Master of Science in Strategy (Space Operations) - Curriculum 688

Program Officer

Adam Arndt, CDR

Code 38, Glasgow Hall, Room 336

[phone], DSN 756-3781

[e-mail]

Academic Associate

James (Clay) Moltz, Ph.D.

Code 38, Glasgow Hall Room 394

[phone], DSN 756-1039

[e-mail]

Overview

This inter-disciplinary degree of curriculum 688 provides officers with social science expertise in policy and strategy combined with technical knowledge in space science and military space applications. The MS in Strategy (Space Operations) is pedagogically innovative, focusing on the Navy’s S&T objectives and on Great Power Competition. The degree is available for U.S. military students as well as for international students and U.S. civilians.

APC

The minimum APC requirement for entry to this degree program is 244.

Convenes

Fall

Program Length

12 months

Degree

Master of Science in Strategy (Space Operations)

Subspecialty

Navy P-Codes: 2301

Curriculum Requirements

U.S. Military students (with secret-level or higher clearance only) must complete the following:

Course Number	Title	Credits	Lecture Hours	Lab Hours
NS3005	Great Power Conflict in Modern History		4	0
NS3011	Research and Writing for National Security Affairs		4	0
NS3024	Introduction to International Relations		4	0
NS4000	Great Power Competition: Current Policy and Strategy		0	2
NS4253	Seminar on Technology and Strategic Planning		4	0
NS4677	Space and International Security		4	0
NS4990	Seminar in Strategic Studies		4	0
SS3011	Space Technology and Applications		3	0
SS3051	Military Applications of DoD and Commercial Space Systems		3	2
SS3613	Military Satellite Communications		3	0
PH3052	Physics of Space and Airborne Sensor Systems		4	0

Three electives from courses approved by the sponsor.

Three courses associated with the degree must be at the 4000 level.

Thesis-Related Courses - Required

Course Number	Title	Credits	Lecture Hours	Lab Hours
NS4080	Thesis Proposal		0	8
NS0810	Thesis Research		0	8
NS0810	Thesis Research		0	8

NS0810 must be taken twice.

Four JPME courses taught by the Naval War College satellite program may be added with a 5th quarter

Course Number	Title	Credits	Lecture Hours	Lab Hours
NW3230	Strategy and War		4	2
NW3275	Joint Maritime Operations - part 1		4	0
NW3276	Joint Maritime Operations - part 2		2	2
NW3285	Theater Security Decision Making		4	0

International and US civilian students must complete the following:

Course Number	Title	Credits	Lecture Hours	Lab Hours
NS3005	Great Power Conflict in Modern History		4	0
NS3011	Research and Writing for National Security Affairs		4	0
NS3024	Introduction to International Relations		4	0
NS4253	Seminar on Technology and Strategic Planning		4	0
NS4677	Space and International Security		4	0
NS4990	Seminar in Strategic Studies		4	0
SS3011	Space Technology and Applications		3	0
SS3610	Space Communications Systems: Fundamentals and Analysis		4	2
PH2514	Introduction to the Space Environment		4	0
PH3052	Physics of Space and Airborne Sensor Systems		4	0

Three electives from courses approved by the sponsor.

Three courses associated with the degree must be at the 4000 level.

Thesis-Related Courses - Required

Course Number	Title	Credits	Lecture Hours	Lab Hours
NS4080	Thesis Proposal		0	8
NS0810	Thesis Research		0	8
NS0810	Thesis Research		0	8

NS0810 must be taken twice.

Educational Skill Requirements (ESR)

1. Understand the basic physics of orbital mechanics and the space environment.
2. Demonstrate an ability to examine the design of orbits and constellations and explain how spacecraft maneuver and transfer to other orbits.
3. Understand critical space technologies and the military uses of space, as well as the role of commercial space systems.
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of military satellite communications, systems design, and applications, including terminal design, telemetry control, and IO/IW implications.
5. Understand joint space doctrine and the role of space in force enhancement, including for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, missile tracking, launch detection, environmental monitoring, and position, navigation, and timing.
6. Demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of international relations.
7. Understand the history and current dynamics of Great Power Competition and its linkages to U.S. national strategy.
8. Demonstrate an ability to analyze national security space challenges as affected by international space politics, law, and treaties.
9. Understand the interaction between technology and strategic planning, as well as adaptation in military organizations.