US NAVAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE NAVAL STUDIES CERTIFICATE INTEGRATED COHORT APPLICATION
Date Signed: 1/30/2023 | MARADMINS Number: 052/23
MARADMINS : 052/23

R 300800Z JAN 23
MARADMIN 052/23
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG EDCOM PRES MCU QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/US NAVAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE NAVAL STUDIES CERTIFICATE INTEGRATED COHORT APPLICATION//
REF/A/MSGID: MSG/SECNAV/171700ZJJAN20//
NARR/REF/A IS ALNAV 009/20, SECNAV VECTOR 7//
POC/A. GARRETT/GS14/DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT/TEL: 703-432-5608/EMAIL: ALPHONSO.GARRETT@USNCC.EDU//
1.  The United States Naval Community College (USNCC) continues to assess the relevance of its Naval Studies Certificate to the naval operating forces.  As such, starting 28 May 2023 and concluding 12 May 2024, a cohort of 250 Sailors and Marines with specific operational experience in a naval integrated environment will participate in five college level courses that comprise the Naval Studies Certificate.  The purpose of this pilot program is to enhance naval integration education and awareness across the Navy and Marine Corps’ enlisted population.  To help determine the Naval Studies Certificate’s relevancy, command leadership and students will provide feedback to the USNCC during the program and upon the student’s completion of the certificate.
2.  The five undergraduate level courses that comprise the Naval Studies Certificate are:  Naval Ethics and Leadership; Modern Naval History; Naval Force Design; Civilian/Military Relations, Organization, and American Government; and Introduction to the Geopolitical Environment.  Each course will be delivered asynchronously online at no cost to the student or the command and is intended to be completed during the service member’s off duty time.  Additional information on the USNCC Naval Studies Certificate, including course descriptions, may be found on the USNCC website at https:(slash)(slash)www.usncc.edu/Academics/Degree-Programs/Naval-Studies-Certificate/.
3.  Eligibility for this cohort is current or prior operational experience within the last two tours or assignments in an integrated naval operational environment.  Expeditionary Strike Group, Marine Expeditionary Force, Amphibious Readiness Group, Marine Expeditionary Unit, or similar task organizations are examples of operational naval integrated commands.  The only academic prerequisite is the prior completion of English 101, College Level Examination Program, High School Advanced Placement English, or equivalent.  Commanding officers may waive this requirement if an otherwise qualified Sailor or Marine demonstrates strong written communications skills. 
4.  Starting 1 February 2023, commands will screen and nominate eligible Sailors and Marines to the USNCC no later than (NLT) 31 March 2023.  Nomination implies command endorsement and confirms that nominees have sufficient time, interest, and ability to complete all five college level courses while at the current command.  Completion at the current command is imperative in order for the USNCC to receive timely command feedback, measure operational readiness, and service member/student impact on naval integration as a result of certificate program completion.
5.  Selection and notification will begin 24 April 2023 and conclude NLT 15 May 2023.
6.  Upon successful completion of the five courses, students will be presented the Naval Studies Certificate awarded by the USNCC President, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.  College credit will be awarded for the successful completion of these courses and may be applied to undergraduate level degree programs.  Students who desire to pursue an associate degree in a naval relevant concentration area offered by the USNCC will receive priority placement for admission upon successful completion of this USNCC certificate program.
7.  Commands (at the E8/E9/O4 and above level) may submit nominations electronically via the USNCC website. (https:(slash)(slash)www.usncc.edu/). 
8.  Release authorized by Brigadier General Maura M. Hennigan, President, Marine Corps University.//