The Institution

To meet its advanced educational requirements, the Navy has a unique academic institution at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) with specially tailored academic programs and a distinctive organization tying academic disciplines to naval and joint war fighting applications.

The student body consists of officers from all branches of the U.S. uniformed services, officers and civilians from other countries and civilian employees of the federal government as well as state and local governments. A limited number of defense contractors and enlisted personnel are also enrolled. Selection for graduate education at NPS is based on outstanding professional performance, promotion potential, and a strong academic background. Students receive graduate degrees as a result of successful completion of programs designed primarily to prepare them for future career assignments. Degrees are awarded on the basis of the same high academic standards that prevail at other accredited institutions.

As an academic institution, NPS emphasizes study and research programs that are relevant to the Navy's interests, as well as the interests of other branches of the Department of Defense (DoD). The programs are designed to accommodate the unique requirements of the military, defense department and other federal agencies, including requirements for Defense Acquisition Certification.