History The idea for a graduate education program for naval officers first emerged in the late 19th century, but initially the concept found few advocates. With Marconi's invention of the "wireless" in 1901, the Wright brothers' flight in 1903, and the global trek of the steam-powered White Fleet from 1907 to 1909, belief that advanced education for U.S. naval officers could be intrinsically valuable to the Navy gained support.
On June 9, 1909, less than four months after the completion of the record-setting world cruise of the Great White Fleet, Secretary of the Navy George von L. Meyer signed General Order No. 27, establishing a school of marine engineering at Annapolis.
This small program, consisting of ten officer students and two Navy instructors, would later become today's Naval Postgraduate School. The Navy secretary's order placed the fledgling school under the direction of the Naval Academy superintendent, who was charged with "securing ample use of the educational plant of the Naval Academy to students and instructors of the school without interfering with the instruction of midshipmen." This translated into two attic rooms being set aside for classroom and laboratory space for the school.
Within three years, Meyer agreed to a proposal to change the school. On Oct. 31, 1912, he signed Navy General Order No. 233, which renamed the school the Postgraduate Department of the Naval Academy. The order established courses of study in ordnance and gunnery, electrical engineering, radio-telegraphy, naval construction and civil engineering, as well as continuing the original program in marine engineering. With the additional curricula, enrollment increased to 25. Officers who attended the school finished their academic programs at civilian institutions such as Yale, Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins and Columbia Universities.
During World War II, Fleet Admiral Ernest King, chief of naval operations and commanderin- chief of both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, established a commission to review the role of graduate education in the Navy. The recommendations from this group, the Pye Commission, were regarded highly within the Navy and Congress. In 1945, Congress passed legislation to make the school a fully accredited, degree-granting graduate institution. Two years later, Congress adopted legislation authorizing the purchase of an independent campus for the school.
A post-war review team, which had examined 25 sites nationwide, had recommended the old Hotel Del Monte as a new home for the Postgraduate School. The Navy had come to Monterey during World War II, leasing the Hotel Del Monte in early 1943 for a preflight training school, and subsequently using the facility for other training programs.
Negotiations with the Del Monte Properties Company led to the purchase of the hotel and 627 acres of surrounding land for $2.13 million. In December 1951, in a move virtually unparalleled in the history of academe, the Postgraduate School moved lock, stock and wind tunnel across the nation, establishing its current campus in Monterey. The coast-to-coast move involved 500 students, about 100 faculty and staff and thousands of pounds of books and research equipment. Rear Adm. Ernest Edward Herrmann supervised the move that pumped new vitality into the Navy's efforts to advance naval science and technology.
Since that time, the student population at the Postgraduate School has grown to 1,800, with students coming from all service branches of the U.S. defense community, as well as from the Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Homeland Security and the services of more than 60 allied nations. Today, the school provides more than 40 programs of study, ranging from the traditional engineering and physical sciences to the homeland security and rapidly evolving space science programs.
NPS at a GlanceThe SchoolThe Naval Postgraduate School is an academic institution whose emphasis is on study and research programs relevant to the Navy's interests, as well as to the interests of other arms of the Department of Defense and U.S. allies and coalition partners. The programs are designed to accommodate the unique requirements of the military.
The CampusLocated in Monterey, Calif., on the Pacific Ocean 140 miles south of San Francisco, the Naval Postgraduate School campus covers 627 acres of land. The site, which has been home to NPS since 1951, houses state-of-the-art laboratories, numerous academic buildings, a great federal repository library, government housing and impressive recreational facilities.
The StudentsMore than 1,800 students attend the Naval Postgraduate School. The student body consists of officers from the five U.S. uniformed services, officers from approximately 60 other countries and civilian employees.
Selection of officers for fully funded graduate education is based on outstanding professional performance as an officer, promotion potential and a strong academic background.
The FacultyThe faculty, the majority of whom are civilian, is drawn from a broad diversity of educational institutions and represents a world-class collection of scholars. Faculty/student interaction is high. Every class is taught directly by a faculty member—over 99 percent have a Ph.D.
Economic ImpactThe Naval Postgraduate School's impact upon the Central California coast by the numbers:
• 2,807—Total number of faculty, students and staff members (military and civilian)
• $161.3M—Total annual salaries (faculty, students and staff)
• $112.9M—Total annual spendable income
• $34.5M—Total value of goods and services purchased annually in thecommunity
• $11M—Contracts for local construction and support services
• $6M—Estimated local credit card purchases
• $5-6M—Local contracts and purchases for grants/research projects
• $3.18M—Value to hotels & restaurants from short courses & conferences
• $1.6M—Amount of goods and services purchased for recreation programs
• $14.88M—Value of 1,030 rental leases in the community
Degrees Conferred
The Naval Postgraduate School offers courses leading to advanced degrees in a variety of fields:
Master of Arts Degree National Security Affairs
Master of Science DegreeAeronautical Engineering; Applied Mathematics; Applied Physics; Applied Science; Astronautical Engineering; Computer Science; Defense Analysis; Electrical Engineering; Engineering Acoustics; Engineering Science;Information Technology Management; International Resource Planning and Management; Management; Materials Science and Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Meteorology; Meteorology and Physical Oceanography; Modeling; Virtual Environments and Simulation; Operations Research; Physical Oceanography; Physics; Systems Engineering; Systems Technology; Software Engineering.
Engineer DegreeAeronautical and Astronautical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer.
Doctor of PhilosophyAeronautical and Astronautical Engineer, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Meteorology, Operations Research, Physical Oceanography, Physics, Systems Management, Software Engineering.
Doctor of EngineeringAeronautical and Astronautical Engineer, Engineering Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering.
Directions to the Naval Postgraduate SchoolFrom the North • Take U.S. Route 101 South to Prunedale.
• At Prunedale, take CA Route 156 (West) to CA Route 1 (South).
• Proceed on CA Route 1 (South) to Monterey.
• Take the Del Monte Avenue exit.
• Follow the signs to Del Monte Avenue.
• Stay in the left hand lane and take a left onto Sloat Avenue.
• Follow Sloat Avenue and enter via the 9th/10th Street gate.
From the South
• Take U.S. Highway 5 North to Sacramento.
• At Lost Hills, take CA Route 46 west to Paso Robles.
• At Paso Robles, take US Route 101 north to Salinas. At Salinas, take CA Route 68 west to Monterey.
• Take the "Monterey Exit" off of CA Route 1 (south).
• Stay in the left hand lane of the exit. Turn left at the first light onto Aguajito Road.
• Follow Aguajito south to and take a left at Mark Thomas Drive.
• Follow Mark Thomas Drive and take a left onto Sloat Avenue.
• Follow Sloat Avenue and enter via the 9th/10th Street gate.
From Monterey Peninsula Airport • Upon leaving passenger terminal, Olmstead Road bears to the right, away from runway.
• Take first right onto Garden Road.
• Take Garden Road westbound for approximately 2 miles to first stop light and make a left onto Mark Thomas Drive.
• Proceed on Mark Thomas Drive to first traffic light.
• Take a right onto Sloat Avenue.
• Follow Sloat Avenue and enter via the 9th/10th Street gate.
In-Processing
Students report to the Student Services office in the lower level of Herrmann Hall upon checkin; students arriving after working hours or on the weekends may check in at the Quarterdeck on the main floor of Herrmann Hall. It is recommended to arrive one week before the beginning of classes to complete the check-in process. Military faculty and staff should report to the chain of command in their respective school, program or office.
Student OrientationNew student orientation is held in NPS's King Hall Auditorium on the Tuesday before classes begin. The new student orientation will take the entire day and begins at 9 a.m. Each graduate school also conducts its own student orientation. Dates and times for graduate school orientations vary among schools.
Student ServicesNPS Student Services is a student-centered team of professionals committed to empowering students to achieve their educational and personal goals. The Department of Student Services (DOSS) office provides administrative and military support services to students during their course of study at the Naval Postgraduate School.
Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) MontereyPSD Monterey is located at NPS Building 300. PSD Monterey's mission is to provide administrative, personnel, pay, and transportation support. In addition to servicing active duty and DoD civilian personnel, PSD Monterey serves the local retiree population. PSD Monterey is dedicated to providing quality services to its customers including active, reserve and retired personnel. Contact PSD Monterey through email or the customer service phone number (831) 656-4073.
Services include but not limited to:
• DEERS/RAPIDS support
• Family and member Identification Cards
• Transportation services
• Pay/personnel and advancement services Registrar
Upon arriving at NPS, students arriving with orders in hand must check in at the registrar's office. As the registrar maintains the school's official academic records, students are obliged to respond to that office on all matters pertaining to courses and grades, and students are responsible for meeting all deadlines for adds, withdrawals, incompletes, thesis submissions, etc.
A student's academic record is his/her own responsibility, and it must not be assumed that professors, program officers or others are taking care of these matters. The registrar's staff welcomes conscientious attention to these important details through visits to their office.
Other Parts of Campus LifeDress/Attire RegulationsThe school dress code is in effect at NPS Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., (except holidays) or at any other time when meeting with and greeting visiting personnel in an official capacity. The academic quad, the library and the Presidio of Monterey Army Health Clinic and Naval Medical Administration Unit (NMAU) constitute locations where this dress code is in effect. Personnel in an offduty status going to and from the Navy Exchange, U.S. Post Office, and other facilities located on the grounds are not required to conform to the school attire dress code described in this instruction, but will always present a neat, orderly appearance. Military uniform regulations for grooming shall be met at all times.
Civilian Clothing
Appropriate civilian business casual attire is authorized for students while attending NPS. The school dress code described below will be in effect at NPS Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., (except Tuesdays, which are uniform days, and holidays). Students shall ensure that their dress and personal appearance are appropriate for the occasion and will bring credit to themselves and the military services.
Students are expected to dress and conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to a business environment at all times while on campus. Business casual does not have a requirement for a coat or tie. However, it includes a dress quality collared shirt or turtleneck and dress slacks for men and either a dress or dress blouse, dress slacks/skirt for women. Shirt and shoes should be of similar style and quality. Socks are required. Pressed khakis and turtlenecks are acceptable but do not include collarless shirts and flight deck jerseys. Logos on the collar or extreme logos elsewhere on the garment are not permitted. The uniform equivalent to "business casual" consists of Service Khaki for Navy and the opencollared equivalent uniform for other services.
Library ServicesThe NPS Dudley Knox Library supports the academic and research requirements of the faculty, student body and staff through the provision of books, journal literature and research reports literature (classified and unclassified) in both hard copy and microfilm. A pre-calculus and calculus video refresher is also available. Services offered include direct reference assistance and computerized on-line searching. A telephone paging service is available during all hours that the library is open.
Campus SafetyThe NPS Safety Office, located in Building 436, (831) 656-2822, is responsible for overseeing safety conditions at NPS and its satellite areas. Students should, when feasible, attempt to resolve unsafe or unhealthy conditions personally and on the spot. The Safety Office supervisor is responsible for resolving difficult, persistent or pervasive safety problems. Traffic safety problems should be brought to the attention of NPS Security for referral to the Traffic Safety Council. Any mishaps involving military personnel occurring on or off duty shall be reported to the Quarterdeck (831) 656-2441/2442.
Student LockersStudent lockers are available in limited quantities and are assigned by program offices. Lockers are for storing unclassified materials only (books, notebooks, etc.) and should not be used for storage of classified material.
Student ParkingTraffic regulations are strictly enforced at NPS. A high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lot is located behind the mechanical engineering auditorium. Lot "D" behind the west wing of Herrmann Hall and the combined bachelor quarters (CBQ) residents' parking spaces are the only restricted parking spaces on campus. Students may park in any other green- or brownmarked spots. Students parking outside the school grounds are reminded not to block local residents' driveways and should be aware of posted local parking regulations.
To obtain on-base vehicle decals, applicants must provide a liability insurance information card, vehicle registration, driver's license, license plate numbers, current military/DoD civilian employee ID card, and current DoD vehicle decal number (if any). Student car-pooling is strongly encouraged due to limited parking spaces on base.
Command Sponsor ProgramAn effective, well-administered Command Sponsor Program benefits all personnel by reducing apprehensions normally associated with any permanent change of station (PCS) move. Current students will serve as a sponsor to U.S. military students at least twice during their tour at NPS. Student Services sends a welcome aboard message to new USN students.
Sponsors assigned to U.S. Army (USA), U.S. Air Force (USAF), U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) students will send a welcome aboard email to incoming students from these service branches. Everything a new student will need is on the web; hardcopy packages are no longer produced. Sponsoring incoming students is one of the few additional military duties required of all U.S. military students at NPS.
Sponsoring International Students
An international sponsor is an ambassador of goodwill. Entering a new and different culture is seldom easy and the sponsor program is designed to help an international NPS student adjust to American life. The sponsor in turn benefits from this unique opportunity to meet and become acquainted with a foreign military officer and his or her family (current students will serve as a sponsor to international military students at least once during their tour at NPS).
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
FFSC is dedicated to providing personal assistance and support to all military personnel and military family members of NPS and its tenant commands. The FFSC is located at 1280 Leahy Road, La Mesa Village, (831) 656-3060/3141. The FFSC helps single servicemembers and families with the following programs: information and referral, relocation assistance, transition assistance (for those separating or retiring from the military), spouse employment assistance, counseling (individual, family and marital), and family advocacy.
Child Development Center (CDC)NPS' Child Development Center is a division of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The CDC is located in the La Mesa housing area next to La Mesa Elementary School (directly across from the Housing Welcome Center). The program offers affordable, quality early childhood programs in a child-oriented, family supportive environment for military and DoD family members ages 6 weeks through 5 years. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fees are on a sliding scale and based on total family income.
Leave PolicyRegular leave will be granted to students during designated vacation periods, i.e. Christmas and summer break. Regular leave may be granted during the academic year on a not-tointerfere basis with assigned studies. Student Services Officers will approve and forward student leave requests by fax to the personnel management agencies of all student's services.
NPS' Command Duty Officer (CDO) may grant leave for cases arising outside of normal working hours (i.e., weekend or 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. PST). Emergency leave will be granted depending upon the merits of each individual case.
President's Electronic Suggestion BoxNPS' electronic suggestions box is available to all students to provide immediate suggestions to the superintendent and NPS' executive board. Your suggestion is very important! Please answer each question fully and provide us as much detail as possible. The suggestion box can only be used while on base, within NPS' firewall.
President Student Council (PSC)The purpose of the President Student Council (PSC) is to facilitate effective communication and understanding among student officers assigned to NPS and the NPS administration. Its function is to bring forth new ideas and to provide feedback and recommendations to improve the quality of NPS student life. The president of the PSC interfaces with the NPS President directly and on occasion through the dean of students, the provost, and other senior faculty and staff officers. The committee is composed of volunteer representatives from each curriculum and meets monthly.
Student Spouse ClubThe Officer Student Spouse Club (OSSC) is an organization for the spouses of students attending NPS. The club holds a business meeting and a social function each month. Spouses of new students can expect an invitation to participate within the first several weeks of reporting. The club also offers a wide variety of activities.
Charity DrivesStudents will have an opportunity to participate in scheduled DoD-recognized charity campaigns. The DoD-wide efforts in which NPS participates are the Combined Federal Campaign; Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society Fund Drive; and the Navy Blood Donor program. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in these drives or the corresponding programs of their respective services. A designated NPS officer for each drive will coordinate these charitable efforts through student services and the section leaders.
La Mesa Ride-Share ProgramNPS and La Mesa Residence Association (LMRA) have instituted a "Ride Share Program" between NPS and the La Mesa housing area. It is designed to encourage carpooling because parking is limited at NPS.
LMRA area reps helped identify five La Mesa locations to put up signs (Ride Share to NPS). Three locations have also been chosen at NPS (Ride Share to La Mesa).
Navy LodgeLocated in the La Mesa Village with 72 air conditioned units and private baths. Fully equipped kitchenette (dishes, pots, pans, etc.), microwave, dining table, cable TV (HBO), VCRs, free daily in-room coffee, free local telephone calls, direct dial AT&T service, free daily newspaper, hairdryer, radio/clock, snack vending, ice machines, on-site laundry facilities, playground and picnic grounds. Also available at no charge are cribs, highchairs, rollaways, irons and ironing boards.
Dining, Lodging and MWR
Campus OfferingsThe Del Monte HotelContinuing the tradition of excellence in one of the most beautiful places in the world...the Del Monte Hotel established a reputation as "The Most Elegant Seaside Resort in the World" and "America's Most Loved Resort." Living history paraded through its corridors as its notable guest list expanded, including Presidents McKinley, Hayes, Harrison and Teddy Roosevelt; General William Tecumseh Sherman, General "Black Jack" Pershing, Charles Lindbergh, Hawaiian Monarch King Kalakaua and England's Marquis of Queensberry. The personalities who helped make its Club Del Monte "the Queen of American Watering Places" include Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, W.C. Fields, Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway, Clark Gable, Eleanor Roosevelt, Will Rogers, Gloria Vanderbilt, Salvador Dali, Walt Disney, Marlene Dietrich, Douglas Fairbanks, Ronald Reagan and Teddy Roosevelt.
The Club Del Monte staff continues its historic tradition of serving its customers great food in the elegant setting of the historic Del Monte Hotel. The executive chef, Hugh Butler, has worked at the world famous Greenbrier Hotel and Resort, The Quail Lodge, Pebble Beach Resort, as well as owned and operated two of his own restaurants. Only the freshest fruits and vegetables are purchased from "America's bread basket" in Salinas Valley. Additionally, the freshest seafood, right from Fisherman's Wharf, is purchased less than 2 miles from the kitchen.
The Trident RoomOriginally called the Del Monte Tap Room and renamed the Trident Lounge in 1952 when the Navy took over operation of the Old Club Del Monte, the Trident is perhaps one of the most famous bars in American history. Featured are ten draft beers, from the "standards" to a great assortment of microbrews, all served in NPS' own Trident Mugs. Also offered are a variety of wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. The newly renovated Trident Room is located in Herrmann Hall, Building 220, on the ground floor, and is open weekdays and Saturdays.
Beverage service hours
Monday and Wednesday, 4 to 10 p.m.
Thursday and Friday, 3 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, 4 to 9 p.m.
Dinner service hours
Monday through Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.
Families may order meals to take out or to enjoy in the Trident Room. Children are allowed in the Trident Bar if accompanied by a parent. Check out the great social hour specials and hors d'oeuvres that are made with customers in mind. Come for the food, stay for the fun. Phone: (831) 656-2170.
The El Prado Dining RoomThe El Prado Dining Room is located on the ground floor of Herrmann Hall, Building 220. Seating up to 150 guests and up to 200 reception guests, the Spanish style El Prado Room is a unique site for both meetings and weddings. Details such as the hand-set tile fountain and wrought-iron sconces are visible throughout. The room can be divided to accommodate a varying number of guests. It is open on weekdays for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; closed weekends and federal holidays. For more information call MWR at (831) 656-2170.
Breakfast in the El Prado
Breakfast is served continental style with an assortment of breads and breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, cold cereals, yogurt, juices, and a choice tea and coffee selection. Hot breakfast options range from pancakes, waffles, French toast and oatmeal to scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. The menu varies daily.
Ala carte breakfastMonday through Friday, 6:45 to 10:45 a.m.
Hot breakfastMonday through Friday, 6:45 to 9 a.m.
Lunch in the El Prado Room
Patrons may select from several hot entrees with side dishes, salad bar, soups and chili, and/or made-to-order sandwiches. Specialty menus are offered every Friday in addition to daily specials. Monday through Friday, 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dinner in the El Prado
Enjoy dinner in an elegant setting with white tablecloths, flowers, and piano music. Reasonably priced for the whole family. Each weeknight features various specials to go alongside the regular menu. Monday through Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.
Cafe Del MonteCafe Del Monte is located next to the Knox Library. Open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Saturday and federal holidays. Open for lunch 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Catering
Club Del Monte catering is available for special occasions of all kinds, sizes and complexities. A quality event is not complete without memorable first-class service. When choosing Club Del Monte for an event, the catering department will assist with the utmost in quality and service. Each of the gathering rooms will be catered using the finest foods and beverages. There are rooms ranging in size from intimate patios and alcoves to the grandeur of the great ballroom. Whether planning holiday parties, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, hail and farewells, conferences, or any other special event, Club Del Monte catering department is here to take care of all the details.
