Master in National Security Policy Studies (Master's)

Students study how intelligence, diplomacy, military power, and other statecraft tools shape national defense policy and power projection. They also study history, political theory, public policy analysis, civil-military relations, homeland security, leadership, threats, alliances, budgeting, economics, intelligence, and strategy.

The field prepares students for work in national defense policy formulation and power projection. It also applies to intelligence, diplomacy, military and defense studies, and homeland security.

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.