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Naval Postgraduate School

Monterey, CA

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Quick Facts

“Praestantia Per Scientiam”(Excellence through Knowledge)

1909
Founded
Graduate school
Type
2,586
Total Students
$5M
Endowment
(2016)
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Ann E. Rondeau

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Naval Postgraduate School

Empowering military leaders with advanced graduate education and pioneering defense research.

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) stands as a beacon of advanced education for the U.S. military and its allies, dedicated to shaping the future of defense through unparalleled academic rigor and innovative research. Since its establishment in 1909, NPS has evolved from a specialized marine engineering school into a fully accredited, degree-granting graduate institution. It is renowned for its unique focus on military applications across a diverse range of disciplines, fostering a learning environment where operational experience meets academic excellence.

Nestled in Monterey, California, since 1951, NPS offers over 40 programs of study, including highly regarded M.S. and PhD programs. Its academic strengths span critical areas such as national security affairs, electrical and computer engineering, space systems, oceanography, and defense management. The curriculum is meticulously designed to address complex military challenges, ensuring graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills essential for leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Beyond its core degree programs, NPS is a hub for groundbreaking research through specialized centers like the Center for Information Systems Security Studies and Research (CISR), the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS), and the Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research (CRUSER). These initiatives provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects, from securing information systems to developing autonomous solutions for naval operations. The recent commissioning of the Wayne P. Hughes Jr. Naval Warfare Studies Institute (NWSI) further underscores NPS's commitment to directly solving warfighting issues by leveraging the university's vast intellectual resources.

For prospective students, NPS offers an unparalleled graduate experience tailored to the demands of military service. It's a place where you'll collaborate with peers from diverse service branches, engage with world-class faculty, and contribute to research that has a direct impact on national security. With a legacy of producing more astronauts than any other graduate school and a continuous drive for excellence in defense-focused education, NPS prepares its graduates not just for careers, but for critical roles in safeguarding the nation.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Offers over 40 distinct graduate programs, including highly regarded M.S. and PhD degrees in fields like national security, engineering, and defense management.
  • ✦Has graduated more than 40 astronauts, a higher number than any other graduate school in the country.
  • ✦Home to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS), which provides the nation's first homeland security master's degree.
  • ✦Houses the Center for Information Systems Security Studies and Research (CISR), America's foremost center for defense-related information assurance.
  • ✦Pioneers advancements in autonomous solutions through the Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research (CRUSER).
  • ✦Established the Wayne P. Hughes Jr. Naval Warfare Studies Institute (NWSI) to expedite solutions for critical warfighting issues.
  • ✦Emphasizes military applications across all disciplines, ensuring direct relevance to defense challenges and leadership roles.

Timeline

1909
Secretary of the Navy George von L. Meyer establishes a school of marine engineering at Annapolis, Maryland.
1912
Renamed the Postgraduate Department of the United States Naval Academy, expanding its programs of study.
1945
Congress passes legislation to make the school a fully accredited, degree-granting graduate institution.
1951
The Naval Postgraduate School moves to its current independent campus in Monterey, California.
1965
RADM Edward J. O'Donnell, a distinguished alumnus, assumes the role as superintendent of the school.
2011
The Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research (CRUSER) is established at NPS.
2019
Its business school is renamed the Graduate School of Defense Management (GSDM); Ann E. Rondeau becomes the 49th president.
2020
The Wayne P. Hughes Jr. Naval Warfare Studies Institute (NWSI) is officially commissioned to address warfighting issues.
🏛️
117 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within Naval Postgraduate School

🎓

Graduate School of Defense Management (GSDM)

Renamed in 2019, this school offers degree programs in nine defense-focused fields, ranging from logistics to information technology management and manpower, including unique distance learning options.

🎓

Graduate School of International Studies

One of the four graduate schools contributing to the Naval Warfare Studies Institute, focusing on global affairs pertinent to national security and defense strategies.

🔬

Graduate School of Operational and Information Sciences

A key component of the Naval Warfare Studies Institute, specializing in critical areas related to military operations, information management, and data analysis for defense.

⚙️

Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Contributes to the Naval Warfare Studies Institute, offering advanced studies in various engineering and applied science disciplines with a strong emphasis on military applications and defense technology.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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