The National Defense University (NDU) primarily serves U.S. military officers and senior civilian leaders, and its programs are mostly taught in English. The institution's language requirements typically apply to non-native English speakers, ensuring that all students can fully participate in coursework, lectures, and discussions, which are conducted in English.

General Language Requirements:

• English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers are usually required to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The exact score requirements can vary based on the specific program.
• For example, typical minimum TOEFL score requirements might be around:
  • TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 80–100 (with higher scores expected for graduate-level programs)
  • IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5–7.0 on the academic module
• Exceptions: U.S. citizens and those who have completed their education in English-speaking countries may not be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Since NDU focuses on high-level defense and security studies, students must be able to understand and communicate effectively in English, particularly for technical, strategic, and policy-oriented content. If English proficiency is in question, applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation or undergo an English language assessment as part of the admission process.

However, the exact language requirements can vary by the program or the applicant's background, so it's recommended to check directly with NDU's admissions office or program coordinators for specific details.

Application Instructions - College of Information and Cyberspace

National Defense University (NDU) is a U.S. federal institution that focuses on educating senior military and civilian leaders to support national security objectives. It offers advanced programs tailored to the strategic, operational, and tactical needs of defense and security professionals. Here are the primary course specialties offered by NDU:

1. Strategic Security and Defense Studies

• NDU’s core mission is to train leaders in national security, defense strategy, and policy. This includes understanding global security challenges and U.S. national security objectives, as well as planning and executing defense policies.
• Programs emphasize strategic thinking in international relations, military operations, and the integration of economic, political, and military strategies.

2. Military Leadership and Command

• NDU specializes in educating military leaders in joint operations, command and control, and leadership strategies. These programs are designed for senior officers to refine their leadership skills and improve their ability to manage complex multinational operations.
• Programs such as the U.S. Army War College, Naval War College, and Air War College integrate practical leadership training with strategic education.

3. Cybersecurity and Information Warfare

• NDU offers specialized courses in cybersecurity, focusing on the protection of national security systems and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
• The College of Information and Cyberspace focuses on training students in cyber operations, information warfare, and cyber defense, all essential for maintaining national security in an increasingly digital world.

4. International Security Studies

• Many programs emphasize global security issues, including international diplomacy, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution. Students gain expertise in analyzing security threats from both state and non-state actors, including emerging security concerns like terrorism and transnational crime.
• The Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) at NDU supports the study of international relations, foreign policy, and regional security issues.

5. Defense and Resource Management

• NDU offers courses related to defense budget management, resource allocation, and defense procurement. These programs prepare students to manage defense resources efficiently and ensure the military is well-equipped for future challenges.
• The Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) provides training on the intersection of defense management, economics, and national security, with a focus on supply chain logistics, contract management, and strategic resource allocation.

6. Strategic Communications

• NDU offers programs that train students in the strategic use of communication to support national defense objectives. This includes courses on public diplomacy, media relations, and psychological operations.
• The National War College includes a focus on effective communication strategies within the defense community and with international stakeholders.

7. Joint and Coalition Warfare

• One of NDU’s strengths is its focus on joint and coalition warfare, where students are trained to work within multi-service and multi-national teams.
• Courses explore how different branches of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) and allied forces can effectively work together in unified military operations.

8. National Defense Strategy and Policy

• Students at NDU study the development of U.S. national defense strategies and policies, including how they align with broader national security objectives. These programs focus on understanding military deterrence, force projection, and interagency coordination to protect U.S. interests globally.

9. Homeland Security

• NDU also addresses issues related to homeland security, including emergency management, disaster response, and counterterrorism. Programs focus on coordination between federal, state, and local agencies in response to threats within U.S. borders.

10. Graduate Programs

• NDU offers several graduate-level programs such as:
  • Master of Science in National Security Strategy
  • Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence
  • Master of Science in Joint Warfare
• These programs integrate theory with practice, preparing students for high-level strategic decision-making roles.

Institutes and Colleges at NDU:

• National War College (NWC): Focuses on strategy and policy at the senior military and civilian leadership level.
• Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF): Specializes in defense resource management and national security decision-making.
• College of International Security Affairs (CISA): Provides education on strategic security, including counterterrorism and international defense policy.
• Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC): Provides education and training for military officers and civilians involved in joint, interagency, and multinational operations.

Overall, National Defense University is renowned for its specialized programs aimed at preparing senior leaders to tackle complex global security issues, manage defense resources, and lead military operations in a rapidly evolving security environment.

Research

Programs and Courses

Scholarships on the Basis of Academic Excellence

International student help

Employment

The National Defense University (NDU) hosts a faculty of esteemed scholars, former senior military officers, and top-level experts in the fields of national security, defense, and international relations. These professors are recognized for their expertise in military strategy, security studies, cyber defense, and foreign policy.

While there isn’t a widely recognized list of “top professors” specific to NDU, some notable faculty members have made significant contributions to their fields. Here are a few examples of top professors or influential figures who have been associated with NDU:

1. Dr. Richard C. Green

• Role: Professor of Strategy and National Security Affairs
• Expertise: Dr. Green has extensive experience in strategic leadership, defense policy, and international security, and has taught senior military officers and government officials about global strategic challenges.

2. Dr. Christopher P. Meagher

• Role: Senior Fellow and Professor
• Expertise: A leading expert in defense policy, national security, and cybersecurity, Dr. Meagher has contributed to research on military strategy, cyber threats, and the intersection of technology with defense policy.

3. Dr. Thomas G. Mahnken

• Role: Professor and Director of Research
• Expertise: An expert in military strategy and security studies, Dr. Mahnken has written extensively on military innovation, U.S. defense strategy, and the strategic use of military force in international relations. He is a leading scholar in military history and modern warfare.

4. General (Ret.) James N. Mattis

• Role: Former Faculty (visiting professor)
• Expertise: Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and four-star Marine Corps General James Mattis has taught at NDU, sharing his insights on military strategy, leadership, and international security. He is one of the most prominent figures in defense and security.

5. Dr. David L. Albright

• Role: Senior Fellow
• Expertise: Dr. Albright is a nuclear security expert, focusing on weapons of mass destruction, nuclear nonproliferation, and strategic defense initiatives. He has been instrumental in research related to global security and the implications of nuclear strategy.

NDU's Distinguished Guest Lecturers

In addition to the core faculty, high-level military and civilian leaders frequently lecture at NDU, offering students the opportunity to learn directly from top-tier leaders and scholars in defense, diplomacy, and global security. These guest speakers often include former heads of state, military generals, high-ranking government officials, and leading academics.

The National Defense University (NDU) does not have direct associations with the Nobel Prize, as it primarily focuses on educating military and civilian leaders in national security, defense, and strategic studies. The Nobel Prize is awarded in various fields such as Peace, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economic Sciences, and it is typically not linked to universities that specialize in military strategy or defense.

However, there are certain Nobel Peace Prize laureates who have been involved in defense, security, or peace studies and may have affiliations with NDU. For instance, individuals who have played significant roles in international diplomacy, conflict resolution, or peacekeeping efforts might have connections to institutions like NDU, especially in programs related to international security or strategic studies.

While NDU itself does not produce Nobel Prize winners, its role in strategic defense education and its connection with U.S. military leaders means its graduates may contribute to efforts that have significant implications for peace and international security, indirectly aligning with the mission of the Nobel Peace Prize.