Overview

The Master of Warfare Operations (MWO) is a premier distance learning (DL) degree program providing an interdisciplinary education in disciplines critical to modern warfighting. The MWO curriculum is uniquely structured as a sequence of NPS graduate-level certificates across at least three of the thirteen Navy core competency areas.

WTI Credit: Graduates of approved Warfare/Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) programs may receive transfer credit for the MWO degree.

Requirements for Entry

Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission:

Professional Qualifications

• WTI Designation: Must be a graduate of an approved WTI program, including but not limited to:
  • Anti-Submarine / Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW): AQD KW1
  • Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD): AQD KW2
  • Amphibious Warfare (AMW): AQD KW3
  • Mine Warfare (MIW): AQD KW4
  • TOPGUN Level V Naval Aviators, SEAWOLF, SEAHUNTER, HAVOC, CAEWWS.
• Documentation: Submit Level V Instructor Certificate with the admissions package (or upon designation).

Academic Standards

• Degree: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• GPA: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7.
• Mathematics: Completion of at least one semester of college-level calculus.
• Physics: Completion of College Physics (including Electricity and Magnetism).

Degree Completion Requirements

The MWO degree is awarded upon the successful completion of three approved graduate certificates. All requirements must be completed within five years.

Available Certificates

1. Space Systems Fundamentals (#273)
   Enhancing the preparation of the USN Space Cadre.
   • Outcome: Awarded the 6206L subspecialty code.
   • Curriculum:
     • Q1: SS3011 - Space Technology and Applications
     • Q2: PH3052 - Physics of Space and Airborne Sensor Systems
     • Q3: SS3613 (US Citizens)
     • Q4: PH2514 - Introduction to the Space Environment


2. Systems Analysis (#281)
   Technical education in modeling, optimization, and decision-making.
   • Outcome: Proficiency in combat systems simulation and tactical analysis.
   • Curriculum:
     • Q1: OS2080 - Probability and Statistics I
     • Q2: OS3380 - Combat Systems Simulation
     • Q3: OS3680 - Naval Tactical Analysis
     • Q4: OS4680 - Naval Systems Analysis


3. Great Power Competition (#255)
   Strategic knowledge of challenges posed by China and Russia.
   • Note: Includes required 2-hour synchronous Friday discussions.
   • Curriculum:
     • Q1: NS4000 (Lecture Series) & NS3005 (Modern History)
     • Q2: NS4642 (Chinese Foreign Policy) OR NS3661 (Politics in China)
     • Q3: NS4425 (Russian Foreign Policy) OR NS3401 (Politics of Russia)

Courses Required

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, MWO students will be able to:

• Evaluate critical perspectives on the science, technology, and practice of modern warfare.
• Apply analytical methods to assess trade-offs and develop creative warfighting approaches.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in a minimum of three naval competency areas.
• Communicate complex tactical and technical solutions to both military and civilian audiences.

Application Information

Applications are handled by the NPS Admissions Office. Please visit the admissions website or contact them at admissions@nps.edu.

Tuition & Service Obligation

For information regarding tuition, please contact the NPS Tuition office at tuition@nps.edu, or contact this offering’s POC at michael.g.moran@nps.edu.

For information regarding service obligation, please visit the Admissions Office’s Eligibility/Service Obligation page.