failures and repeated courses are included in the GPA calculation.

Second Digit

The second digit represents mathematical background according to the following criteria:

*All math courses from calculus through post-calculus are considered when evaluating the transcripts for the second digit. A minimum calculus sequence is Calculus I and II.

Third Digit

The third digit represents previous course coverage in science and technical fields according to the following criteria:

Eng Degrees includes: Aero/Astro, Comp/Elect, Mechanical, Materials, Marine, Naval, Ocean, Systems, Industrial, Chemical, and Bioengineering and Naval Architecture. This list is not exhaustive.

Technical degree to include: Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Physics

Eng/Tech GPA is based upon a 4.0 scale.

General Engineering and EE/ME Technology degrees are not counted as engineering degrees/technical degrees for purposes of calculating an APC.

When calculating the APC, if the record cannot meet all the requirements to obtain Code 0 (i.e. GPA is 2.75 but all other requirements are met) the Code drops to a 1 automatically but no further.

A first digit code of 0, 1, 2 or 3 (as appropriate) will be assigned only if transcripts provided exhibit at least 75 semester-hours or 112 quarter-hours of actual graded classroom instruction. Grades of Pass/Fail, Credit/No Credit will not count toward the 75/112 hour requirement.

Catalogs

The point of contact for the Naval Postgraduate School catalog is:

Naval Postgraduate School

Office of the Registrar

1 University Circle, He-022

Monterey, CA 93943

e-mail: registrar@nps.edu

The online edition of the University's catalog is updated quarterly and is located at: www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/Registrar/AcademicCatalog/index.html

The point of contact for requests for printed catalogs and admissions for international students is:

Naval Postgraduate School

Director of International Programs

1 University Circle, Rm B-047

Monterey, CA 93943-5025

Telephone: (831) 656-2186 / DSN 756-2186 / FAX (831) 656-3064

www.nps.edu/Adminsrv/IGPO/index.html

Curriculum Listing