The Army DACM Office currently sponsors Naval Postgraduate School attendance in three different disciplines: Master of Science in Financial Management (MSFM Curriculum 857), Master of Science in Acquisition – Contract Management (MSA-CM Curriculum 835), and Master of Science in Acquisition – Program Management (MSA-PM Curriculum 836).
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
MISSION
The Naval Postgraduate School provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership and warfighting advantage.
These 24-month graduate degree programs are part-time, distance learning opportunities. The online instruction brings the classes to the students, permitting students to continue supporting the mission of their Command/Agency.
Master of Science in Acquisition – Contract Management (MSA-CM Curriculum 835)
The Master of Science in Acquisition – Contract Management (MSA-CM, Curriculum 835) provides advanced education in the concepts, methodologies and analytical techniques necessary for successful management of acquisition and contracting within complex organizations. No previous contract management experience is required for admission.
Eligibility:
Civilian Acquisition Workforce GS-12 through GS-15 or broadband/pay band equivalent.
Announcement Dates:
Application period opens: 2 February 2026
Application period closes: 10 March 2026
NPS Online Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
Cohort Dates: 7 July 2026 – 30 June 2028
Learn More about MSA-CM
Master of Science in Acquisition – Program Management (MSA-PM Curriculum 836)
The Master of Science in Acquisition – Program Management (MSA-PM, Curriculum 836) educates students to be acquisition program managers and leaders of people and resources within federal organizations. Graduates gain the leadership and decision-making skills necessary to effectively deliver warfighting capabilities by balancing program cost, schedule, technical performance, risk and supportability. No previous program management experience is required for admission.
Eligibility:
Civilian Acquisition Workforce GS-12 through GS-15 or broadband/pay band equivalent.
Announcement Dates:
Application period opens: 2 February 2026
Application period closes: 10 March 2026
NPS Online Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
Cohort Dates: 7 July 2026 – 30 June 2028
Learn More about MSA-PM
Master of Science in Financial Management (MSFM Curriculum 857)
The Master of Science in Financial Management (MSFM-Curriculum 857) educates students with the latest knowledge and skills in defense-focused financial management. The program supports continuous financial management reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders, with a focus on efficient and effective expenditure of public funds. Graduates also earn an NPS graduate-level academic certificate: DoD Financial Management with both the Data Analytics Track and the Audit Track (Curriculum 196).
Eligibility:
Civilian Acquisition Workforce GS-12 through GS-15 or broadband/pay band equivalent.
Announcement Dates:
Application period opens: 15 September 2025
Application period closes: 5 December 2025
NPS Online Application Deadline: 15 October 2025
Cohort Dates: 31 March 2026 – 31 March 2028
