School Details
Operated by the United States Navy, the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, provides a defense-focused education to develop warrior talent to solve global problems. The tailored and accessible online graduate-level programs remove barriers to obtaining specialized and relevant military education.
Through the online offerings, you can advance your knowledge and career with synchronous and asynchronous courses. Available online programs include lecture series, short courses, certificates, or graduate degrees. Such programs provide the skills and training to be responsive to the priorities of National Defense and the Department of the Navy.
With a vision to be the nation’s leading institution for applied research and defense higher education. NPS offers interdisciplinary and classified studies with such outcomes as:
- Transformative solutions
- Innovative leaders
- Decisive and critical thinking
- Technological leadership
For those who have a calling to serve in defense of our nation, NPS delivers intellectual and technological advantages to prevail in the all-domain battlespace. In your faculty, you will find defense educators and subject matter experts devoted to serving you and our country.
Accreditation & Licensing
Naval Postgraduate School is accredited by:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
All Programs
Computer Science & IT
This online Graduate Certificate in Network Operations & Technology (NWOT) is designed for students in the Navy or other branches of the military, DoD civilians and defense contractors. The curriculum focuses on effectively using networks, and their related technology, to win wars. Students complete a core curriculum focused on military operations in today’s information age, command and control, web services, enterprise strategies and more. There are specialization areas available as well. Core classes usually include:
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Fundamentals of Database Management Systems
- Fundamentals of Decision Support Systems
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
You can gain expertise in attack and exploitation software with the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Adversarial Techniques from the Naval Postgraduate School. The online cyber security program imparts skills to combat real-world cyber threats through coursework in such topics as:
- Applied computing
- Network traffic analysis
- Cybersecurity vulnerability assessment
- Malware analysis and software reverse engineering
Through the online cyber security graduate certificate program, you participate in programming and hands-on methods, building on the computer knowledge you already possess:
- C programming language
- Operating system languages
- Network component development
- Use of loaders, linkers, and debuggers
You can gain expertise in fighting cybercrime with the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School. The online cyber security program explores such topics as:
- Computer forensics
- Network traffic analysis
- Secure system principles
- Cybersecurity incident response and recovery
Through the online cyber security graduate certificate program, you learn to build tools and configure networks and systems for resiliency. Students enact forensic techniques to restore data and allow for the continuity of business operations.
The online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Fundamentals program is a non-degree program designed to help Department of Defense, U.S. Government, and other personnel obtain an understanding of the basic security concepts and methods associated with cyberspace. The curriculum provides a technically rigorous foundation upon which knowledge and skills in computer network defense, attack, and exploitation are built as students learn the key concepts in cyber security and to make choices that result in a better defense of their networks. Graduates have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe policies that enforce cyber and cyber-physical systems
- Understand the synergistic nature of cyber security
- Develop and deploy procedures for securing information assets on IT systems during cyberattacks
- Understand network security threats and vulnerabilities and how to protect information
For those with skills in programming, computer networking, and architecture, the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Systems from the Naval Postgraduate School teaches you to assess vulnerability and risk. The online cyber security program explores such areas as:
- Cyber systems
- Network traffic
- System reverse engineering
- Architecture and engineering
Through the online cyber security graduate certificate program, you gain expertise in fighting cybercrimes. Students appreciate the ability to maximize their time and money yet earn graduate-level credentials.
The online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Warfare program is designed to help Department of Defense, U.S. Government, and other personnel gain a technical foundation preparing them for research and management of wired and wireless cyber warfare systems. The curriculum builds a technical foundation preparing students for the research and management of wired and wireless cyber warfare systems along with an educational foundation preparing them for leadership roles in the cyber warfare area. You will take two required courses while the third course is an elective that helps the program meet your interests and career goals. Graduates have the cognitive skills required for vulnerability evaluation and exploitation of wired and wireless communications networks and telecommunications systems along with the ability to apply these skills to defend cyber systems and to attack computer and telecommunications networks.
Engineering
This online engineering degree is interdisciplinary. Study all areas of acoustics, especially:
- Physical acoustics
- Underwater acoustics
- Acoustic signal processing
- Acoustic communications
Enjoy the flexibility of online learning with this degree. Study wherever it is convenient. You can even conduct research at cooperating laboratories or other federal government installations near you.
Study the theory and practice of systems engineering with this online systems engineering degree. It is designed primarily for mid- and upper-level engineers working in or in support of the Defense Acquisition System. You will learn to apply systems engineering in defense acquisition and system lifecycle support as you also learn to communicate more effectively in technical writing and presentations.
Detailed courses focus on specific suitability areas providing additional expertise useful in system design through integration and manufacturing, development, and production efforts. Course choices will most likely include:
- Human Factors in System Design
- Reliability Management and Data Systems
- Systems Software Engineering
- Risk Analysis and Management for Engineering Systems
Do you have a STEM undergraduate degree and a desire to work in aerospace? If so, this online aerospace engineering degree may be the program for you.
Gain foundational knowledge to begin working on topics in aerospace and missile systems. You will gain working knowledge and technical competence for the operation, design, and acquisition of modern military aerospace systems. Course options will likely include:
- Mechanics of Solids II
- Missile Aerodynamics
- Combat Survivability, Reliability and Systems Safety Engineering
- Advanced Missile Propulsion
This online engineering degree is designed for the civilian and active-duty workforce. Four highly technical courses include the essential concepts, equations, and skill sets needed to understand, design, and use ASW systems. Courses will likely be:
- Introduction to the Sonar Equations
- Oceanography for Undersea Warfare
- Applied Digital Signal Processing
- Naval Tactical Analysis
This online engineering degree is flexible. Study wherever you want and whenever you want, thanks to an asynchronous format.
Become a problem solver with this online aerospace engineering degree. You will gain practical mathematical tools for applying trajectory optimization techniques to solve problems in engineering and optimization. Learn to model various dynamical systems and formulate a collection of dynamic optimization problems that explore the engineering trade space.
Choose from such courses as:
- Dynamics and Control of Space Structures
- Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing of Military Spacecraft
- Robotic Multibody Systems
- Optimal Control Systems
- Calculus of Variations
A capstone course is required where you will apply the tools to address a trajectory optimization problem related to a practical system you choose.
This online systems engineering degree is designed for mid- and upper-level engineers working in or in support of the Defense Acquisition System. It is also beneficial for others who want to learn about the theory and practice of systems engineering.
Learn to apply systems engineering in defense acquisition and system lifecycle support. Gain technical and management competence along with digital and model-based engineering, statistical operational analysis, requirements and capability engineering, lifecycle cost management, and verification and validation. Courses will likely be:
- Introduction to Digital Engineering with Model-Based Systems Engineering
- Engineering Economics and Cost Estimation
- Capability Engineering
- System Verification and Validation
Make a difference with this online systems engineering degree. Help prepare to defend our country and others with this degree. You will learn the technologies and theoretical foundations of current and future combat systems. Courses in this online systems engineering degree cover fundamental physical principles governing combat systems and their integration. You will study:
- Sensor technologies
- Weapons and their effects
- Modern missile technologies
- Advanced weapon systems
Make a difference in our country’s defense with this online electrical engineering degree. Learn about issues facing the Department of Defense. Open to working military and civilian employees of the DoD, this program supports the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy’s Energy goals. Gain an understanding of the complex issues facing the Operational and Installation segments of DoD. You will learn about the technical, operational, and security aspects of the DoD’s energy needs.
Designed for active duty and civilian DoD employees, this online systems engineering degree increases proficiency in the development and integration of DE systems. You will also learn to expedite fielding DE capabilities. Courses will likely be:
- The Nature and Structure of Physics
- Electrical Energy: Present and Emerging Technologies
- Naval Weapon Systems Technology I
- Directed Energy Weapons
Flexibility is key with this online systems engineering degree. You can study wherever it is convenient without commuting to campus every day.
Advance your career and your knowledge with this online electrical engineering degree. Gain a solid engineering foundation in electrical power. This program covers the fundamental concepts of electrical power conversion and electromechanical power conversion at the advanced level.
Earn this electrical engineering degree online and even complete labs in a virtual environment. Courses mix instruction and computer-based laboratories, allowing students to study the behavior and performance of power systems virtually.
Learn about electronic warfare and the technical foundations found in it at the system level by earning this online electrical engineering degree. You will also examine electronic warfare’s impact on the physical environment. Courses provide the skills and abilities needed to analyze, design, and evaluate systems involving:
- Antennas
- Radio wave propagation
- Radar
- Communications
- Networked EW
Graduates are able to apply these skills in a military systems environment.
Earn this electrical engineering degree online and even complete laboratory exercises on the computer. These exercises allow you to explore concepts and investigate applications in the electronic warfare area.
Prepare for a career or a Master of Engineering Acoustics degree with this online engineering degree. You will be able to combine this certificate with the SONAR System Applications and Underwater Acoustics academic certificate programs to partially fulfill the requirements for this Master’s degree.
Gain a firm background in the fundamentals of physical acoustics and sonar engineering. Emphasis is placed on naval applications. Improve your performance in operational, maintenance, research, engineering, and acquisition positions.
Advance your knowledge and career with this online systems engineering degree. Gain a solid foundation in engineering. You will study the analysis, design, and evaluation of guidance, navigation, and control systems. Learn about fundamental concepts of optimal estimation methods for linear and nonlinear systems, and optimal control laws for control systems, including minimum time control, minimum energy control, and linear quadratic regulator. Graduates are ready to analyze and design:
- Missile guidance and inertial navigation systems
- Ballistic missile targeting systems
- Missile motion simulators
Advance your knowledge and career with this online mechanical engineering degree. Learn basic engineering knowledge that provides technical competence to operate and maintain modern warships and military combat systems. This leads to advanced studies in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, control systems, solid mechanics, vibrations, and material science. You will study ways to apply US military standards and industry practices to solve engineering problems and analyze structural components of mechanical systems. Emphasizing naval engineering and its applications to surface vessels, submarines, and spacecraft, this program provides an understanding of the role that engineering and technology have in the military operations environment.
Prepare to operate and maintain modern warships and military combat systems with this online mechanical engineering degree that provides basic engineering knowledge. Emphasizing the field of Naval Mechanical Engineering, this program offers scientific and technical knowledge of mechanical engineering. Learn about naval engineering’s applications to surface vessels, submarines, and spacecraft. You will be able to apply US military standards and industry practices to solve engineering problems and analyze structural components of mechanical systems.
This is a stackable certificate that can lead to a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
With the introduction of digital engineering initiatives, there is a growing demand for systems engineers. Learn to apply systems engineering in defense acquisition and system lifecycle support through this online systems engineering degree. Gain the skills to create, analyze, and execute models and to formally apply them throughout system development, from requirements to validation. Students will master modeling languages, methods, and tools.
Courses will likely include:
- Systems Architecting and Design
- Systems Integration and Development
- Model-Based Systems Engineering
Learn about an important aspect of almost every part of our lives, computers, with this online computer engineering degree. The network engineering certificate includes both wired and wireless media. You will study the design, implementation, traffic, signaling, and performance analysis of modern enterprise and telecommunications network infrastructure.
By earning this computer engineering degree online, you are able to study wherever it is convenient. There is no need to commute to campus daily.
Advance your career with this online systems engineering degree. This program is designed for active duty and civilian DoD employees. Learn how to increase proficiency in the integration and planning of refueling capabilities specifically within contested environments.
By earning this systems engineering degree online you are able to study wherever it is convenient. There is no need to commute to campus.
Advance your career with this online manufacturing engineering degree. Become a leader in the growing field of unmanned vehicles, robotics, and autonomous systems. This program is designed for those interested in advancing their careers in this field and for resident and non-resident U.S. military officers and U.S. government civilians. Courses will likely include:
- Computational Foundations for Robotics
- Fundamentals of Robotics
- Fundamental GNC Algorithms of Autonomous Robotics
By earning this manufacturing engineering degree online, you are able to study wherever you are. There is no need to commute to campus.
Gain a solid foundation in engineering with this online systems engineering degree as you also learn fundamental concepts needed to analyze and process digital information. You will study digital signal processing fundamentals, principles, and applications at the advanced level. There are a variety of applications that you will learn to analyze and process, including:
- Video
- Imaging
- Audio
- Networking
- Underwater
By earning this systems engineering degree online, you are able to study wherever it is convenient. There is no need to commute, even when it comes to laboratory exercises. Labs are computer-based and allow you to explore concepts and investigate applications in signal processing without leaving home.
This online aerospace engineering degree is primarily designed for cross-service military officers and government civilians who are part of the US strategic nuclear triad or associated systems and programs or who are in Space Nuclear Command, Control & Communications (NC3) strategic decision-making organizations. The program aims to provide a basic foundation to understand Space capabilities and their integration into the US NC3 architecture involving networks, sensors, and communication fundamentals relevant to strategic nuclear operations, deterrence, and assurance. Learn about various nuclear systems and communication nodes at the technical level and about the NC3 system’s basic modes of operation in various scenarios. Graduates are prepared to make informed recommendations about NC3 system updates based on design principles, lessons learned, deterrence needs, and new technology.
This is an asynchronous, part-time program. As long as you complete each week’s assignments you can study on your own schedule.
Are you interested in entering the USN Space Cadre? If so, this online systems engineering degree can help you meet some of the requirements.
This is a cross-disciplinary science and technical program that complements existing resident training to support Navy and DoD space educational needs. The courses are designed to help prospective Space Cadre members meet the requirements of the Space PQS program. It also counts toward satisfaction of the Information Professional Advanced Qualification Certification matrix.
Begin learning about critical weapons concepts with this online systems engineering degree. These concepts are necessary for enlightened examination of both technology development and military planning. Emphasis is placed on what elements contribute to a combat system, their basic principles of operation, their performance limitations, trade-offs, and their interfaces with the rest of the combat system. Courses introduce students to the nature of physical observables and propagators, the effects of the propagation medium on sensor performance, the relationship between signals and noise, and the characteristics of critical sensor functions. Students then apply systems engineering principles to understand the design and operation of combat sensor systems.
Advance your career with this online systems engineering degree. This program is designed for mid- and upper-level integrated product team members, especially those working in or in support of the Defense Acquisition System. However, there are many benefits for anyone seeking further knowledge in the theory and practice of systems engineering and the implementation of sound systems engineering management principles within an organization.
Learn to apply systems engineering and management in defense acquisition and system lifecycle support. You will study both technical and management competency areas that require skills in effective teamwork and communications, statistical operational analysis, lifecycle cost management, system verification and validation, and manufacturing and production.
This online manufacturing engineering degree is designed for active duty, reservists, and civilian DoD employees. You will increase proficiency in developing systems and concepts that enable greater reach and endurance of unmanned capabilities. Learn the basic technologies, concepts, laws, and assumptions associated with the use of autonomous, robotic, and unmanned systems in military operations.
Students have busy lives. By earning this manufacturing engineering degree online, you are able to balance your career, education, and other obligations.
Gain the knowledge and skills to operate and maintain modern military aerospace systems in this online aerospace engineering degree. This program is designed to meet the needs of the military, Coast Guard, and international partners. You will receive a broad-based graduate education that focuses on missile design, autonomous systems, and space systems.
Students typically complete this curriculum by stacking certificates. The tracks of study are:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Trajectory Optimization
- Structures
- Fluid Thermodynamics
- Robotics Engineering
In addition, you may pursue specialized options in advanced topics in missile design, autonomous systems, or rotorcraft.
As you earn this online electrical engineering degree, you will complete research-based courses that likely include:
- Antennas and Propagation
- Radiowave Propagation
- Joint Network-Enabled Electronic Warfare I
- Introduction to Electro-Optical Engineering
- Microwave Engineering
- Radar Systems
All students are required to complete a written thesis.
There is also a Master of Engineering degree available. This requires a capstone project.
Online courses are recorded so students who are unable to attend in person can still hear and see the lecture. Other courses are offered synchronously.
Gain knowledge of nuclear operations as you earn this nuclear engineering online degree. This program covers such topics as nuclear deterrence and assurance, nuclear weapons effects, space-based systems used for early warning and communications, nuclear policy, and much more. The curriculum is comprised of four requirements:
- Space Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications certificate
- Nuclear Deterrence and Policy certificate
- Systems Engineering and Acquisition Track
- Thesis or Capstone
This online nuclear engineering degree is designed to be completed via distance learning. A Secret security clearance is required.
Advance your degree with this online systems engineering degree. Prepare to better meet the needs of Navy System Commands and DoD organizations involved in systems engineering and integration. Gain hands-on experience as you also gain knowledge and expertise.
The curriculum consists of:
- One foundational course
- Eight core courses
- One focused elective
- Capstone project
Depending on your undergraduate degree, you will earn either a Master of Science in Systems Engineering or a Master of Science in Engineering Systems.
Do you have a non-technical background but want to work with the Defense Acquisition System? If you want to gain the technical capabilities needed to manage and lead programs and projects in support of the Defense Acquisition System, this online systems engineering degree may be for you.
Interdisciplinary in nature, this online systems engineering degree combines systems engineering with program management knowledge and skills. Learn everything about systems engineering from establishing system requirements to testing and evaluation. You will also learn to manage, schedule, and budget programs to meet obligations.