ADVANCED CIVIL SCHOOLING (ACS) FOR FA51 ACQUISITION OFFICERS

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DESCRIPTION

Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS) allows Army acquisition officers a chance to pursue advanced degrees in STEM, acquisition, or business-related disciplines at civilian universities on a full-time, fully funded basis. The U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center (USAASC) Army Director for Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office fully funds board-selected officers enrolled in advanced education programs. The primary focus of education must be an acquisition relevant Master of Science in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Studies in Law (MSL), or a Master of Science in Systems Engineering Management.

On this page you will find information to help you launch into a fully funded graduate degree program, stay connected while in the program, and ease your transition back into the workforce once you’ve completed your schooling.

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SCHOLASTIC INSTITUTIONS AND/OR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) offers degrees primarily in the Department of Defense Management and Systems Engineering. For newly assessed officers, the Master of Science in Systems Engineering Management (522 Curriculum), Masters of Science in Defense Program Management (816 Curriculum), and Defense Contract Management (815 Curriculum) are recommended.

The Master of Science in Systems Engineering Management (522 Curriculum) program equips acquisition officers with advanced skills to manage programs and projects effectively. More details are available on the NPS website and in the Resident-MSSEM – CatalogDescription.
The 816 Master of Science in Defense Program Management integrates business principles, program leadership, operations analysis, and systems engineering. It focuses on acquisition management within the DoD and can be completed in 12 to 18 months. More information is available on the NPS website and in the Defense Program Management – Track 816 catalog.

The 815 Master of Science in Defense Contract Management combines management theory, accounting, economics, finance, and specific courses in acquisition and contracting. It prepares officers and civilians for roles in systems buying offices, field contracting offices, and contract administration. More details are available on the NPS website and in the Defense Contract Management – Curriculum 815 catalog.

School of Choice

The school of choice option is applicable to officers who are pursuing an acquisition related area of study of particular importance (e.g. STEM, MBA) or are accepted by a top-tier university for an acquisition relevant degree. Historical school of choice options include but not limited to: University of North Carolina, University of Michigan, Vanderbilt University, William and Mary, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Duke University, University of Virginia, and Boston University.

George Washington University (GWU)

The George Washington University Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program is designed for acquisition professionals who want to broaden their understanding of government procurement law and apply the knowledge towards the increasing demands of the Army Acquisition Corps.  GWU MSL Information

Doctor of Philosophy Opportunity

The Army Acquisition Corps provides a path for select officers to earn a doctorate degree and become acquisition technical experts who support the Army’s scientific and engineering needs across a broad spectrum of assignments. Acquisition-relevant doctorate degrees include: cyber and networks, computer science and engineering, robotics, physics, aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence / machine learning, autonomous systems, directed energy, material engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, and biotechnology. Before considering this program, discuss your career timeline with your AMB manager to see if you are a good fit.

ACS APPLICATION PROCESS

Picture of ACS Officer Chart
  1. Decide where to apply. (When in doubt reach out to the ASC POC for ACS for guidance)
    Note: You can often reduce tuition costs by negotiating directly with the school, in-state tuition, securing a scholarship or fellowship, or applying to a range of schools. Tuition is divided into three categories for annual costs: High, $48,001 to $60,000; Medium – $28,001 to $48,000; Low – $28,000 and below. Officers applying to a school with tuition in the High or Medium categories must also apply to a school in the Low tuition category, such as the Naval Postgraduate School.
  2. Take appropriate admissions tests (e.g., the GMAT or GRE), if required
  3. Secure letters of recommendation for civilian schools
  4. Apply to schools
  5. Receive conditional acceptance letter
  6. Receive movers message from ATS Management Board
  7. Prepare Advanced Civilian Schooling application (HRC POC: Ms. Crystal Rogers) https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Advanced%20Civil%20Schooling%20Programs%20General%20Information
  8. Submit packet to ACS Board
  9. Receive results
  10. Start school learning, autonomous systems, directed energy, material engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, and biotechnology.

IMPORTANT DATES

Officers

ACS 26-02 Officers (Summer Moving Cycle)
Announcement Opening: June 2025
Announcement Closing: August 2025
Program Start: April 2026 to September 2026

ACS 27-01 Officers (Winter Moving Cycle)
Announcement Opening: December 2025
Announcement Closing: March 2026
Program Start: October 2026 to March 2027


NCOs
FY25 Application Window: June 3, 2024 to January 10, 2025
Program Start: Summer 2025

FAQs

I am new to the Acquisition Corps. How can I start onboarding while in school?
The Army Director, Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office, through The Army Acquisition School, will be hosting an onboarding session to welcome you into the career field and set you up with the standards and skills needed for your career, before your first assignment. NPS through the 522,816, and 815 program provides all necessary education equivalences for new officers. All school of choice officers will conduct follow-on school at The Army Acquisition School.

Does the Army DACM fund special projects while I am participating in ACS?
The Army DACM provides limited funding for travel related to defense-specific research and thesis topics. Additionally, based on availability of funds, the Army DACM provides funding for defense-related certifications. Contact the ACS program manager at your school or at the Army DACM Office for more information.

Who is my CAPPMIS / IDP supervisor while I am out of the force?
Please contact the ACS program manager to assist in switching your IDP to the Army DACM ACS point of contact.

How can I reintegrate into an assignment after graduation?
The Army DACM Office also sponsors out-briefs and exit surveys to ensure a smooth transition from classroom to workplace.

CONTACT

For inquiries regarding ACS for FA51 Acquisition Officers, contact:

MAJ Monica Holmes
AG (FA51A), DACM Proponency Officer
USAASC Army DACM Office
Email: monica.m.holmes2.mil@army.mil

Mr. Jason Pitts
Chief, Acquisition Workforce Proponency
USAASC Army DACM Office
Email: jason.r.pitts.civ@army.mil