Olmsted Scholar Program

Established by General George Olmsted over five decades ago, the Olmsted Foundation sends American military officers to pursue graduate studies at foreign universities in topics ranging from political science and history to literature. But the true power of the Olmsted Scholar Program comes from the experience of full immersion in foreign countries and cultures across the globe. As they settle into their new home, the cultural differences in values, beliefs, and attitudes begin to broaden Scholars’ awareness of the people and society in their host country, including a better idea of how they view the United States. After two years of cultural immersion, Scholars grow intellectually, think differently, anticipate different perspectives and question assumptions. These qualities give Scholars a new perspective and openness that readies them for a lifetime of leadership challenges and responsibility in any environment whether it’s in the military or private sector. For more information, please go to www.olmstedfoundation.org. 

• Quota: 15-20 Active Duty Officers per year spread across all five branches of service.
• Degree available: 2.5 to 3 year Master's programs at a foreign university.
  
  • All programs are taught in a foreign language.
• Eligibility: Between 3 and 11 years of commissioned service, outstanding professional performance and promotion potential, demonstrated scholastic achievement, strong desire to study in a foreign language at a foreign university, approval of service career planners/detailers/assignment officers.
• Application: Officers interested in applying to become an Olmsted Scholar candidate may do so through their respective personnel headquarters. The Olmsted Foundation does not solicit or process Olmsted Scholar Program applications. Services nominate their top candidates to the Olmsted Foundation on an annual basis after designated screening boards review the applicants from each service.

MIT-Woods Hole Institution Joint Master's in Oceanography Program

The MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Joint Program is considered one of the world's most prestigious graduate degree programs in marine science, bringing together two great institutions: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The more than 1,000 alumni and alumnae include many of the world's scientific leaders in oceanography.

Two fields of study are offered through the program. The Applied Ocean Science and Engineering field of study is associated with the Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT and the Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department at WHOI. The Physical Oceanography field of study is associated with Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at MIT and the Department of Physical Oceanography at WHOI. Applicants must select the field for which they are applying during the application process.

Selectees are eligible for the 6402P subspecialty code (Operational Oceanography) after fully satisfying the educational skill requirements. Interested applicants should submit an online application and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results directly to the MIT-WHOI Joint Program.  Applicants must contact their detailer for counseling on the career impact of participation in the MIT-WHOI masters degree program. An endorsement letter from the detailer is required. 

FY 2027 MIT-WHOI NAVADMIN

Knight-Hennessy Scholar Program

Knight-Hennessy scholarships provide full funding for students to pursue graduate study at Stanford. This includes the JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS and PhD programs, as well as all joint-and dual-degrees. The program aims to prepare a new generation of leaders with a deep academic foundation and the broad skill set to develop creative solutions to effect positive change in the world. Knight-Hennessy scholars are selected based on criteria such as: independence of thought, purposeful leadership and a civic mindset. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is the largest fully endowed graduate fellowship in the world, and is funded through the generosity of Stanford Alumnus and Nike Inc. co-founder, Phil Knight, and numerous benefactors. The program is named for Mr. Knight and former Stanford President John Hennessy.

For application and deadline information, visit Stanford's Knight-Hennessy website.

Knight-Hennessy Scholarship to Stanford University.

• Degree available: Any graduate degree at Stanford
• Quota available: About 50 awarded per year from the U.S.; 100 worldwide, and growing
• Duration of course: 1-2 years per degree
• Qualifications:
  • You must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a college or university of recognized standing.
  • You are eligible to apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program if you applied during your final year of study for your first/bachelor's degree or within six years of earning your first/bachelor’s degree. U.S. military (active or veteran) applicants receive a two-year extension of eligibility due to service commitments.