Home - Department of Acquisition, Finance, and Manpower
Accrediation content
The Department of Acquisition, Finance and Manpower (DAFM) provides responsive graduate education and Navy-centric research that
- grounds leaders in essential knowledge of the defense acquisition decision support system, and
- develops the cognitive skills to lead innovation in the development and delivery of capabilities that meet the operational needs of the Naval and joint forces.
As of June 2025, all DAFM degrees are STEM-designated in categories defined by the US Department of Homeland Security. This designation indicates that the programs provide a rigorous education satisfying the federal standards for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum content.
Explore the Department
Academics
Warrior-scholars can pursue degree programs in residence or remotely, and can select from several certificate programs.
People
Our faculty bring a mix of military and academic expertise that keeps curricula and research projects relevant to the latest challenges facing the Naval and joint forces.
Research
Faculty and student cross-disciplinary teams research on top priority Naval operational and strategic challenges.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Department of Acquisition, Finance and Manpower (DAFM)
555 Dyer Road
Monterey, CA 93943
Phone: 831-656-2471
Fax: 831-656-3407
A message from DAFM Acting Chair, Simona Tick
The Department of Acquisition, Finance, and Manpower (DAFM) is a dynamic organization, continually self-assessing and evolving to maintain close alignment to priorities of the Secretary of the Navy and the Navy's ongoing Education Enterprise Requirements and Resourcing Review Board (E2R3B) process. Additionally, our programs integrate the principles of Get Real Get Better (GRGB), focusing on leader development in complex defense management environments.
In 2022, DAFM was launched as a new, transformed organization to replace the Graduate School of Business and Public Policy. With this transformation, DAFM is modernizing how the Naval Postgraduate School delivers graduate education, research, and capabilities in defense management. These changes go into effect with new incoming classes in 2023 and include the following:
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Flexible options to complete degrees in 12, 15, or 18 months
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Focused certificates that align to Naval and DoD critical decision-making processes
- Consolidated curricula that are laser-focused on core priorities
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Expanded capstone options that include Innovation Capstone Projects, experiential research projects that iterate with transition sponsors to deliver both validated problem sets and tangible solutions
- Alignment with NPS strategic priorities to deliver defense-unique and naval-relevant research, education, and innovation undergirded by a mission-focused institution designed to develop defense leaders in modern and technologically relevant facilities
- Responsiveness to Naval priorities articulated by SECNAV guidance, Naval education enterprise, Get Real Get Better, and other core strategic guidance.
Read more about how DAFM delivers intellectual and technological advantage for the US Navy and joint forces.
