LEAD Masters Program Frequently Asked Questions
- What do Company Officers do?
- What rank and designator are required to participate in the LEAD Program?
- How long are Company Officer tours?
- Is duty at the Naval Academy career-enhancing?
- How do I get selected for the program?
- Do I have to be a Naval Academy graduate to be a Company Officer?
- What classes will I take as part of the LEAD Curriculum?
- Is there any commitment associated with the program?
- If I'm accepted into the LEAD Program, when do I have to report?
- Where do Company Officers live in Annapolis?
- Do I have to take the GRE?
- What's the timeline for reporting?
- What do Company Officers do?
- The primary responsibility of a Company Officer is to lead and mentor a company of approximately 150 Midshipmen. There are 30 Companies, organized into six battalions, under the command of the Commandant of Midshipmen. Company Officers also have the opportunity to work with Midshipmen as Officer Representatives to sports teams and clubs, and teach courses including the leadership courses NL110, NL310, and warfare area specific practicum courses to 1/C Midshipmen. Past Company Officers have unanimously commented that their tours were among the most rewarding of their careers. No other billet at the Naval Academy has as much impact on the attitudes and leadership capabilities of the Brigade of Midshipmen.
Back to top. - What rank and designator are required to participate in the LEAD Program?
- LEAD students are Navy and Marine Corps O-3s or junior O-4s from any of the line communities. A representative selection of Surface Warfare Officers, Submariners, Aviators and Marines are selected to fill each years class.
Back to top. - How long are Company Officer tours?
- A total of three years. Officers spend twelve months as full-time students in conjunction with the Naval Postgraduate School while living in Annapolis, and two years as Company Officers in Bancroft Hall.
Back to top. - Is duty at the Naval Academy career-enhancing?
- Yes. Not only are you awarded a Master's degree, but you also receive a 4500-series(Navy) or 8803-series(USMC) subspecialty code. Fitness reports are signed by a senior O-6 and are highly competitive. Many Company Officers have gone on to attain flag rank. Additionally, both Navy and Marine Corps Officers must complete required JPME during this tour.
Back to top. - How do I get selected for the program?
- Be excellent! Acceptance into the LEAD Program is competitive, complete the application package found at this website in conjunction with the guidance found in the message traffic linked below...
- Do I have to be a Naval Academy graduate to be a Company Officer?
- No. In fact, we actively pursue a mix of academy and non-academy graduates from all communities.
Back to top. - What classes will I take as part of the LEAD Curriculum?
- The Professional Master's of Business Administration Curriculum includes 30-45 credit hours of courses built around seven fundamental themes: (1) Leadership theory and application; (2) group and organizational dynamics; (3) counseling and mentoring skills, (4) student development theory and applications; (5) college teaching and curriculum development, (6) military sociology, and (7) integration and application contextualized in the Navy environment.
Back to top.- Is there any commitment associated with the program?
- You will incur a three-year obligation to remain on active duty following completion of the one-year Master's Degree Program. However, your warfare community may have specific requirements for application to the LEAD Program that extend your commitment beyond those three years.
Back to top. - If I'm accepted into the LEAD Program, when do I have to report?
- LEAD participants report to the Naval Academy in May as classes begin early June. A LEAD class graduates the following May and then transfers over to Bancroft Hall to begin their tour as Company Officers and are heavily involved with Plebe Summer operations.
Back to top. - Where do Company Officers live in Annapolis?
- Officers ordered in as Company Officers are eligible for government housing around the Annapolis complex. The beautiful Annapolis area also has many homes for rent or sale in the surrounding communities. Specific questions should be directed to the USNA Housing Office.
Back to top. - Do I have to take the GRE?
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A GRE score is no longer a requirement of this program, though it can help to enhance your application.
- What's the timeline for reporting?
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Report date to USNA is 31 May to allow for orientation. Classes begin early June. Due to the intense one year nature of this program, beginning the academic program on time is required.
