Master of Science in Strategy (Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications)
Academic Associate
James (Clay) Moltz, Ph.D.
Code 38, Glasgow Hall Room 394
(831) 656-1039, DSN 756-1039
jcmoltz@nps.edu
Brief Overview
This inter-disciplinary degree of curriculum 688 provides officers with expertise in nuclear strategy and international security combined with technical knowledge in nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3). The MS in Strategy (Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications) is pedagogically innovative, focusing on the Navy’s S&T objectives and on Great Power Competition. The degree is for U.S. military students with Secret-level or higher clearance only.
APC
The minimum APC requirement for entry to this degree program is 244.
Convenes
Fall, Spring
Program Length
12 months
Degree
Master of Science in Strategy (Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications)
Subspecialty
Navy P-Codes: 2301P
Curriculum Requirements
Students in curriculum 695 must complete the following:
| NS3005 | Great Power Conflict in Modern History | | 4 | 0 |
| NS3011 | Research and Writing for National Security Affairs | | 4 | 0 |
| NS3024 | Introduction to International Relations | | 4 | 0 |
| NS3280 | Nuclear Weapons and National Strategies | | 4 | 0 |
| NS4000 | Great Power Competition: Current Policy and Strategy | | 0 | 2 |
| NS4253 | Seminar on Technology and Strategic Planning | | 4 | 0 |
| NS4990 | Seminar in Strategic Studies | | 4 | 0 |
| SS3011 | Space Technology and Applications | | 3 | 0 |
| SS3613 | Military Satellite Communications | | 3 | 0 |
| SS3740/AE3740 | Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Systems - Part I | | 3 | 0 |
| SS3741/AE3741 | Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Systems - Part II | | 3 | 0 |
Three electives from courses approved by the sponsor.
Three courses associated with the degree must be at the 4000 level.
Thesis-Related Courses - Required
NS0810 must be taken twice.
Four JPME courses taught by the Naval War College satellite program maybe be added with a 5th quarter:
| NW3230 | Strategy & War | | 4 | 2 |
| NW3275 | Joint Maritime Operations - part 1 | | 4 | 0 |
| NW3276 | Joint Maritime Operations - part 2 | | 2 | 2 |
| NW3285 | Theater Security Decision Making | | 4 | 0 |
Educational Skill Requirements (ESR)
- Understand the critical technical systems involved in the U.S. NC3 system.
- Understand the factors involved in the operation of highly reliable systems, including methods used to protect and secure these systems in extremely adverse environments.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the state of nuclear weapons worldwide and an ability to understand and examine potential vulnerabilities.
- Understand the basic physics of orbital mechanics and the space environment as they relate to national systems involved in NC3.
- Demonstrate an ability to examine the design of orbits and constellations and explain how spacecraft maneuver and transfer to other orbits in support of NC3 missions.
- Understand the history of NC3 technologies and the political, strategic, and budgetary factors that have affected their development over time.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of nuclear strategy in both historical and comparative (international) contexts.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of international relations.
- Understand the history and current dynamics of Great Power Competition and its linkages to U.S. national strategy.
- Understand the interaction between technology and strategic planning, as well as adaptation in military organizations, as related to nuclear weapons.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of future challenges to the U.S. NC3 system from the perspective of emerging technical and geo-strategic threats.