DL Certificate Programs - Department of Defense Management
Flexibility in Continuing Education for Professional Success
Graduate Certificate Programs- Distance Learning
Nested Applications
Accordion - Distance Learning Certificates Overview
Distance Learning Certificates Overview
The Department of Defense Management (DDM) offers a unique selection of specialized, high-quality, tailored certificates focused on defense management.
- Distance learning certificate programs are part-time and non-resident.
- Courses are taught synchronously through a web-based learning platform with live interaction between students and faculty.
- Students attend class during regular CONUS duty hours (Pacific Time) from their duty stations. Classes normally meet once per week for approximately 3 hours per day on either Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.
- All DDM certificate programs are open enrollment except for AAP (curriculum 211), AMDLP (curriculum 212), and DoD Financial Management (curriculum 196) which are cohort-based. Open enrollment permits students the flexibility to enroll in quarters that fit with their professional and personal schedules.
- Students are offered an opportunity to complete individual certificates and to stack a combination of certificates leading to a Professional Master of Business Administration-Distance Learning (PMBA-DL).
- Students enrolled in a NPS master's degree program may apply eligible courses from the master's degree towards one DDM certificate.
- Courses earned from a NPS certificate program may not be applied towards another NPS certificate program. For example, if two certificates have common courses, those courses can only be counted for one certificate.
Open to all qualified active-duty military officers and federal agency civilian employees.
Candidates for the certificate programs must have achieved the following:
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university; and
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.2 on a four-point scale
Entry dates are September, January, April, and July of each academic year.
Application deadlines:
- 26 September 2022 to start January 2023
- 3 January 2023 to start April 2023
- 27 March 2023 to start July 2023
- 5 July 2023 to start September 2023
Requirements for each certificate are met by:
- Passing each course and obtaining an average overall GPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale.
- Completing all certificate requirements within three years of beginning the certificate program.
- No more than two 'C' letter grades in the certificate's courses.
- Tuition for each certificate course is $2,500 for all students except DON active-duty officers.
- DON active-duty officers are funded by the Navy and their command sponsors do not pay tuition. All other students must be funded by their commands and organizations. Students may not fund their own tuition.
- Students are required to pay for their textbooks and course materials. Sponsoring commands and organizations often reimburse students for textbooks and course materials.
For Distance Learning applicants not enrolled at NPS:
- Apply to NPS online.
- Submit a Participation Agreement concurrently with the online application. Email the completed Participation Agreement to admissions@nps.edu.
- Send official, sealed transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate schools to:
Paper Transcripts:
Admissions Office (Official Transcripts) Naval Postgraduate School 1 University Circle, Herrmann Hall Room 061A Monterey, CA 93943-5006
Electronic Transcripts:
More information is available at NPS Admissions
For Distance Learning students currently enrolled at NPS:
- Complete the Academic Certificate Enrollment Request Form.
- Email the completed Academic Certificate Enrollment Request Form to the DDM Distance Learning Education Technician (see the section below entitled Contact Us) no later than thirty days prior to the quarter in which the student will start the requested certificate coursework. The DDM Distance Learning Education Technician will submit the completed form to the NPS Registrar for processing.
- If you have satisfied all of the certificate requirements through coursework completed in a NPS master’s degree program, and you are not required to take additional courses to complete the certificate program, email the completed Academic Certificate Enrollment Form to registrar@nps.edu at least two weeks prior to the completion of your graduate degree coursework. Also, email a copy of the completed Academic Certificate Enrollment Form to the DDM Distance Learning Education Technician.
Are DDM distance learning graduate certificates courses offered asynchronously, with students studying at their own pace, or on weekends?
DDM graduate certificate courses are offered synchronously which requires students to be logged on to the course during CONUS duty hours (Pacific Time). DDM is investigating piloting an asynchronous graduate certificate in the future that would permit students to study at their own pace. No weekend courses are currently offered.
What are the technology requirements for participating in DDM distance learning courses?
Students are required to have access to the web-based learning platform utilized by DDM for instruction; DDM is currently using Zoom.
All courses require students to use a microphone and many courses require students to use a webcam. For questions about these requirements, please contact the DDM Education Technician.
Students must have access to high-speed internet and a computer with sufficient capacity to utilize Zoom.
If I have earned a NPS graduate degree or if I am a currently enrolled student of a NPS graduate degree, can I apply NPS graduate degree coursework to a NPS graduate certificate program?
Graduates and current students of NPS graduate degree programs can apply coursework to a NPS graduate certificate program. Graduates of NPS graduate degree programs can apply coursework to a NPS graduate certificate program if the coursework was completed after March 2019. Resident and distance learning graduate degree coursework will be reviewed by the certificate’s Academic Associate for consideration.
If I earned a graduate certificate from NPS or if I am currently enrolled in a graduate certificate from NPS, can I apply coursework from my earned or current NPS graduate certificate to a different NPS graduate certificate?
No. Coursework earned from a NPS graduate certificate may not be considered for fulfilling requirements for a different NPS graduate certificate program.
Is there a continued service obligation for participating in a DDM distance learning certificate program?
DON active duty military officers incur a continued services obligation for service following completion of a certificate program or after dropping out of the program if benefits were used. The period of the continued service obligation is computed in accordance with DoD guidance related to time and cost factors. DON active duty military officers should verify continued service obligation with their detailer.
Active duty military officers of other branches of the United States Armed Forces may incur a continued service obligation. Non-DON active duty military officers should verify continued service obligation with their appropriate military office.
Federal civilian employees may incur a continued service obligation with their sponsoring organization and should contact their sponsor for additional information.
DDM Distance Learning Education Technician: gsdmdlcerts@nps.edu, (831) 656-3176 (general program information)
DDM Distance Learning Program Manager: Dr. Christina Hart, cchart@nps.edu, (831) 656-6269 (finances, tuition, sponsors)
For questions about curricula, validating a course, and academics, contact the certificate's Academic Associate. In the section 'Distance Learning Certificates Offered' on this webpage, click on the drop down menu for a certificate to locate contact information for the Academic Associate.
Accordion - Certificate Programs v2.0
Distance Learning Certificates Offered
Curriculum #218
The Advanced Acquisition Studies (AAS) Certificate is designed for students interested in defense system acquisition and program management processes. This certificate program operationalizes the business of defense acquisition and creates Acquisition Warriors for the DoD while supporting continuous acquisition reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders. Coursework in AAS contributes to Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certifications in the career fields of Program Management, Test and Evaluation, and Production and Quality Management. Additionally, the program provides education supporting the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Required courses - Students should complete Required courses before enrolling in Elective courses:
- MN3221 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management I and MN3222 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management II
- OR
- GE3221 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management I and GE3222 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management II
- OR
- MN3301 Acquisition of Defense Systems
- OR
- MN3331 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management
Elective courses - Students are required to take three of the following courses:
- MN3309 Software Acquisition Management for Defense Systems
- MN3384 Acquisition Production, Quality and Manufacturing Decision Science
- MN4470 Strategic Planning and Policy for the Logistics Manager
- MN4602 Acquisition Test and Evaluation Decision Science
- MN4307 Program Management Policy and Control
- MN3302 Advanced Program Management
Contact us for more information about the Advanced Acquisition Studies (AAS) Certificate:
Professor Bob Mortlock (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-2672, rfmortlo@nps.edu
Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #198
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Management Certificate will provide the critical education required by the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 to manage government information technology systems. This certificate will allow its graduates to effectively manage the resources, people, processes and technologies necessary to ensure our information technology systems optimize mission performance and information assurance. Students in the CIO Management Certificate program will understand acquisition reforms mandated by Congress and senior public leaders as they relate to cyber and information systems.
Required courses:
- GB4021 Strategic Management of Information Technology or IS4182 Enterprise Information Systems Strategy and Policy
- MN3331 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management or MN3301 Acquisition of Defense Systems
- MN3309 Software Acquisition Management for Defense Systems
- CY3200 Cyberspace Operations Fundamentals or CY3201 Foundations of Cyberspace Operations or CS3600 Introduction to Cybersecurity
Contact us for more information about the Chief Information Officer Management Certificate:
- Professor Jeffrey Dunlap (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (619) 370-6647, jeffrey.dunlap@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #206
Strategic thinking is central to military organizations, yet it can be very difficult. Completion of the Strategic Leadership Certificate increases students’ ability to think strategically, to understand and analyze trends in the strategic environment, and to be influential, strategic leaders. Students will examine historical examples and best practices in organizations, obtain a better appreciation of senior leadership perspectives on organizational strategy, and improve their analytical and critical thinking about the strengths and weaknesses of competitors and their own organization. As a result of improved strategic thinking, organizational analysis skills, and strategic communication competencies, students will be better prepared to develop productive strategies and lead their organizations toward greater performance.
Required courses:
- MN4105 Strategic Management or GE4016 Strategic Management or GB4014 Strategic Management
- MN4474 Organizational Analysis or GE3010 Organizations as Systems and Structures (requires a one-week residency at NPS) or GB3010 Managing for Organizational Effectiveness
Elective courses - Students are required to take two of the following courses:
- GE3109 Ethics and Moral Development
- GB3400 Critical Thinking for Strategic Leadership
- MN3012 Communications Strategies for Effective Leadership or GB3012 Communication for Managers
- GB4510/GE4510 Strategic Resource Management
- MN4017 High-performance Decision Practices (subject to availability)
- MN3118 Negotiation and Consensus Building
- GB4012 Maneuver Warfare for the Mind: The Art and Science of Interdisciplinary Learning for Innovation and Warfighting Leaders
Contact us for more information about the Strategic Leadership Certificate:
- Dr. Deborah Gibbons (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-1842, degibbon@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #208
The quality of leadership impacts an organization’s effectiveness, its employees’ satisfaction, and the ability of the organization to adapt to new challenges. Successful missions in the future will depend on military officers and civilian administrators who know how to lead with excellence in public organizations. Completion of this certificate builds knowledge, skills, and ethical standards that are necessary components of great leadership within public organizations. Students will develop advanced leadership skills, including the ability to cultivate effective groups and teams, negotiate consensus among stakeholders, improve climate and productivity, and facilitate high-performance decision-making processes while modeling ethical reasoning and behavior that will inspire the next generation.
Required courses:
- GC4011 or GB4011 Ethical Leadership in Public Organizations
- MN3118 Negotiation and Consensus Building
- MN3015 Leading Teams or GE3011 Management of Teams
Elective courses - Students are required to take one of the following courses:
- MN4017 High-performance Decision Practices
- MN4125 Managing Planned Change in Complex Organizations
- GE3010 Organizations as Systems and Structures (requires a one-week residency at NPS)
- MN4474 Organizational Analysis
- MN3111 Analysis of Human Resource Management
Contact us for more information about the Leadership for Public Administrators Certificate:
- Dr. Deborah Gibbons (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-1842, degibbon@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #202
The Operations and Logistic Management faculty designed this certificate to equip students with the fundamental tools for management based on rigorous analytical methods. It is designed for both civilian and military managers who are looking to upgrade and update their managerial and analytical skills. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to analyze data to inform and support managerial decisions, design and analyze business processes and apply quantitative decision-making tools to develop solutions in defense business contexts.
Required courses:
- GE3040 Statistics for Executive Management
- GE3042 Process Analytics
- GE4043 Business Modeling and Analysis
Elective courses - Students are required to take one of the following courses:
- GE3010 Organizations as Systems and Structures (requires a one-week residency at NPS)
- MN4474 Organizational Analysis
- GE3050 Financial Reporting and Analysis
- GE3070 Economics for Defense Managers
- GB4460 Business Risk Management
- MN3301 Acquisition of Defense Systems
Contact us for more information about the Principles of Analytical Management Certificate:
- Dr. Geraldo Ferrer (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-3290, gferrer@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #238
The Basic Contract Management Certificate is designed for students interested in basic concepts of defense contract management. This certificate supports continuous acquisition reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders, and as well as supporting initiatives to educate operational warfighters in the business of contract management. Coursework contributes to Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in the Contract Management career field.
Required courses:
- MN3303 Principles of Acquisition and Contract Management
- MN3315 Acquisition Management and Contract Administration
- MN3320 Contract Cost and Price Analysis
- MN3321 Federal Contract Negotiations
Contact us for more information about the Basic Contract Management Certificate:
- Dr. Rene Rendon (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-3464, rgrendon@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #244
The Advanced Contract Management Certificate is designed for students interested in advanced concepts of defense contract management. This certificate supports continuous acquisition reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders, and as well as supporting initiatives to educate operational warfighters in the business of contract management. Coursework contributes to Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in the Contract Management career field in conjunction with the Basic Contract Management Certificate (Curriculum #238).
Required courses:
- MN3312 Government Contracts Law
- MN3318 Operational Contract Support & Contingency Contracting or an acceptable related substitute approved by the Academic Associate
- MN4311 Contracting for Services
- MN4371 Acquisition and Contracting Policy
Contact us for more information about the Advanced Contract Management Certificate:
- Dr. Rene Rendon (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-3464, rgrendon@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #192
The Defense Management Foundations Certificate delivers a core of defense-focused management courses to equip students with essential skills for management and leadership roles in the defense establishments of the United States or allied nations. The program prepares graduates to manage organizations, resources, and programs in complex environments. Students choose among foundational courses in organizational leadership; financial management; manpower and economic analysis; operations and logistics; or acquisition management.
Required courses: This certificate requires the completion of four courses (at least 12 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. Two of the four courses may be from a single academic area but students may not take more than two courses from any one academic area.
1. Acquisition Management
- MN3303 Principles of Acquisition and Contract Management
- MN3309 Software Acquisition Management for Defense Systems
- MN4307 Defense Acquisition Program Management Case Studies
2. Organizations and Management
- MN4474 Organizational Analysis or GE3010 Organizations as Systems and Structures
- GE3109 Ethics and Moral Development
- MN4017 High-performance Decision Practices (subject to availability)
- MN3118 Negotiation and Consensus Building
- GB4012 Maneuver Warfare for the Mind: The Art and Science of Interdisciplinary Learning for Innovation and Warfighting Leaders
3. Manpower and Economics
- GE3070 Economics for Defense Managers or GB3070 Economics of the Global Defense Environment
- GE3040 Statistics for Executive Management (subject to availability)
- MN3070 Fundamentals of Cost Benefit Analysis
4. Operations and Logistics Management
5. Financial Management
- GE4053 DoD Mission and Resource Determination
- MN3172 Resourcing National Security: Policy and Process
Contact us for more information about the Defense Management Foundations Certificate:
- Dr. Deborah Gibbons (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-1842, degibbon@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #220
The Operations and Logistic Management faculty designed this certificate to equip students with logistics leadership skills based on rigorous applied analytical and managerial methods. It is designed for both civilian and military managers who are looking to upgrade and update their professional skills. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to lead process improvement efforts in logistics, implement effective supply chain strategies, and manage innovation in inter-organizational relationships.
The Managerial Logistics Certificate is not open to individual student enrollment; this certificate is a cohort-based program that must be sponsored in full by a federal organization. Cohort sponsored certificates are those with all seats funded by a sponsor who selects all the students to enroll in the certificate. Cost-sharing partnerships between multiple interested federal organizations can be arranged. Please contact Dr. Christina Hart with questions (cchart@nps.edu).
Prerequisite Courses - Students must complete prerequisite courses prior to starting this certificate’s curriculum:
- GE3040 Statistics for Executive Management
- GE3042 Process Analytics
- GE4043 Business Modeling and Analysis
Required courses:
Elective courses - Students are required to take two of the following courses:
- MN4105 Strategic Management or GE4016 Strategic Management
- MN3118 Negotiation and Consensus Building
- MN3811 Innovation Adoption and Implementation
- MN4474 Organizational Analysis or GE3010 Organizations as Systems and Structures (requires a one-week residency at NPS)
Contact us for more information about the Managerial Logistics Certificate:
- Dr. Geraldo Ferrer (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-3290, gferrer@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #204
The Operations and Logistic Management faculty designed this certificate to equip students with acquisition logistics skills based on rigorous applied analytical methods. It is designed for both civilian and military managers who are looking to upgrade and update their managerial and analytical skills. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to implement supply chain strategies to support weapons systems and to direct logistics activities to deliver cost-effective readiness. DoD and DON students may fulfill Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level 1 certification requirements in Life Cycle Logistics in a small number of courses.
The Acquisition Logistics Certificate is not open to individual student enrollment; this certificate is a cohort-based program that must be sponsored in full by a federal organization. Cohort sponsored certificates are those with all seats funded by a sponsor who selects all the students to enroll in the certificate. Cost-sharing partnerships between multiple interested federal organizations can be arranged. Please contact Dr. Christina Hart with questions
(cchart@nps.edu).
(cchart@nps.edu).
Prerequisite Courses- Students must complete prerequisite courses prior to starting this certificate’s curriculum:
- GE3040 Statistics for Executive Management
- GE3042 Process Analytics
- GE4043 Business Modeling and Analysis
Required courses:
Elective courses- Students are required to take two of the following courses:
- MN3221 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management I or GE3221 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management I
- MN3222 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management II or GE3222 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management II
- MN3303 Principles of Acquisition and Contract Management
- MN3612 Fraud Examination
Contact us for more information about the Acquisition Logistics Certificate:
- Dr. Geraldo Ferrer (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-3290, gferrer@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #194
This program educates defense managers in using data to inform decision making in defense organizations. Students will first learn foundational concepts in statistics, probability, programming logic, and database management. They will learn to do basic descriptive and predictive data analyses, and to design those analyses to support managerial decision making. Topics include common statistical methods, as well as machine learning algorithms used for prediction and models of causal inference used estimate the impacts of policies and interventions. In the final quarter, students will learn how these tools are applied in practice across areas of defense management such as manpower, finance, budgeting, logistics, and acquisitions. Mathematical literacy is a requirement for entry, but students are not required to have any prior knowledge of probability, statistics, statistical software, or computer programming. Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will be able to produce decision-relevant, data-driven analyses as well as understand and manage data projects and others’ data products.
The Data Analytics for Defense Management Certificate is not open to individual student enrollment; this certificate is a cohort-based program that must be sponsored in full by a federal organization. Cohort sponsored certificates are those with all seats funded by a sponsor who selects all the students to enroll in the certificate. Cost-sharing partnerships between multiple interested federal organizations can be arranged. Please contact Dr. Christina Hart with questions (cchart@nps.edu).
Required courses:
- MN3911 - Introduction to Data Analytics for Defense Management
- MN4912 - Multivariate Data Analysis
- MN4913 - Advanced Model Building for Causal Inference and Prediction
- MN4914 - Applications of Data Analytics in Defense Management
Contact us for more information about the Data Analytics for Defense Management Certificate:
- Dr. Eva Regnier (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-2912, eregnier@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #230
The Cost-Benefit Analysis and Program Evaluation Certificate teaches students the fundamental theories of economics and public policy that are necessary to understand consumer behavior and choice, the role of the public sector in the free-market economy, personnel economics, and cost-benefit analysis. Economic insights will be combined with the institutional expertise of DDM faculty to tailor the learning experience to defense-related areas. Students will gain subject mastery to critically evaluate cutting-edge research, allowing their organizations to make optimal use of the information contained in reports from academia, military-focused policy organizations, and other government agencies.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis and Program Evaluation Certificate is not open to individual student enrollment; this certificate is a cohort-based program that must be sponsored in full by a federal organization. Cohort sponsored certificates are those with all seats funded by a sponsor who selects all the students to enroll in the certificate. Cost-sharing partnerships between multiple interested federal organizations can be arranged. Please contact Dr. Christina Hart with questions
(cchart@nps.edu).
(cchart@nps.edu).
Required courses:
- GE3040 Statistics for Executive Management
- GE3070 Economics for Defense Managers
- GB4071 Advanced Economic and Defense Policy Analysis
Elective courses - Students are required to take one of the following courses:
Contact us for more information about the Cost-Benefit Analysis and Program Evaluation Certificate:
- Dr. Marigee Bacolod (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-3302, mbacolod@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #196
The Certificate in Financial Management is a graduate academic certificate program available via distance learning. Designed for mid-to-senior level leaders interested in financial management and budget, the program prepares students for business, financial, and analysis positions within the DoD. This program supports continuous financial management reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders, and also supports initiatives to educate mid-to-senior level leaders in the areas of financial management and budget. The program educates and prepares financial managers assisting the DoD's decision-making processes at all levels by providing accurate, timely, and relevant information and analysis. The students can choose between two tracks (i.e., audit or data analytics) by taking two electives courses in addition to the three core courses.
The DoD Financial Management Certificate is not open to individual student enrollment; this certificate is a cohort-based program that must be sponsored in full by a federal organization. Cohort sponsored certificates are those with all seats funded by a sponsor who selects all the students to enroll in the certificate. Cost-sharing partnerships between multiple interested federal organizations can be arranged. If you are an individual student interested in this certificate, please contact Dr. Christina Hart (cchart@nps.edu) for more information about the possibility of joining this cohort-sponsored program. Open enrollment seats may be available in a scheduled cohort with agreement by the federal organization sponsoring the cohort.
Required courses:
- MN3156 Financial & Managerial Accounting
- GE4053 DoD Mission and Resource Determination
- GB4510 Strategic Resource Management or RM4100 and RM4200 Defense Resources Management Part 1 and Part 2 offered through the Defense Resources Management Institute
Audit Track Elective:
Data Track Elective:
- MN3911 Introduction to Data Analytics for Defense Management
- MN4912 Multivariate Data Analysis or RM4300 Data Analytics for Financial and Resource Managers offered through Defense Resources Management Institute
Contact us for more information about the DoD Financial Management Certificate:
- Senior Lecturer Philip Candreva (Academic Associate) for curriculum and academic information (831) 656-2884, pjcandre@nps.edu
- Dr. Christina Hart (DDM Distance Learning Program Manager) for application, course schedules and financial information (831) 656-6269, cchart@nps.edu
Curriculum #211
The Advanced Acquisition Program (AAP) is a 12 month, graduate certificate program designed for both the DoD acquisition workforce and professionals working with system acquisition and program management. Students develop an in-depth knowledge of the defense business and acquisition process.
AAP is a cohort-based certificate program that must be sponsored in full by a federal organization; sponsoring federal organization selects all participating students. Cost-sharing partnerships between multiple interested federal organizations can be arranged. Open enrollment seats may be available in a scheduled cohort with agreement by federal organization sponsoring the cohort.
AAP At A Glance:
This cohort-based program is offered part-time with flexible delivery mode options of online, resident, and on-location. Students also earn up to 19.5 graduate credit hours toward a NPS Master’s Degree Program. Additionally, AAP provides DoD students with up to 195 hours of Continuous Learning under the Continuous Learning Program (CLP), 31.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU), 6.38 Business Credits toward the requirement of 24 for the GS-1102 series.
AAP is a three-phased Graduate Certificate Program of seven courses delivered over four NPS academic quarters. While the three phases must be completed in sequence, there is no requirement to complete them in the normal one-year timeframe of four consecutive academic quarters.
Requirement for Admission
A Baccalaureate Degree with above-average grades is desired.
Entry Dates
Entry dates are established in coordination with the sponsoring command.
Program Length
Four quarters.
Graduate Certificate Requirements
Requirements for the AAP are met by successful completion of all seven courses. Graduate credit is obtained by maintenance of a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Should a graduate of AAP matriculate into the Master of Business Administration degree program in the Systems Acquisition Management (816) curriculum, or the Master of Science in Program Management (836) curriculum, graduate credit for AAP courses will be applied to the curricula as appropriate.
Program Phases
The AAP is administered with a phased approach:
-
Phase I is a full-quarter distance learning course taught via web-based technologies (6 hours of class per week) concentrating on Acquisition and Program Management breadth.
-
Phase II is a series of five, one-week courses (40 hours in class per week) taught on-location at the command, in-resident at NPS, or online via web-based technologies.
-
Phase III is a full-quarter, distance learning course taught via web-based technologies (4 hours of class per week) concentrating on Program Leadership through the examination of case studies from actual Defense systems, IPT exercises, and application and written analysis of program management concepts.
Required Courses for AAP Curriculum 211
Phase I |
|||
| Course Number | Course Title | Lecture Hours |
Lab Hours |
| MN3331 | Principles of Acquisition and Program Management | 5 | 1 |
Phase II |
|||
| Course Number | Course Title | Lecture Hours | Lab Hours |
| MN3361 | Software Acquisition Management | 2 | 0 |
| MN3362 | Acquisition Design Verification and System Assessment | 2 | 0 |
| MN3363 | Acquisition Manufacturing and Quality Management | 2 | 0 |
| MN3364 | Business Financial and Contract Management | 2 | 0 |
| MN3365 | Acquisition Logistics and Program Sustainment | 2 | 0 |
Phase III |
|||
| Course Number | Course Title | Lecture Hours | Lab Hours |
| MN4366 | Program Management and Leadership | 4 |
For additional information, please contact the AAP Program Director:
Charles Pickar, Senior Lecturer
Acquisition Management
(703) 588-7544
ckpickar@nps.edu
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