NPS Defense Project Management Programs Achieve Esteemed Accreditation Recognition

The Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) has granted full accreditation to four project management degree programs at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) this Fall. These programs include the Master of Science in Defense Program Management, the Master of Science in Program Management through NPS Online, and both resident and distance learning Advanced Acquisition Studies certificate programs.

GAC accreditation highlights the increasing emphasis on new acquisition strategies detailed in the National Defense Industrial Strategy released in January 2024. These strategies prioritize reducing development times and costs and enhancing scalability. NPS provides mid-career military and civilian students with the opportunity to synergize real-world experience with advanced education and research to tackle program management challenges effectively.

Dr. Bob Mortlock, associate chair of the Defense Management Department, emphasizes the unique position of NPS’s programs: “This accreditation reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in course delivery and graduate quality, distinguishing us in the realm of project management education globally.”

Graduating from these programs with globally recognized project management certification bolsters the impact on the Navy and enhances U.S. national security. Established in 2001, the GAC stands as a pivotal body in ensuring the excellence of project management degree programs worldwide, accrediting over 135 programs across 22 countries.

NPS’s alignment with GAC’s stringent accreditation standards involves comprehensive evaluation, including program objectives, faculty performance, and continuous improvements. The GAC’s evaluation report applauded NPS for its focus on student success and the development of competent project managers. The program’s connection to defense acquisition as a complex discipline was also praised, as it encompasses planning, budgeting, and modeling essential for defense procurement.

Dr. Mortlock underscored the program’s distinction: “Our program is unique in its defense relevance, student body, and faculty. It is unparalleled in aligning education with acquisition research focused on defense needs.”

The accreditation granted is valid for five years, until August 31, 2029.