Student Program - Acquisition Research Program
Conduct Research that Solves Real-World Operational Challenges
ARP supports graduate students in the Department of Acquisition, Finance, and Manpower to prepare insightful research theses that offer relevant solutions to the Fleet and Joint Force.
"The ARP is a difference maker helping to educate better than any other program the next generation of the acquisition workforce. These NPS graduates are professionally qualified, capable of critical thinking, and forward-looking through their acquisition-focused research."
– Hon. Doug A. Brook, Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller)
APR Students Perform Research that Supports Warfighter Capacity
How ARP Works
All DAFM students are expected to complete the ARP program in tandem with NPS thesis and graduation requirements.
This means that you will complete all the milestones required by the Thesis Processing Office (TPO), as well as additional milestones required by ARP.
Our program requirements are designed to keep you on track and help you produce top-tier research that moves the needle on real challenges faced by the Navy and Joint Force.
Along the way, you'll be fully supported by the ARP team.
ARP Milestones
Please note that many ARP deadlines come earlier than the equivalent TPO deadlines. This is to ensure that you have adequate time to complete the editing process and produce your poster.
If you follow our timeline, your thesis will be finished a month before graduation – and you can focus on getting ready for your next command!
Getting Started
You will officially join ARP when you have submitted your Project Plan to ARP - usually about six months before graduation.
However, you'll begin preparing for the research process a few months earlier, by assembling your team, finding advisors, and settling on a research topic.
The ARP team is available at any time to help you navigate the process. Just click the button below for more resources. You can also drop us an email at ARP@nps.edu or swing by our office in Ingersoll - 372.
How ARP Helps Students Succeed
Professional Editing
Our professional editors will help you strengthen and clarify your writing. Plus, they will also review your thesis for compliance with AP citation and style guidelines, so you don’t get slowed down by revision requests.
Research Showcase
Present your findings during one of ARP’s poster showcases, and get the chance to discuss your research with senior defense leaders, industry leaders, and other researchers.
Structured Milestones
Our milestone framework keeps you on track from proposal to defense, with regular checkpoints to ensure steady progress. So you can meet deadlines confidently and avoid last-minute rushes.
Impactful Results
Elevate the rigor and quality of your research. We’ll help ensure your thesis meets the highest standards, so your work can make a meaningful contribution to the Navy and Joint Forces.