MSC in The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) - Graduate Fellowship Program

At no time in the nation's history is the need for federal employees who understand WMD and WMD-like events been more evident than today. In response to the present crisis, the National Defense University's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Graduate Fellowship Program offers an opportunity for Department of Defense and interagency employees, both uniformed and civilian, to earn a Graduate Certificate or a Master of Science degree in Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies.

Each year, a small group of highly qualified public servants is admitted to this challenging but rewarding program. The program is undertaken almost entirely during non-work hours with the permission of one's supervisory chain, and most of it is available online. The program is rigorous and includes 36 semester hours of coursework with associated research and writing requirements. Its uniqueness is found in the breadth and depth of WMD-related issues it explores at the nexus of policy with science and technology.

Leveraging Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction Expertise

The curriculum and coursework are designed to bridge the professional gap between CWMD technical and policy fields. To tailor this program to meet DoD educational needs, the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction delivers a specialized CWMD-related education that is only available through U.S. Government channels. Through the CWMD Graduate Fellowship Program, students will access classified materials, attend site visits to WMD-related facilities, and receive lectures from U.S. Government practitioners and subject matter experts that introduce tools that move beyond the theoretical. The program, which started in 2012, has produced over 100 graduates, many of whom have found the program to be a solid foundation for building enhanced professional expertise and as a springboard for future personal success.

The CWMD Graduate Fellowship Program is divided into two parts. Each part requires 12 months to complete. The first year of study (Part 1) leads to a Graduate Certificate in WMD Studies. Upon successfully completing the first year of study, the most competitive candidates may apply for the second year of study (Part 2), leading to the Master of Science degree in WMD Studies.

National Defense University (NDU) is a strategic national resource that prepares senior leaders to think and operate effectively at the highest levels in an increasingly dynamic, complex, and unpredictable international security environment. It does this by preparing them to understand, develop, and employ strategies that incorporate all national power elements. This senior leader development is made possible by National Defense University’s holistic approach and unique combination of curriculum, location, and student/faculty diversity. National Defense University students develop an understanding of the canon of strategic theory and can apply and creatively adapt this knowledge to current and future security challenges. This foundation of theory and application is informed by cutting-edge research. The educational experience is also enriched by the many distinguished speakers who engage the students in candid discussions. This ensures that National Defense University students are exposed to an extensive range of perspectives and fosters personal relationships and peer networks, which continue to serve National Defense University alumni throughout their careers.