Navy Program

The Joint Program offers a master’s degree program for U.S. Naval Officers, and more than 100 officers have received this degree dating back to the first award in 1970.  The U.S. Navy manages the initial application process for Naval Officers prior to consideration by the Joint Program.

The Navy application process is detailed in a naval message released each June/July (2024 NAVADMIN link).

The application deadline for U.S. Naval Officers is October 1.
Applications are submitted online (see How to Apply and Navy (SM) Online Application).

Naval Officers can be considered for admission to the master's degree program in either two disciplines: the Applied Ocean Science and Engineering (AOSE) and Physical Oceanography (PO). The master's degree program is suitable for motivated students with undergraduate degrees in geoscience, physics, chemistry, mathematics, or engineering. The program is designed to be completed in 27 months (two years and a summer). The first year, students matriculate in June and begin research with an advisor before taking classes in September.  In the second year, the student conducts research and thesis work, culminating in a SM thesis. This must be signed off by the advisor and Chair of the disciplinary committee (AOSE or PO).  Within the PO discipline, it is recommended to give a public presentation of the work.

GRE Scores are not required for admission to the Joint Program.

Application to either discipline includes letters of recommendation, including academic references. For consideration for admission to AOSE, applicants choose  Mechanical Engineering as their MIT Department. Typical undergraduate preparation for each discipline is described here.

Other Information

Navy students are required to conduct research at WHOI for one summer.  AOSE students generally live near MIT at least for their first year, because most of their initial classes will likely be taught at MIT.

Summer and transient housing for JP students residing in Woods Hole is guaranteed; family housing is subject to availability.

Check with the WHOI housing office at housing@whoi.edu for details.

Deferral by one year is an option with approval of Navy and Associate Dean.