MSC invests significantly in their leaders of today and in growing their leaders for tomorrow by promoting and supporting our employees in many Federal Government, DoD, DON and private institution leadership programs each year. Leadership programs have detailed application guidelines, are grade specific and courses vary in length of time. Below you will find a brief description of each program and additional information is available by accessing the links below.
For application requirements contact MSC POC Catie Coleson catherine.a.coleson.civ@us.navy.mil; 757-341-6507.
Click here for FY 25 PROGRAM APPLICATION DUE DATES FOR LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS - FY2025 SCHEDULE
Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
ELDP is a very physically and mentally demanding ten-month program that provides participants extensive exposure to the roles and mission of DoD. The program helps participants develop a greater understanding and appreciation of what war fighters refer to as being "at the tip of the spear." The sponsor for this program is the Department of Defense.
Executive Leadership Program (ELP)
ELP is a nine-month program strategically designed around three program components; it is developed under the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) designed by OPM with an emphasis on Leading People. Training focuses on competencies such as Team Building, Conflict Management, External Awareness, and Critical Thinking. As part of leading teams, the participants will work with an experiential learning team throughout the nine-month program. Developmental assignments focus on developing the self as well as others. Throughout the course, participants will complete Graduate School USA's Leadership Effectiveness Inventory, a 360-degree assessment, and complete a three-day assignment "shadowing" a federal manager or executive at the GS 13 to Senior Executive Service level. This program provides training and developmental experiences for individuals through experiential learning and individual development opportunities. The sponsor for this program is the Graduate School USA, a private, nonprofit educational institution based in Washington, D.C.
Executive Potential Program (EPP)
EPP is a twelve-month (four weeks residential) competency-based leadership development program that provides training and developmental experiences for high-potential GS 13-15s and prepares them to lead effectively at senior levels in the federal government. The curriculum is focused on the ECQs of leading change and transforming senior managers into change leaders. The course prepares participants for senior leadership positions within the federal government. It assesses and develops participants' aptitude and capabilities in relation to the ECQs through a variety of experiential training methods. Participants learn to think and work strategically to meet visions and goals of the organization. The sponsor for this program is the Graduate School USA, a private, nonprofit educational institution based in Washington, D.C.
Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Data Science Certificate (DSC)
The NPS Data Science Certificate is a one-year Master’s degree level academic certificate that provides education in the use of data science methods to gain insights from large, complex data sets. The program consists of four courses in cyber data management and analytics, advanced data analysis, machine learning and data mining, and statistical and machine learning. The program sponsor is the Navy. Postgraduate School, and classes are delivered via Video Teleconferencing.
Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Navy Senior Leader Seminar (NSLS)
The Navy Senior Leader Seminar (NSLS) provides senior Navy Officers, Civilians and Command Master Chiefs with an intensive five-day executive education program that focuses on learning best leadership practices in strategic thinking, goal setting, effects-based thinking, risk management, financial management, innovative thinking, strategic communication, and organizational change. The program provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and lead increasingly complex Navy and DoD organizations. Learning is enhanced using case studies, seminar-style discussions, small-team exercises, practical applications, and peer-learning. The program sponsor is the Navy. Postgraduate School, and classes are delivered in person at NPS Monterey, CA.
Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Leadership and Communication for Managerial Success (LCMS)
NPS LCMS is a four-day, hands-on workshop for senior supervisors who want to improve their leadership and communication skills. The LCMS course is designed to help senior supervisors to know themselves better, understand and manage the strengths and biases they bring to their workgroups, and develop critical skills for leading others. By the end of the course, participants will create personal leadership development plans incorporating the many techniques and insights gained. The course will focus on what the supervisor can do to create a climate of trust, empowerment, confidence, and commitment. The program sponsor is the Navy Postgraduate School, and classes are delivered virtually.
Naval War College (NWC) Intermediate or Senior Level Program
NWC Intermediate or Senior Level Program is a ten-month program providing students with exceptional opportunities to join senior and intermediate level U.S. and International military leaders in an intensive, ten month program of national security studies in Newport, Rhode Island. It is an accredited Joint Professional Military Education Institution and the graduates who satisfactorily complete course requirements earn a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies (senior level college) or Defense and Strategic Studies (intermediate level college). Applicants must have significant government service in a senior professional position, a strong potential for selection to positions in the Senior Executive Service, the ability to interact on an even level with military officers at the O-5/O-6 levels, a Baccalaureate degree, and at least a secret security clearance. This program aims to provide a rigorous professional military graduate level academic program to help prepare for senior leadership positions in national security. The sponsor for this program is the Naval War College.
Navy Capitol Hill Workshop (NCHW)
NCHW is a four-day class that provides opportunities for DON members to receive a first-hand understanding of Congressional processes and procedures. They will also be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of Members of Congress. They will receive briefings specifically tailored for the Navy on current status and insider analysis of legislative issues. The sponsor for this program is the Government Affairs Institute, a private, nonprofit organization affiliated with Georgetown University. The workshop is focused to employees who work in policy, congressional affairs, regulatory and legal offices.
Navy Insight into Industry Management Course (3IMC)
The two-week course is a concentrated business curriculum designed to enhance students’ knowledge of industry relationships, challenges, financial considerations, metrics, corporate culture and business management. Students will graduate with new found tools and techniques to help them execute their roles in supporting and leading acquisition programs.
New Leader Program (NLP)
NLP is a six-month program that aims to develop future public service leaders by providing assessment, experiential learning, and individual development opportunities. Participants benefit from a solid foundation of leadership skills and team building, enhanced by developmental experiences. The sponsor for this program is the Graduate School USA, a private, nonprofit educational institution based in Washington, D.C.
Old Dominion University (ODU) Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership (GCPSL) Program
ODU GCPSL is a ten-month program for middle and upper management. This unique opportunity is provided to broaden the experience and increase leadership capability for high potential civilian leaders below the executive level. The GCPSL will include four 10week sessions in Financial Management, Contracting Principles, Strategic Management, and Cyber Security. The sponsor for this program is the Old Dominion University.
University of Denver, Transportation Institute (DTI) Executive Master’s Degree
This eighteen-month program builds a unique leadership skillset for the next generation of senior leaders in the transportation, logistics, and supply chain industries. The curriculum consists of 20 courses for 60-quarter hours of academic credit and is presented in an integrated, interdisciplinary, and industry-relevant method. There will be seven trips over the eighteen- month period. The sponsor for this program is the University of Denver. Student is responsible for two-thirds of tuition cost which may be offset by school scholarship, GI Bill, and/or financial aid.
Washington Executive Seminar (WES)
WES is a two week or 10 day competency- based leadership development program for high-potential executives at the GS 14-15 levels or equivalent. The program theme is “Leadership in a Political World.” The program objective is to equip leaders with the information, tools, and experience they need to lead in a political environment. The WES curriculum is focused on the Office of Personnel and Management’s Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) framework with an emphasis on External Awareness, Political Savvy, Influencing and Negotiating, and Oral Communications. Program components include individual development, experiential learning, and assessment. Learners also complete a team project that is due at the end of the session and may require collaborative work outside of the classroom. The sponsor for this program is the Graduate School USA, a private, nonprofit educational institution based in Washington, D.C.
White House Leadership Development Program (WHLDP)
This one year fellowship is a unique growth opportunity focused on developing high potential career GS-15s poised to enter the next generation of career senior executives. The programs aim is to strengthen enterprise leadership across the government to address challenges facing the civil service.Placement assignments are within agencies in the National Capital Region. The sponsor for this program is the Executive Office of the President.
More Information
Open dates for submitting applications will be published throughout the year in advance of the L&DPs’ application periods. Application packages are submitted through applicant's supervisory chain to N1 Training Administration at MSC_Ashore_Training@us.navy.mil. Employees selected to attend the program may be required to sign and fulfill a continued service agreement.
Questions regarding programs may be referred to Ms. Catie Coleson at (757) 757-341-6507, or via email at Catherine.a.coleson.civ@us.navy.mil.