Non-resident students complete a 24-month course of study while continuing to perform at their primary assignment/duty station. Program concludes with a focused final project that delivers tangible outcomes for the defense management community.

The Department of Defense Management offers Master of Science degrees in three areas for non-resident learners:


Master of Science in Contract Management

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Capt. Michael Taylor shakes hands with Fred Harris, president of Bath Iron Works, after accepting delivery of DDG-1000.  (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan/Released) 

The Master of Science in Contract Management (MSCM) degree provides an advanced education in the concepts, methodologies and analytical techniques necessary for successful management of acquisition and contracting within complex organizations.  The program contributes to Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in the Contract Management career field. Additionally, the curriculum is aligned with the competencies established in the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK) and the Contract Management Standard (CMS). The curriculum supports preparation for the NCMA professional certification examinations including the Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) and the Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM).

The MSCM degree is a 24-month, part-time distance learning program open to active duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel, active duty military personnel from other Services, federal employees, international students and defense contractor personnel.

Browse the Master of Science in Contract Management curriculum (835).

Master of Science in Program Management

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USS Tripoli (LHA 7) conducts flight operations in the Philippine Sea.  (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart)

The Master of Science in Program Management (MSPM) degree is an advanced education in the concepts, methodologies and analytical techniques necessary for successful management of programs/projects within complex organizations. The curriculum focuses on leadership, problem solving and decision making within the acquisition environment utilizing case studies, teaming exercises, hands-on applications, active participation and integrative exercises. Lecture and laboratory tasks require the application of critical thinking to problem solving within notional and actual situations. The curriculum is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and abilities to manage and lead effectively in the federal government acquisition environment.

The MSPM degree is a 24-month, part-time distance learning program open to qualified DoD uniformed personnel, federal employees, international students, and a limited number of DoD contractor personnel. Students that complete the degree program for Program Management earn numerous DAU fulfillments in other functional areas. Navy officers also awarded subspecialty code 6502P Systems Acquisition Management. 

Browse the Master of Science in Program Management curriculum (836).

Master of Science in Financial Management

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The Master of Science in Financial Management (MSFM) delivers a core of defense-focused courses to equip students with essential skills and knowledge to lead effectively in financial analysis and management positions within the DON and DoD.  The program supports continuous financial management reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders, with a focus on efficient and effective expenditure of public funds.

The MSFM is a 24-month, part-time distance learning program developed to meet the professional career needs of mid-career defense financial managers in accounting, budgeting, financial management, audit, and data analytics. The MSFM program is open to active-duty Naval officers, officers from other Services, federal agency civilians, international students, and defense contractors.

Browse the Master of Science in Financial Management curriculum (857).