Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Graduate Fellowship Program
Stored: Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Graduate Fellowship Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction |
| Top Organization | Department of Defense |
| Creation Legislation | National Defense Authorization Act |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Fellowship trains DoD and agency grads in CWMD expertise, linking tech and policy for strategic leadership. |
| Program Start | 2012 |
| Initial Funding | Not publicly specified; part of DoD budget |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Graduate Fellowship Program (CWMD Fellowship) is a graduate education initiative administered by the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction (CSWMD) at National Defense University, under the Department of Defense, designed to train military and civilian personnel in countering weapons of mass destruction.
The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Graduate Fellowship Program offers specialized graduate education to DoD and interagency personnel, equipping them with expertise to advise on countering weapons of mass destruction (CWMD), aiming to bridge technical and policy fields, enhancing strategic CWMD policy development and leadership capabilities.
Notable aspects include its hybrid format—combining online and in-residence coursework—and access to classified materials and site visits, producing over 100 graduates since 2012 who serve in key CWMD roles across government.
Goals
- Provide a graduate-level education blending CWMD technical knowledge and policy skills.
- Prepare fellows to advise senior leaders on strategic CWMD issues, targeting enhanced decision-making capacity.
- Foster expertise through practical exposure, including site visits and classified briefings.
Organization
The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Graduate Fellowship Program is managed by the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction (CSWMD), a component of National Defense University under the Department of Defense.
CSWMD oversees curriculum development, faculty coordination, and program execution, partnering with Missouri State University’s Department of Defense and Strategic Studies for degree conferral.
Funding comes from DoD appropriations, primarily via the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, covering tuition and fees for DoD participants. The program’s leader holds the title of Director of the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, currently Seth Carus as of 2025.
History
The program was established in 2012 by the Department of Defense to address the growing need for personnel skilled in countering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, building on authority from the National Defense Authorization Act. It arose from a recognized gap in bridging technical CWMD expertise with policy application, formalized through collaboration between NDU and Missouri State University. Key milestones include its first graduating class in 2014 and expansion to include a Master of Science option alongside a Graduate Certificate. The program continues to evolve, with plans to increase enrollment and refine its curriculum based on emerging threats.
Funding
Initial funding specifics are not publicly detailed but were part of DoD’s budget under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs starting in 2012. DoD covers all costs—approximately $13,000 annually per participant—for its personnel, while non-DoD federal employees must secure their own funding. Ongoing financing is sustained through annual DoD appropriations, with no end date, supporting its hybrid delivery and specialized resources.
Implementation
The program is carried out through a hybrid model, with most coursework online during non-work hours and mandatory in-residence colloquiums, such as a week-long session for first-year students at NDU in Washington, D.C. Implementation began in 2012, offering a Graduate Certificate (15 credit hours) and a Master of Science (36 credit hours), with classes held at MSU’s Fairfax, VA campus or remotely. It has no fixed end date, operating as a continuous educational resource for CWMD professionals.
Related
External links
- https://wmdcenter.ndu.edu/Education/CWMD-Graduate-Fellowship-Program/
- https://www.defense.gov/
- wikipedia:National Defense University
