National Defense University - For the Development of National Security Strategy

The National Defense University at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC is a unique undertaking. It fills the void for institutions of higher education engaged in intensive training, education and development of civilian and military leaders to address international security challenges and participate in the development of national security strategy.

Led by its President, Navy Vice Adm. Ann. E. Rondeau, it aims to create strategic leaders and decision makers in national and international security through academic programs and research initiatives and to build persistent learning communities to sustain and enhance the capabilities of graduates over their entire career.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and chartered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, its vision is to be the pre-eminent institution for education, research, and outreach in national and international security.

The university was created to integrate diversified and specialized learning programs used by the U.S. military forces. The constituent institutions like the National War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces facilitate development of better strategy through more comprehensive study programs that bring together specialized learning programs of the various constituent forces, diplomatic education and industrial education to address the increasing complexity of strategy formulation and technology.

History of the National Defense University

http://www.ndu.edu/info/history.cfm

National Defense University on Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_University

The University includes various colleges in Washginton DC, research centers and special components like the Centre for Joint and Strategic Logistics under its umbrella. It is authorized to award four masters degrees, namely a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies, a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy, a Master of Science in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy, by the U.S. Department of Education.

Its graduate degree programs are also accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association. The research center publishes and circulates analyses, research, journals, papers, and other support to various U.S. Government agencies.

Colleges and schools

http://www.ndu.edu/colleges.cfm

Research and applied learning

http://www.ndu.edu/research.cfm

Through its International Student Management Office and International Outreach programs, NDU manages activities and University-level projects involving foreign governments, security assistance programs for select members if the international defense community and ensures promotion of national interest by enabling cross-cultural understanding and closer military and diplomatic ties.

International Outreach

http://www.ndu.edu/international_outreach.cfm

International Student Management Office

http://www.ndu.edu/ismo/

The NDU has been achieving its goals and fulfilling directives very effectively, as evident from the long list of publications and distinguished alumni. The academic affairs section on its website is a good place to start for those aspiring to join any of its educational programs.