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Appendix D. Degree-Specific Requirements

Master's Degrees

Master of Applied Computing

1. Completion within five years (per NPS APM) of three or four NPS certificates, all but one of which must be managed by the CS Department. New certificates will be eligible for inclusion, subject to approval by CS Department.
2. Minimum 44 graduate credit hours (per NPS APM), at least 20 hours of which are from CS, MV, or SW courses.
3. A minimum of 12 4000-level credit hours from CS, MV, or SW courses.
4. (Optional) At the preference of certain sponsors, a capstone project may be completed with three CS4920 “Advanced Topics in CS” or similar courses, as equivalent to the fourth required certificate.

Master of Arts in Identity Management and Cyber Security

1. At least 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, per NPS requirements.
2. Completion of the specific sequence of courses satisfying the breadth and subject matter requirements of Identity Management and Cyber Security.
3. Completion of an applications project.

Master of Arts in Security Studies

1. Total required credit hours will vary between 48-80 depending on students' length of program.
2. The completion of an approved sequence of graduate courses, including at least three courses at the 4000 level, in one of the following curricula: Strategic Studies, Civil-Military Relations, Homeland Security and Defense, Combating Terrorism, or Area Studies (Middle East, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa; East Asia and the Indo-Pacific; Europe and Eurasia; Western
3. Hemisphere). 
4. Successful completion of departmental comprehensive examination or completion of an acceptable thesis.
5. Depending on the curriculum, thesis research may be substituted by a combination of a comprehensive exam and the successful completion of a foreign language program at the Defense Language Institute.

Master of Cost Estimating and Analysis

1. Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
2. At least 15 quarter-hours of 4000-level courses.
3. Cost Estimating and Analysis core courses and a series of supporting courses in Probability, Statistics, Defense Acquisition, Financial Management, and Systems Engineering, all of which are set in a matrix approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
4. Students are required to demonstrate mastery of Cost Estimating and Analysis practice through satisfactory completion of a Capstone Project approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research. The quarter-hours earned in the Capstone project are applied towards satisfying the minimum graduate level quarter-hours for the degree.

Master of Computing Technology

1. At least 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, of which at least 12 quarter-hours must be at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an approved sequence of courses constituting specialization in an area of computing technology.
3. Completion of a capstone paper.

Master of Engineering (Computer Engineering)

1. The Master of Engineering (Computer Engineering) is a course-based degree program for non-resident students enrolled in distance learning programs. Specific courses are required by the department.
2. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate level course work which includes a minimum of four courses and 12 credit hours of 4000 level course work where at least three of the four 4000-level courses must be graded.
3. MEng (CE) degree programs must contain a minimum of eight courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Software Engineering.
4. This degree program is quite flexible and can be designed with a focus tailored to meet distance learning customer requirements for work-force development.

Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)

1. The Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) is a course-based degree program for non-resident students enrolled in distance learning programs.
2. Students must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of graduate level course work, which includes a minimum of 3 courses and 10 credit hours of 4000 level course work.
3. MEng (EE) degree programs must contain a minimum of 5 courses in electrical and computer engineering.
4. This degree program is quite flexible and can be designed with a focus tailored to meet distance learning customer requirements for work-force development.

Master of Engineering Acoustics

1. A minimum of 32 graduate credit quarter-hours of course work of which at least 20 must be taken in acoustics and its applications.
2. At least three 4000 level courses from any three of the following six areas: wave propagation; transducer theory and design; noise, shock, and vibration control; sonar systems; signal processing; and communications. These courses must include at least one from each of the sponsoring disciplines (physics and electrical engineering).
3. Completion of an acceptable one-quarter capstone project advised by a member of the Electrical and Computer Engineering or Physics Departments.

Master of Human Systems Integration

1. Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
2. At least 20 quarter-hours of 4000-level courses
3. Human Systems Integration core courses and a series of supporting courses, including coursework in HSI domains, Systems Engineering, Defense Acquisition, Cost Estimation, and Probability and Statistics, all of which are set in a matrix approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
4. Students are required to demonstrate mastery of Human Systems Integration practice through satisfactory completion of a two-quarter capstone project approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research. The quarter-hours earned in the Capstone project are applied towards satisfying the minimum graduate level quarter-hours for the degree.

Master of Operational Modeling and Analysis

1. Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
2. At least 20 quarter-hours of 4000-level courses, of which at least 16 are OA.
3. An operational modeling and analysis sequence approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
4. Completion of an acceptable capstone project on a subject previously approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

The candidate must take all courses in an approved study program, which must satisfy the following requirements:

1. A minimum of 48 quarter-hours of graduate level work. 
2. There must be a minimum of 32 quarter-hours of credits in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
3. Of the 32 quarter-hours, at least 24 quarter-hours must be in courses offered by the MAE Department.
4. A student must demonstrate knowledge of thermodynamics/fluids, structures, autonomous systems, and space systems.
5. The student must also demonstrate competence at an advanced level in one of the above disciplines of Aerospace Engineering. This may be accomplished by completing at least eight quarter-hours of the 4000 level credits by courses in this department and a thesis in the same discipline area. The typical specialization track is in Aircraft Structures, Aerodynamics, Thermodynamics/Fluids, Stability and Control, Avionics or Propulsion.
6. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits or a research project of 8 credits hours is also required. The student's thesis/project advisor, the Academic Associate, the Program Officer, and the Department Chairman must approve the study program and the Thesis/Project Proposal.
7. An undergraduate engineering degree is typically required to earn the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) degree; otherwise, the student will earn a Master of Science in Engineering Science (Aerospace Engineering) (MSES (AE)) degree or a Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering (MEng AE).

Master of Science in Applied Cyber Operations

1. All required courses must be satisfied through the course of study or through validation prior to graduation.
2. Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses.
3. At least 12 quarter-hours of courses must be at the 4000 level.
4. To ensure a sufficient breadth in operational under-standing of the cyber domain, the following course topics must be satisfied as part of the course of study or through validation prior to graduation:
5. Introduction to Cyber Systems and Operations (CY3000),
6. Cyber Communications Architectures (CY3300),
7. Introduction to Computer Security (CS3600),
8. Network Operations in a Contested Environment (CY4600),
9. Cyber Wargame: Defensive Cyberspace Operations (CY4700) or Cyber Wargame: Red Force Operations (4710).
10. Completion of a specialization track.
11. Submission of an acceptable capstone project on a subject previously approved by the Chair, Cyber Academic Group.

Master of Science in Applied Design for Innovation

1. This degree requires 45 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, of which 15 hours must represent courses at the 4000 level.
2. In addition to the 45 hours of course credit, an acceptable thesis or capstone project must be completed.
3. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, Department of Defense Analysis.

Master of Science in Applied Mathematics

1. A minimum of 32 quarter-hours of graduate-level (3000-4000 numbered) courses with a minimum QPR of 3.0. The program specifications must be approved by the Chairman of the Department of Applied Mathematics and the Academic Associate.
2. A student must complete or validate the four 1000 level calculus sequence and the introductory courses in linear algebra and discrete mathematics.
3. The program must include at least 16 hours in 3000 level mathematics courses and 16 hours of approved 4000 level mathematics courses.
4. Courses in Ordinary Differential Equations, Real Analysis, and upper division Discrete Mathematics are specifically required, and those at the 3000 level or above may be applied toward requirement (2).
5. An acceptable thesis is required. The Department of Applied Mathematics permits any student pursuing a dual degree to write a single thesis meeting the requirements of both departments, subject to the approval of the Chairmen and Academic Associates of both departments.

Master of Science in Applied Physics

1. At least 32 quarter-hours of graduate level courses in physics, mathematics, and engineering including 20 at the 4000 level. Of these 32 hours, at least 20 will be physics courses including 12 at the 4000 level.
2. At least one graduate level course in each of the following areas: mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum physics.
3. An area of concentration containing a four-course sequence of graduate-level courses in addition to the above requirements, at least two at the 4000 level, in an area related to applied physics.
4. An acceptable thesis advised or co-advised by a member of the Physics Department.

Master of Science in Applied Science (Acoustics), (Operations Research), (Physical Oceanography), or (Signal Processing)

1. A minimum of 32 quarter-hours of graduate level courses relevant to undersea warfare, including at least 20 hours to satisfy a major from either the Physics Department (Acoustics), Operations Research Department (Operations Research), Oceanography Department (Physical Oceanography), or Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (Signal Processing).
2. A sequence of at least 12 hours of graduate level courses representing a specialization in some area other than that of the major.
3. At least 12 hours of coursework at the 4000 level.
4. An acceptable thesis advised or co-advised by a member of the department.

Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering

1. A minimum of 48 quarter-hours of graduate level work. The candidate must take all courses in an approved study program, which must satisfy the following requirements:
2. There must be a minimum of 32 quarter-hours of credits in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
3. Of the 32 quarter-hours, at least 24 quarter-hours must be in courses offered by the MAE Department.
4. A student must demonstrate knowledge of orbital mechanics, attitude determination, guidance and control, telecommunications, space structures, spacecraft rocket propulsion, space power, spacecraft thermal control, and spacecraft design and testing.
5. The student must also demonstrate competence at the advanced level in one of the above disciplines of Astronautical Engineering. This may be accomplished by completing at least eight quarter-hours of the 4000 level credits by courses in this Department in a particular area and a thesis in the same discipline area. The typical specialization track is in Structures, Dynamics, and Control, and requires two (2) non-design AE48XX courses.
6. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits is also required. The student's thesis advisor, the Academic Associate, the Program Officer, and the Department Chairman must approve the study program and the Thesis Proposal.

Master of Science in Combat Systems Technology

1. A minimum of 32 quarter-hours of graduate work in physics, mathematics, and engineering, with at least 18 quarter-hours at the 4000 level. Included in these hours must be at least 20 quarter-hours of graduate-level physics, including 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
2. Two approved sequences of courses related to combat systems technology. Each sequence must consist of at least four graduate-level courses with at least two courses at the 4000 level. A list of approved sequences is available from the Chairman.
3. A thesis advised or coadvised by a member of the Physics Department.

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering

1. A minimum of 52 credits of graduate level work, of which at least 24 credits must be in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Software Engineering.
2. Specific courses are required by the department, and at least four courses that total a minimum of 12 credits must be in the course sequence 4000-4999.
3. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits must be presented to, and approved by, the department.

Master of Science in Computer Science

1. At least 40 quarter hours of graduate-level work, of which at least 12 quarter hours must be at the 4000 lev-el.
2. At least 28 of the 40 graduate-level credit hours listed above must be CS, MOVES, and SW courses.
3. To ensure a sufficient breadth across the field of Computer Science, the following course topics must be satisfied as part of the course of study or through validation prior to graduation: Artificial Intelligence (CS3310), Networks (CS3502), Automata (CS3101), and Introduction to Computer Security (CS3600).
4. Completion of an approved sequence of courses constituting specialization in an area of computer science.
5. Completion of an acceptable thesis or a capstone project.

Master of Science in Contract Management

1. Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate-level courses, at least 12 that are at the 4000 level. (Credit hour requirement does not include 4 hours assigned for the capstone applied project.)
2. Completion of an acceptable capstone applied project, with at least one advisor from the Department of Defense Management.
3. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, Department of Defense Management.

Master of Science in Cyber Systems and Operations

1. All courses must be satisfied through the course of study or through validation prior to graduation.
2. Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses, of which at least 16 quarter hours are CY4000-level courses.
3. To ensure a sufficient breadth in operational under-standing of the cyber domain, the following course topics must be satisfied as part of the course of study or through validation prior to graduation: Cyber Policy and Strategy (CY4410), Network Operations in a Con-tested Environment (CY4600) or Information Operations Systems (EC3760), Cyber Wargame: Defensive Cyberspace Operations (CY4700), Cyber Wargame: Red Force Operations (4710).
4. Minimum degree requirements of the NPS must be met.
5. Completion of an acceptable thesis or capstone project on a subject previously approved by the Chair, Cyber Academic Group.

Master of Science in Defense Analysis

1. This degree requires 45 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, of which 15 hours must represent courses at the 4000 level in at least two disciplines. Within the course program there must be a specialization sequence consisting of at least six courses.
2. In addition to the 45 hours of course credit, an acceptable thesis or capstone project must be completed.

Master of Science in Defense Contract Management

1. Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate-level courses, at least 12 which are at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an acceptable capstone applied project, with at least one advisor from the Department of Defense Management.
3. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, Department of Defense Management.

Master of Science in Defense Financial Management

1. Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate-level courses, at least 12 which are at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an acceptable capstone applied project, with at least one advisor from the Department of Defense Management.
3. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, Department of Defense Management.

Master of Science in Defense Logistics Management

1. Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate-level courses, at least 12 which are at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an acceptable capstone applied project, with at least one advisor from the Department of Defense Management.
3. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, Department of Defense Management.

Master of Science in Defense Program Management

1. Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate-level courses, at least 12 which are at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an acceptable capstone applied project, with at least one advisor from the Department of Defense Management.
3. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, Department of Defense Management.

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

1. A minimum of 52 credit hours of graduate level work.
2. There must be a minimum of 36 credits in the course sequence 3000-4999, of which at least 30 credits must be in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The remainder of these 36 credits must be in engineering, mathematics, physical science, and/or computer science.
3. Specific courses may be required by the department and at least four courses that total a minimum of 12 credits, must be in the course sequence 4000-4999.
4. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits must be presented to, and approved by, the department.

Master of Science in Electronic Warfare Systems Engineering

1. Completion of a minimum of 45 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, of which at least 15 hours must represent courses at the 4000 level, and in two (or more) discrete disciplines.
2. Graduate courses in at least four discrete academic specialization sequences, minimum, and in two disciplines, a course at the 4000 level must be included.
3. One Systems Engineering class.
4. In addition to the 45 graduate hours of course work, an acceptable thesis must be completed.

Master of Science in Engineering Acoustics

1. A minimum of 32 graduate credit quarter-hours of course work of which at least 20 must be taken in acoustics and its applications.
2. At least three 4000 level courses from any three of the following six areas: wave propagation; transducer theory and design; noise, shock, and vibration control; sonar systems; signal processing; and communications. These courses must include at least one from each of the sponsoring disciplines (physics and electrical engineering).
3. Completion of an acceptable thesis on a topic approved by the Engineering Acoustics Academic Committee.

Master of Science in Engineering Science (Major in Aerospace Engineering)

1. There must be a minimum of 32 quarter-hours of credits in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
2. Of the 32 quarter-hours, at least 24 quarter-hours must be in courses offered by the MAE Department.

Master of Science in Engineering Science (Astronautical Engineering)

1. A minimum of 48 quarter-hours of graduate level work. The candidate must take all courses in an approved study program, which must satisfy the following requirements:
2. There must be a minimum of 32 quarter-hours of credits in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
3. Of the 32 quarter-hours, at least 24 quarter-hours must be in courses offered by the MAE Department.
4. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits is also required. The student's thesis advisor, the Academic Associate, the Program Officer, and the Department Chairman must approve the study program and the Thesis Proposal.

Master of Science in Engineering Science (Computer Engineering)

1. A minimum of 52 credit hours of graduate level work.
2. There must be a minimum of 36 credits in the course sequence 3000-4999, of which at least 24 credits must be in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Software Engineering.
3. Specific courses are required by the department, and at least four courses that total a minimum of 12 credits must be in the course sequence 4000-4999.
4. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits must be presented to, and approved by, the department.

Master of Science Engineering Science (Electrical Engineering)

1. A student needs a minimum of 52 credit hours of graduate-level work.
2. There must be a minimum of 36 credits in the course sequence 3000-4999, of which at least 30 credits must be in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The remainder of these 36 credits must be in engineering, mathematics, physical science, and/or computer science.
3. Specific courses may be required by the department and at least four courses that total a minimum of 12 credits, must be in the course sequence 4000-4999.
4. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits must be presented to, and approved by, the department.

Master of Science in Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering)

1. A minimum of 48 quarter-hours of graduate level work. The candidate must take all courses in an approved study program, which must satisfy the following requirements:
2. There must be a minimum of 32 quarter-hours of credits in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
3. Of the 32 quarter-hours, at least 24 quarter-hours must be in courses offered by the MAE Department.
4. A student seeking the Master of Science in Engineering Science degree must also demonstrate competence at the advanced level in at least one of the available disciplines of Mechanical Engineering. These disciplines are the thermal-fluid sciences; solid mechanics, shock and vibration; dynamic systems and control; system design; and materials science. This may be accomplished by completing at least eight quarter-hours of the 4000 level credits by courses within one discipline, and a thesis in this same discipline.
5. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits is also required for the Master of Science in Engineering Science (with major in Mechanical Engineering) degree. The student's thesis advisor, the Academic Associate, the Program Officer, and the Department Chairman must approve the study program and the thesis topic.

Master of Science in Engineering Systems

1. A minimum of 48 quarter-hours of graduate level work.
2. The candidate must take all courses in an approved study program, which must satisfy the following requirements: There must be a minimum of 36 quarter-hours of credits in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 16 quarter-hours at the 4000 level. The course work must include the four core SE courses.
3. The candidate must complete either a 12-hour equivalent team systems engineering project or an individual thesis.

Master of Science in Financial Management

1. Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate-level courses, at least 12 which are at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an acceptable capstone applied project, with at least one advisor from the Department of Defense Management.
3. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, Department of Defense Management.

Master of Science in Human Systems Integration

1. Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
2. At least 20 quarter-hours of 4000 level courses.
3. An elective sequence approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
4. Submission of an acceptable thesis on a subject previously approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.

Master of Science in Information Strategy and Political Warfare

1. This degree requires 45 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, of which 15 hours must represent courses at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an acceptable thesis or capstone project.

Master of Science in Information Technology Management

1. Completion or validation of core courses in each of the following disciplines: Information Systems, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Systems Management.
2. Completion of a minimum of 52 hours of graduate-level courses, at least 20 hours of which are at the 4000 level.
3. Completion of an acceptable thesis.

Master of Science in Information Warfare Systems Engineering

1. Completion of a minimum of 45 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, of which at least 15 hours must represent courses at the 4000 level, and in two (or more) discrete disciplines.
2. Graduate courses in at least four discrete academic specialization sequences, minimum, and in two disciplines, a course at the 4000 level must be included.
3. One Systems Engineering class.
4. In addition to the 45 graduate hours of course work, an acceptable thesis must be completed.

Master of Science in Management

1. Completion of a minimum of 48 hours of graduate-level courses, at least 12 hours of which are at the 4000 level.
2. Completion or validation of the Management Fundamentals program, which consists of a total of 32 quarter-hours of 2000 and 3000 level courses, including a minimum of the following hours by discipline:
3. Accounting and Financial Management (6)
4. Economics (6)
5. Organization and Management (6)
6. Quantitative Methods (8)
7. Completion of an approved sequence of courses in the student's area of concentration.
8. Completion of an acceptable thesis.
9. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, DDM.

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The candidate must take all courses in an approved study program, which must satisfy the following requirements:

1. A minimum of 48 quarter-hours of graduate level work.
2. There must be a minimum of 32 quarter-hours of credits in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
3. Of the 32 quarter-hours, at least 24 quarter-hours must be in courses offered by the MAE Department.
4. A student must demonstrate knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, control systems, solid mechanics and vibrations, and material science.
5. The student must also demonstrate competence at an advanced level in one of the above disciplines of Mechanical Engineering. This may be accomplished by completing at least eight quarter-hours of the 4000 level credits by courses in this department and a thesis in the same discipline area. The typical specialization track is in Structures, Aerodynamics, Thermodynamics/Fluids, Control Systems or Propulsion.
6. An acceptable thesis for a minimum of 16 credits or a research project of 8 credits hours is also required. The student's thesis/project advisor, the Academic Associate, the Program Officer, and the Department Chairman must approve the study program and the Thesis/Project Proposal.
7. An undergraduate engineering degree is typically required to earn the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree; otherwise, the student will earn a Master of Science in Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering) (MSES (ME)) degree or a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (MEng ME).

 Master of Science in Meteorology

1. Necessary prerequisite courses in mathematics (through partial differential equations) and meteorology,
2. The sequence of core courses in the fields of dynamical, numerical, physical and synoptic meteorology,
3. An approved selection of graduate elective courses,
4. An acceptable thesis.
5. The total number of quarter-hours in (2) and (3) above must be at least 36. These 36 hours must include 18 quarter-hours at the 4000 level in courses other than directed study.

Master of Science in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography

1. Necessary prerequisite courses in mathematics (through partial differential equations), meteorology, and physical oceanography,
2. The sequence of core courses in the fields of dynamical, numerical, physical and synoptic meteorology and oceanography,
3. An approved selection of graduate elective courses in meteorology and oceanography,
4. A significant educational experience in the field using instruments.
5. An acceptable thesis on a topic approved by the department.
6. The total number of quarter-hours in (2) and (3) above must be at least 48. These 48 hours must include 20 hours at the 4000 level in courses other than directed study, and they should show an approximate balance between the disciplines of meteorology and oceanography.

Master of Science in Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation

1. At least 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, of which at least 12 quarter-hours must be at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an approved sequence of courses constituting specialization in an area of Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation.
3. Completion of an acceptable thesis in addition to the required course work.

Master of Science in Network Operations and Technology

1. Completion of a minimum of 36 quarter-hours of core graduate course work, of which 12 quarter hours must be at the 4000 level.
2. In addition to these 36 hours of core work, students must complete an approved specialization sequence of courses in one of the following areas:
3. Decision Superiority
4. Network Operations
5. Information Systems Management
6. Complete an acceptable thesis or research project approved by the Chairman, Information Sciences Department.

Master of Science in Operations Research

1. Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
2. At least 20 quarter-hours of 4000-level courses, of which at least 16 are OA.
3. An elective sequence approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
4. Submission of an acceptable thesis on a subject previously approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.

Master of Science in Physical Oceanography

1. Completion of at least eight physical oceanography graduate courses with at least four courses in the OC4000 series. The sequence of core courses in physical oceanography encompasses the fields of dynamic, acoustical, and coastal/littoral oceanography. The entire sequence of courses selected must be approved by the Department of Oceanography. Significant experience in the field using instruments is required for the degree. (OC3570 satisfies this requirement).
2. At least 32 credit hours of approved graduate study, of which must include at least eight physical oceanography courses totaling 28 credit hours, and of the 28 credit hours at least 13.5 credit hours must be at the 4000 level in courses other than directed study. Four credit hours of directed study or additional OC elective courses would count for the remainder of the degree requirements.
3. Completion of an acceptable thesis on a topic approved by the Department of Oceanography.

Master of Science in Physics

1. A minimum of 32 quarter-hours of courses at the graduate level.
2. A minimum of 30 quarter-hours of graduate level physics courses (not including thesis); of these 30 hours at least 15 must be at the 4000 level. Upon approval of the Chairman of the Physics Department, a maximum of 4 hours of courses taken in another department may be applied toward satisfying the total physics requirement. Students who are qualified to pursue graduate courses in physics when they arrive at the Naval Postgraduate School may complete a minimum of 20 hours entirely of 4000 level physics courses in place of the 30 quarter-hour physics requirement.
3. Successful completion of the following specific courses (or their equivalents): PH3152 Analytical Mechanics, PH3360 Electromagnetic Waves, PH3991 Theoretical Physics, PH3782 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, PH4353 Topics in Advanced Electricity and Magnetism, PH4656 Quantum Mechanics, plus a sequence of two graduate level physics courses, at least one of which must be at the 4000 level.
4. An acceptable thesis advised by a member of the Physics Department.

Master of Science in Product Development

1. A minimum of 48 quarter-hours of graduate level work.
2. The candidate must take all courses in an approved study program, which must satisfy the following requirements:
3. There must be a minimum of 36 quarter-hours of credits in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 16 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
4. The course work must include a four-course core in systems engineering methods.
5. Additional courses must be selected from an approved list.
6. The candidate must complete an approved thesis.

Master of Science in Program Management 

1. Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate-level courses, at least 12 which are at the 4000 level.
2. Completion of an acceptable capstone applied project, with at least one advisor from the Department of Defense Management.
3. Approval of the candidate's program by the Chair, Department of Defense Management.

Master of Science in Remote Sensing Intelligence

1. Completion or validation of core courses in each of the following disciplines: Space Systems, Physics, Information Systems, Computer Science, and National Security.
2. Completion of a minimum of 43 graduate level credits, including the required course sequence with alternate courses approved by the Program Manager.
3. Completion of an acceptable thesis.

Master of Science in Software Engineering

1. At least 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level work, per NPS requirements, and within that 40 hours at least 12 graduate-level Software Engineering courses.
2. Completion of an acceptable thesis in addition to the required course work.

Master of Science in Space Systems Operations

1. A minimum of 32 quarter-hours of graduate level work is required, of which at least 15 hours must be at the 4000 level.
2. Graduate courses in at least four different subject areas must be included and in two areas, a course at the 4000 level must be included. There is also a requirement of three courses constituting advanced study in an area of specialization.
3. Each student is required to write a thesis that is space oriented.
4. The Chairman of the Space Systems Academic Group must approve all study programs.

Master of Science in Strategy (Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications)

1. A minimum of 60 combined graduate hours.
2. A minimum of 40 credit hours from the National Security Affairs Department.
3. A minimum of 12 credit hours from the Space Systems Academic Group, with specific requirements for a series of courses on either Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (curriculum 695) or Space Systems Operations (curriculum 696).
4. Completion of a minimum of three 4000-level courses.
5. Successful completion of an acceptable thesis combining strategy and technology.

Master of Science in Strategy (Space Operations)

1. A minimum of 60 combined graduate hours.
2. A minimum of 40 credit hours from the National Security Affairs Department.
3. A minimum of 12 credit hours from the Space Systems Academic Group, with specific requirements for a series of courses on either Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (curriculum 695) or Space Systems Operations (curriculum 696).
4. Completion of a minimum of three 4000-level courses.
5. Successful completion of an acceptable thesis combining strategy and technology.

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

1. An ABET EAC accredited Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline or established equivalency.
2. Completion of an approved curriculum that includes:
3. A minimum of 36 quarter credit hours of 3000 and 4000 level courses, 16 of which must be at the 4000 level.
4. A series of courses in systems engineering defined by each curriculum.
5. Completion of a 12 quarter credit hour thesis course sequence and a thesis or a capstone project course sequence and capstone project report, depending on curriculum requirements.

Master of Science in Systems Engineering Analysis

1. A minimum of 48 quarter-hours of graduate-level work.
2. The candidate must take all courses in an approved study program, which must also satisfy the following requirements:
3. A minimum of 36 quarter-hours of credit in 3000 and 4000 level courses, including a minimum of 12 quarter-hours at the 4000 level.
4. Participation in a capstone project with a minimum of 12 credits is required for the degree. An acceptable thesis, for a minimum of 12 credits, may be substituted in lieu of a team project. The Academic Associate and the Program Officer must endorse such a request, which will be subject to final approval by the Chair Professor.

Master of Science in Systems Engineering Management

An accredited Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.

1. Completion of an approved curriculum that includes:
   1. A minimum of 36 quarter credit hours of 3000 and 4000 level courses, 16 of which must be at the 4000 level.
   2. A series of courses in systems engineering defined by each curriculum.
2. Completion of a thesis course sequence and a thesis, or a capstone project course sequence and capstone project report, depending on curriculum requirements.

Master of Science in Systems Technology (Command, Control, and Communications)

1. Completion of a minimum of 45 quarter-hours of graduate-level work in four different academic disciplines, of which at least 15 hours must represent courses at the 4000 level in at least two of the disciplines.
2. Within the course program there must be a specialization sequence consisting of at least three courses.
3. In addition to the 45 hours of course credit, an acceptable thesis must be completed.

Master of Systems Analysis

1. Completion of a minimum of 32 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
2. At least 16 quarter-hours of 4000-level courses.
3. Systems analysis core courses and a Systems Analysis context sequence approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
4. Students are required to demonstrate mastery of Systems Analysis practice through satisfactory completion of the thesis-equivalent three-course sequence in Systems Analysis Cases culminating in a final project approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research. The quarter-hours earned in the Systems Analysis Cases courses are applied towards satisfying the minimum graduate-level quarter-hours for the degree.

Engineer Degrees

Aerospace Engineer

1. A candidate must take all courses in a curriculum approved by the Chairman of the MAE Department.
2. The Aerospace Engineer degree requires at least 64 quarter-hours of graduate level credits in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, at least 32 of which must be at the 4000 level.
3. At least 12 quarter-hours of graduate level credits must be earned outside of the MAE Department (chair may waive, as needed). At least one advanced 4xxx Mathematics course should normally be included in these 12 quarter-hours.
4. An acceptable thesis of 28 credit hours is required for the Aerospace Engineer degree. Approval of the thesis advisor and program must be obtained from the Chairman of the MAE Department.

Astronautical Engineer

1. At least 64 quarter-hours of graduate level credits in Astronautical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, at least 32 of which must be at the 4000 level.
2. At least 12 quarter-hours of graduate level credits must be earned outside of the MAE Department.
3. At least one advanced mathematics course should normally be included in these 12 quarter-hours.
4. An acceptable thesis of 28 credit hours is required for the Astronautical Engineer Degree. Approval of the thesis advisor and program must be obtained from the Chairman of the MAE Department.

Electrical Engineer 

1. The EE degree program requires more course work and a more comprehensive thesis than a master's degree program but does not require the seminal research demanded in a Ph.D. program.
2. A minimum of 96 total graduate credits is required for the award of the engineer's degree, of which at least 24 must be in accepted thesis research, and at least 54 credits must be in Electrical and Computer Engineering courses.
3. At least 36 of the total hours are to be in courses in the sequence 4000-4999.
4. Approval of all programs must be obtained from the Chairman, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Mechanical Engineer

1. At least 64 quarter-hours of graduate level credits in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, at least 32 of which must be at the 4000 level.
2. At least 12 quarter-hours of graduate level credits must be earned outside of the MAE Department.
3. At least one advanced mathematics course should be included in these 12 quarter-hours.
4. An acceptable thesis of 28 credit hours is required for the Mechanical Engineer Degree. Approval of the thesis advisor and program must be obtained from the Chairman of the MAE Department.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy in Aeronautical Engineering

Same as Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering above.

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics

The Department of Applied Mathematics offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics degree. Areas of specialization will be determined by the department on a case by case basis. Requirements for the degree include course work followed by an examination in both major and minor fields of study, and research culminating in an approved dissertation. It may be possible for the dissertation research to be conducted off-campus in the candidate's sponsoring organization.

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Physics

Same as above, but major in Applied Physics.

Doctor of Philosophy in Astronautical Engineering

Same as Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering above.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Specifics on the Ph.D. in Computer Science program are found in the linked CS Department Ph.D. Handbook.

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has an active program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Joint programs with other departments are possible. A noteworthy feature of these programs is that the student's research may be conducted away from the Naval Postgraduate School in a cooperating laboratory or other installation of the federal government. The degree requirements are as outlined under the general school requirements for the doctor's degree.

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Acoustics

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Physics jointly sponsor an interdisciplinary program in Engineering Acoustics leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Areas of special strength in the departments are physical acoustics, underwater acoustics, acoustic signal processing, and acoustic communications. A noteworthy feature of this program is that a portion of the student's research may be conducted away from the Naval Postgraduate School at a cooperating laboratory or other federal government installation. The degree requirements and examinations are as outlined under the general school requirements for the doctorate degree. In addition to the school requirements, the departments require a preliminary examination to show evidence of acceptability as a doctoral student.

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Sciences

The Department offers the Ph.D. degree in Information Sciences. The program begins with advanced course work guided by the Departmental Ph.D. Committee, which leads to qualifying examinations. The primary emphasis then shifts to the student's research program, culminating in the Ph.D. dissertation. Three areas of primary concentration within the field of information sciences are available: information systems, command and control, and information operations/warfare.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

The Department offers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, and Aeronautical Engineering.

Every applicant who is accepted for the doctoral program will initially be enrolled in one of the following programs: Mechanical Engineer, Astronautical Engineer, or Aeronautical Engineer Program; under a special option which satisfies the broad departmental requirements for the Engineer's degree, which includes research work. As soon as feasible, the student must identify a faculty advisor to supervise research and to help formulate a plan for advanced study. As early as practicable thereafter, a doctoral commit-tee shall be appointed to oversee that student's individual doctoral program as provided in the school-wide requirements for the doctor's degree. Joint programs with other departments are possible.

Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology

The Ph.D. program is offered in the Department of Meteorology in the following areas of study: numerical weather prediction, geophysical fluid dynamics, boundary-layer meteorology, analysis of atmospheric systems and tropical meteorology.

The requirements for the degree are grouped into three categories: course work, research in conjunction with an approved dissertation and examination in both the major and, if elected, a minor field. The minor field is usually in physical oceanography, mathematics or physics.

The Department of Meteorology also may require a preliminary examination to show evidence of acceptability as a doctoral student.

Doctorate in Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation

The Ph.D. degree requires the equivalent of at least three academic years of study beyond the baccalaureate level (some of which may be for another post-baccalaureate degree), with at least one academic year (or its equivalent) being spent in residence at NPS. The student must complete, in order, the following steps, which are detailed at www.movesinstitute.org.

Doctor of Philosophy in Operations Research

The program begins with advanced course work guided by the student's doctoral committee and leading to qualifying examinations in optimization, statistics, and stochastic processes as well as completion of a minor field of study outside of operations research. The primary emphasis then shifts to the student's research pro-gram, culminating in the Ph.D. dissertation.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Oceanography

The Ph.D. program is in Physical Oceanography, including areas of study in ocean circulation theory, air-sea inter-action, ocean acoustics, nearshore, and coastal/littoral oceanography among others.

Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies

The Ph.D. in Security Studies awarded by the Department of National Security Affairs requires one year of in-residence course work beyond the Master's plus at least two years to develop and execute a satisfactory dissertation. While the entirety of the dissertation need not be written in-residence, candidates for the Ph.D. should plan on a three-year tour, which is the norm for doctoral work at NPS.

Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering

The Ph.D. program in Software Engineering is designed for DoD software practitioners who want to acquire the skill and knowledge to perform state-of-the-art research on issues related to the development and evolution of large, complex, software systems, and to intelligently manage the research of other software practitioners. It offers the software professionals a unique program of study and advances software engineering principles and technology vital to DoD researchers and program managers.

The Ph.D. degree is awarded after successful defense of a dissertation that advances the state of the art in Software Engineering. Ph.D. seminars are available to assist students in reaching that goal. See the online handbook for details on admission, requirements, and procedures:

Software Engineering Ph.D. Handbook

Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering

The Department of Systems Engineering offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Systems Engineering. Students take graduate level course in systems engineering (as needed to pass the oral and written qualifying examinations), advanced graduate courses in systems engineering and an application domain, and perform research that leads to a dissertation involving some aspect of systems engineering. Research topics may be selected from a broad variety of studies of the systems engineering process, applications of systems engineering to solving complex problems, systems level modeling and simulation, and systems suitability assessment. Subject to approval of the student's dissertation committee chairman, dissertation research may be conducted away from NPS at cooperating facilities. Students must satisfy a one-year residency requirement.