NPS Launches AI Master’s Program for Military Leaders

As the U.S. Department of Defense intensifies efforts to maintain technological superiority over global adversaries, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has launched a pioneering master’s degree program in artificial intelligence, tailored exclusively for military officers and defense professionals. The initiative, which was reported in DefenseScoop under the headline “Naval Postgraduate School launches first formal AI master’s degree program tailored for defense,” aims to equip warfighters with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and deploy AI-enabled systems in complex operational environments.

Announced in December 2025, the new program is part of the DoD’s broader strategy to accelerate the integration of emerging technologies into national defense. The curriculum blends advanced coursework in machine learning, data science, robotics, and human-machine teaming, with a strong emphasis on practical military applications. According to NPS leaders, the program is designed to address the growing need for technically proficient military personnel who can both understand the limits of artificial intelligence and effectively translate its capabilities into strategic advantage.

Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, president of NPS, emphasized the importance of building a technological leadership bench within the military that can meaningfully apply innovation on the battlefield. “We can’t just rely on external vendors or civilian experts,” Garvin reportedly said. “We need our own people—those who understand combat situations firsthand—to shape how AI is developed and deployed.”

The AI-focused degree is part of the larger NPS transformation initiative known as “NPS Next,” which centers on aligning academic offerings with the Defense Department’s modernization needs. The first cohort of students, who include officers from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force, began the program earlier this year and are expected to graduate in 2026.

The DefenseScoop article highlighted that the program took several years of planning, and incorporates insights from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), DARPA, and U.S. Cyber Command, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to AI education. Faculty at NPS collaborated with these agencies to ensure that the coursework remains responsive to the real-world requirements of active-duty personnel and evolving threats.

Critically, the initiative is about more than just technical training. NPS officials assert that the degree is designed to foster critical thinking about the ethical, legal, and strategic implications of AI in warfare—issues that continue to challenge policymakers and military leaders alike. With adversaries like China aggressively investing in autonomous systems and algorithmic warfare, the United States is seeking to ensure its strategic edge is not only retained but responsibly exercised.

While the AI master’s degree at NPS is the first of its kind tailored specifically for defense, it may serve as a model for future educational programs that aim to anchor innovation in operational insight. For now, it represents a significant step forward in preparing the military for a future in which artificial intelligence will undoubtedly play an increasingly central role.