Courses

Naval Science courses cover a broad variety of topics to ensure all midshipmen receive the proper technical training prior to commissioning in the Navy or Marine Corps. The specific courses and a short description of each are listed below.

NS 302 - Intro to Naval Science:

A general introduction to seapower and the naval service, including the mission, organization, regulations, warfare components, and personal programs. All midshipmen take this course.

NS 312 - Seapower and Maritime Affairs:

A consideration of the influence of seapower, naval history, and maritime affairs on current events and national policy. All midshipmen take this course.

NS 315 - Naval Engineering:

An introduction to naval engineering and propulsion systems including theoretical background. Only Navy option midshipmen take this course.

NS 316 - Naval Weapon Systems:

An introduction to types and purposes of naval weapon systems currently employed by the naval service. Only Navy option midshipmen take this course.

NS 326 - Evolution of Warfare:

The purpose of Evolution of Warfare is to imbue students with an understanding of the origins of modern warfighting theory through an analysis of historical philosophies, domains, tactics and technology.  Through a study of military history, students explore the timeless fundamentals of armed conflict as well as the central role of innovation.  They will apply these fundamental warfighting concepts to historic amphibious and expeditionary operations through guided analysis and decision games.  After completing this course, students should possess a basic warfighting mindset, as well as a toolbox of historical examples that they can reference in future decisions.  They should also leave with an appreciation for interactive teaching methods that they can utilize with their future Marines and Sailors.

NS 329 - Navigation and Naval Operations I:

An introduction to piloting, a survey of navigational aids, and a study of the Rules of the Nautical Road. Only Navy option midshipmen and Officer Candidates take this course.

NS 330 - Leadership and Ethics:

Principles of leadership and ethics reinforced through seminar discussion and case studies. Discussion of the duties and responsibilities of a naval officer. All members of the program are required to take this class.

NS 335 - Leadership and Management:

Study of leadership and management theory in organizations, with emphasis on examining the leadership process in the context of the dynamic interaction of the leader, the followers and the situation. All members of the program are required to take this class.

NS 336 - Fundamentals of Maneuver Warfare:

The purpose of Fundamentals of Maneuver Warfare is to introduce the core principles and history of the United States Marine Corps as the premier organization in maneuver warfare. This course blends theoretical knowledge with practical insights, utilizing historical examples from past military operations and current doctrine to develop critical thinkers and scholars in the profession of arms. While historical case studies are integral to the course, the focus will be on understanding and assessing the foundational principles they illustrate. The aim is to foster professional development, creating officers or students capable of critical thinking and effective decision-making in complex and deteriorating situations, rather than producing individuals who merely memorize and regurgitate facts. 

NS 369 - Navigation and Naval Operations II:

Study of advanced navigation, communications, shipboard evolutions and operations, naval warfare doctrine and joint operations and an introduction to relative motion and the maneuvering board. Only Navy option midshipmen and Officer Candidates take this course.