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 two areas for non-resident learners:

• Master of Science in Contract Management

• Master of Science in Program Management

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 curriculum focuses on problem solving and decision making within the acquisition environment utilizing case studies, teaming exercises, hands-on applications, active participation, and other similar activities. Lecture and laboratory tasks require the application of critical thinking to problem solving within actual situations. The MSCM program embodies an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and analysis, including quantitative financial analysis, economics, and public and private sector operations. The curriculum is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to manage and lead effectively in systems buying offices, field contracting offices, contract administration offices, and contracting policy offices.

The MSCM 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 attain DAWIA Level III training and education requirements for the CON series. The program also meets DAWIA requirements for 40 hours of annual continuous learning.

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

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).