The LEAD Master's Program

The Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program provides graduate education and preparation for talented, highly qualified Officers to serve as company officers at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and for continued future service in the Navy and Marine Corps.  The program develops students’ abilities to think critically and analytically, and focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for understanding, designing, and conducting leader and team development.

Officers selected for this fully-funded master's of science degree through the Naval Postgraduate School will report to Annapolis, Maryland for a 36 month tour.  One year will be dedicated to earning the master's degree, with a required two year follow-on commitment as a company officer at USNA. 

LCDR Lindsey Santiago, USN, serves as the USNA LEAD Program Manager at USNA, responsible for all aspects of program planning and execution, as well as coordination of administrative and logistical requirements between USNA and NPS. Contact: lsantiag@usna.edu

"...There was no more important or rewarding tour than as a Company Officer at USNA. I made lifelong friends, many of whom are now Commanding Officers at sea. There is no tour which had more impact on young people. The 'Leadership by example' opportunity is simply boundless." - Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, USNA Company Officer 1975-1978

"...No job is more important, and very few are more rewarding. I have many great memories of, and enduring friendships from, my tour as a company officer." - General C.C. Krulak, USMC (Ret.), USNA Company Officer 1970-1973