Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Systems and Program Management (MSSPM) Non-Resident Master’s Degree Program

General Program Information

The NPS-MSSPM 2-year program is designed for Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies to obtain an acquisition defense-focused advanced degree in a distance learning format. The NPS-MSSPM is an interdisciplinary program combining systems engineering with program management knowledge and skills. The program is intended to broaden the technical capabilities of the acquisition workforce who may have non-technical backgrounds so they are able to successfully manage and lead programs/projects in support of the Defense Acquisition System. Students in this program learn the systems engineering process from establishing system requirements through test and evaluation. Simultaneously, students learn how to manage, schedule, and budget programs as well as work with DoD suppliers through contracts to meet program obligations. Learn more at https://nps.edu/web/dl/degProgs_MSSPM_nonRes.

Specific educational credit information is provided in the announcement posted below on this website.

Announcement

NPS-MSSPM Announcement

Who May Apply

Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) civilians who meet both NPS academic requirements and the Army DACM Office eligibility requirements listed below may apply to the NPS-MSSPM Program.

Eligibility/Academic Requirements

NPS Academic Requirements:

Any undergraduate degree (BA, BS, other)
Minimum undergraduate quality point rating of 2.2 or better

Army DACM Office Eligibility Requirements:

Must be coded as “1 – Permanent – Tenure Group 1“in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System and meet eligibility requirements outlined in the NPS-MSSPM announcement. Exceptions may apply; see announcement.
Must be a GS-12 through GS-15 or broadband/pay band equivalent.
Must have a Conditional Letter of Acceptance from NPS for the Cohort specified in the announcement
Must meet certification level required for current acquisition position in any Acquisition Functional Area (AFA) OR
Must be within their certification grace period required for their current Army acquisition position in any AFA.