Master in Computer Science (Master's)

This master's programme in Computer Science is designed for military officers and U.S. government civilians. It focuses on technical knowledge for specifying, evaluating, and managing computer system design. Students gain practical experience in applying modern computer equipment to solve military problems. The curriculum covers analysis and design methodologies for hardware, software, and firmware.

Focus areas include computer system design, hardware-software-firmware analysis, tactical embedded systems, data processing, military problem-solving, system evaluation.

The programme requires completion of coursework in computer science with no thesis or capstone requirement. It is structured as a resident programme and must be completed within five years.

Graduates typically enter roles in military technical planning, system evaluation, and computer system management within defense organizations.

Applicants must be U.S. military officers or U.S. government civilians eligible for entry to NPS certificate programmes. Admission requires approval from the program sponsor.

Resident, full-time or part-time, with a maximum completion time of 5 years.

Applied research connects the Naval Postgraduate School's graduate education with practical defense needs. Warfare studies and wargaming form a central area of work, alongside research in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digitally crewed vessels, and space-related imaging systems. Centers, institutes, and academic groups provide interdisciplinary expertise across the institution's education and research programs.

Based in Monterey, California, NPS offers graduate study through academic departments and provides programs both on campus and through distance learning. NPS Online extends defense-focused education through tailored graduate-level distance learning and on-location opportunities. The school also supports research and education linked to operational challenges, with faculty expertise spanning a broad range of critical disciplines.

International applicants should understand that NPS is designed primarily for eligible U.S. and allied military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and a limited number of defense contractors. The school also works with international partners. Its degrees are master's and PhD programs focused on defense-related study, and its academic model expects students to connect professional operational experience with graduate education and applied research.