GSDM - Resident Certificate Programs - Title

Resident Certificate Programs

Accordion 1 - Resident Certificates Overview

Resident Certificates Overview

The Graduate School of Defense Management (GSDM) offers a unique selection of specialized, high-quality, tailored Academic Certificates focused on defense management.

  •  An Academic Certificate is defined as a coherent sequence of courses that is sufficient to master a well-defined body of knowledge or technical expertise at a level beyond the baccalaureate.
  •  NPS resident students may apply eligible courses toward an individual Academic Certificate.
  •  Courses may not be double counted for multiple Academic Certificates.

To be admitted to an Academic Certificate, prospective students must meet any prerequisites for the courses in the certificate program. 

Refer to Chapter 9 of the NPS Academic Policy Manual for further information on Academic Certificates:  
https://nps.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Academic-Policy-Manual/Chapter-9-Academic-Certificates

 

Open to all qualified active-duty military officers and federal agency civilian employees.

Academic Certificate applications may be submitted at any time, but they shall be initiated as early as possible to enable administrative processing.
The latest possible deadline to submit completed forms to the NPS Registrar's Office is two weeks prior to the Academic Certificate's graduation ceremony date.

To be awarded an Academic Certificate, a student must:

  • Pass each course and obtain a minimum GQPR of 3.0 and minimum CQPR of 2.75.

  • Complete all certificate requirements within three years of beginning the certificate program.

(not applicable)

To request enrollment in an Academic Certificate, residents students must complete the Academic Certificate Enrollment Request Form, which is available via the Office of the Registrar:  https://nps.edu/web/registrar/forms1

Approval must be granted by the student’s primary Academic Associate and Program Officer then the Academic Associate and Program Officer for the Academic Certificate program.  All signatures are required. 
For International Students, approval from IGPO is also required.

Completed forms must be submitted to the Registrar's Office, in order to appear on the student's official NPS transcript..

Can a course count towards multiple Academic Certificates?

No. In accordance with the NPS Academic Policy Manual, each course may only count toward a single Academic Certificate.

See details under each Academic Certificate.

Accordion 2 - Resident Programs

Resident Certificates Offered

Defense Management Foundations Certificate

Curriculum #191
This 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. It provides students a defense-focused background in management fundamentals; financial management; economic analysis; operations and logistics, and acquisition management.

 

Requires the completion of four courses (at least 12 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
  • MN3301: (Acquisition Management)Acquisition of Defense Systems
  • GB3010: (Organizations & Management)Managing for Organizational Effectiveness
  • GB3070: (Manpower & Management)Economics of the Global Defense Environment
  • GB3042: (Operations & Logistics Management)Process Analytics
  • GB4053: (Financial Management)Defense Budget Policy and Financial Management Systems

Click here for more information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

 

DoD FM Graduate Certificate Program

Curriculum #195
This Certificate in Financial Management is 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 DoN. 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 DoN's decision-making processes at all levels by providing accurate, timely, and relevant information and analysis.

 

The certificate requires the completion of 3 core courses and 2 elective courses (from 1 of the 2 tracks) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
Required courses:
  • GB3056 - Financial & Managerial Accounting
  • GB4053 - DoD Mission and Resource Determination
  • GB4510 - Strategic Resource Management (GSDM)
     or
  • NS3225 - Defense Resources Management Course (DRMI)
Elective courses (Students may choose a track):

1. Audit Track:

  • GB4520 - Internal Control and Audit
  • GB4530 - Management Control Systems

2. Data Analytics Track:

  • Two courses, which may include data analytics (offered by GSDM) as well as
    GB4556 - Data Analytics for Financial and Resource Managers, offered by DRMI              

Click here for more information

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

Chief Information Officer (CIO) Management Certificate

Curriculum #197
This certificate provides the critical education required by the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 to manage government information technology systems. It 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. It satisfies all of the Clinger-Cohen educational competency requirements.

 

The certificate requires the completion of 4 courses (at least 12 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
  • GB4021: Strategic Management of Information Technology
     or
  • IS4182: Enterprise Information Systems Strategy and Policy
  • MN3331: Acquisition of  Defense Systems
  • MN3309: Software Acquisition Management for Strategic and Tactical Systems
  • CY3200: Cyberspace Operations Fundamentals
     or
  • CS3600: Introduction to Cybersecurity

Click here for more information

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:
  • Raymond Jones, COL, USA (Ret.), Professor of Practice
    Academic Associate
    (831) 656-3960
    rdjone1@nps.edu

Principles of Analytical Management Certificate

Curriculum #201
Designed 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 the 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.

 

Requires the completion of 4 courses (at least 12 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
Required courses:
  • GB3040 Managerial Statistics
  • GB3042 Process Analytics
  • GB4043 Business Modeling and Analysis
Elective courses - Students are required to take one of the following courses:
  • GB3010 Managing for Organizational Effectiveness
  • GB3050 Financial Reporting and Analysis
  • MN3156 Financial and Managerial Accounting
  • GB3070 Economics of the Global Defense Environment
  • GB4460 Business Risk Management
  • MN3301 Acquisition of Defense Systems

Click here for more information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

Acquisition Logistics Certificate

Curriculum #203
Designed to equip students with acquisition logistics 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 the certificate, students will be able to: Implement supply chain strategies to support major weapon systems; and Direct logistics activities to deliver cost effective readiness. DOD and DON students may fulfill DAWIA Level I Certification in Life Cycle Logistics in a small number of courses.

 

Requires the completion of five courses (at least 15 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
Required courses:
  • MN4450 Logistics Strategy
  • MN4480 Supply Chain Management
  • MN4485 Supply Chain Strategy
Elective courses - Students should take at least two of the following courses:
  • MN3221 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management I
  • GE3221 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management I
  • MN3222 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management II
  • GE3222 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management II
  • MN3331 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management (Replaces GE/MN3221/3222 and counts as two electives)
  • MN3303 Principles of Acquisition and Contract Management
  • MN3612 Fraud Examination

Click here for more information

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

Strategic Leadership Certificate

Curriculum #205
Strategic thinking is central to military organizations, yet it can be very difficult. Completion of this 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.

 

This certificate requires the completion of four courses (at least 12 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
Required courses:
  • GB3012 Communication for Managers
  • GB4014 Strategic Management
  • GB3010 Managing for Organizational Effectiveness
Elective courses - Students should take at least one of the following courses:
  • GE3109 Ethics and Moral Development
  • MN3811 Innovation Adoption and Implementation
  • GB3400 Critical Thinking for Strategic Leadership

Click here for more information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

Leadership for Public Administrators Certificate

Curriculum #207
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 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.

 

Requires the completion of 4 courses (at least 12 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
Required courses:
  • GB4011 Ethical Leadership in Public Organizations
  • MN3118 Negotiation and Consensus Building
  • MN3015 Leading Teams
Elective courses- Students should take at lease one of the following courses:
  • MN4017 High-performance Decision Practices
  • MN4125 Managing Planned Change in Complex Organizations
  • MN3111 Analysis of Human Resource Management
  • GB3010 Managing for Organizational Effectiveness

Click here for more information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

Advanced Acquisition Studies Certificate 

Curriculum #217
Designed for students interested in Defense system acquisition and program management processes, the program operationalizes the business of Defense acquisition and creates Acquisition Warriors for the DoD. This program supports continuous acquisition reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders and also supports initiatives to educate operational warfighters in the business of acquisition. The program contributes to Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certifications in Program Management, Test & Evaluation, Production & Quality Management career fields. Additionally, the program provides education supporting for Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

 

Requires the completion of 2 core courses and 3 elective courses that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
Required courses - Students are required to make two of the following choices:
  • MN3331 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management
     or
  • MN3221 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management I
  • MN3222 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management II
     or
  • MN3301 Acquisition of Defense Systems
Elective courses - Students are required to take any 3 of the following courses:
  • MN3302 Advanced Project Management
  • MN3309 Software Acquisition Management for Strategic and Tactical Systems
  • MN3384 Principles of Acquisition Production and Quality Management
  • MN4307 Program Management Policy and Control
  • MN4470 Strategic Planning and Policy for the Logistic Manager
  • MN4602 Test and Evaluation Management

Click here for more information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:
  • Dr. Robert Mortlock, Professor of the Practice
    Academic Associate
    (831) 656-2672
    rfmortlo@nps.edu

Managerial Logistics Certificate

Curriculum #219
Designed to equip students with the 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 the certificate, students will be able to:  Lead Process Improvement Efforts in Logistics, Implement effective Supply Chain Strategies, and Manage innovation in inter-organizational relationships.

 

Requires the completion of 3 core courses and 2 elective courses that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
Required courses:
  • MN4450 Logistics Strategy
  • MN4480 Supply Chain Management
  • MN4485 Supply Chain Strategy
Elective courses - Students should take at least 2 of the following courses:
  • GB4014 Strategic Management
  • MN3118 Negotiation and Consensus Building
  • MN3811 Innovation Adoption and Implementation
  • GB3010 Managing for Organizational Effectiveness

Click here for more information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Program Evaluation Certificate 

Curriculum #229
This 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 GSDM 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.

 

Requires the completion of 3 core courses and 1 elective course that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
Required courses:
  • GB3040 Managerial Statistics
     or
  • MN3040 Data Management and Statistics for Manpower Analysis
  • GB3070 Economics of the Global Defense Environment
  • GB4071 Advanced Economic and Defense Policy Analysis
Elective courses- Students should take at lease one of the following courses:
  • MN4760 Manpower Economics I
  • GB4043 Business Modeling and Analysis

Click here for information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

Basic Contract Management Certificate

Curriculum #237
Designed for students interested in basic concepts of Contract Management. This certificate supports continuous acquisition reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders and also supports initiatives to educate operational warfighters in the business of contract management. The certificate contributes to Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in the Contract Management career field.

 

Requires the completion of 4 courses (at least 12 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
  • MN3303 Principles of Acquisition and Contract Management
  • MN3312 Government Contract Law
  • MN3320 Contract Cost and Price Analysis
  • MN3321 Federal Contract Negotiations

Click here for more information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate:

Advanced Contract Management Certificate 

Curriculum #243
The Advanced Contract Management Certificate is designed for students interested in advanced concepts of Contract Management. This certificate supports continuous acquisition reform initiatives mandated by Congress and senior leaders and also supports initiatives to educate operational warfighters in the business of contract management. The certificate contributes to Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in the Contract Management career field in conjunction with the Basic Contract Management Certificate.

 

Requires the completion of four courses (at least 12 credits) that were not counted for another certificate. 
 
  • MN3315 - Acquisition Management and Contract Administration
  • MN4311 - Contracting for Services
  • MN4371 - Acquisition and Contracting Policy
  • MN3318 - Contingency Contracting

Click here for more information.

Contact us for more information about this Academic Certificate: