The Eisenhower School degree program includes participation in the National Defense University electives program, in which faculty from across NDU offer electives in the fall and spring on a variety of topics. The electives program provides students the opportunity to tailor their academic experience by exploring topics beyond the core curriculum or by investigating specific elements of the curriculum in greater detail.

Each elective is worth two credit hours, and at a minimum, Eisenhower students must complete one elective in the fall and one elective in the spring, for a total of four credit hours. Students may take an additional elective in the fall or spring for credit or audit, with the concurrence of the PFA, instructor, and Electives Director. An elective must attract a minimum number of students to take place. Classified electives are only open to cleared US students. Electives will be closed once they reach max class size. Elective courses convene Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1330-1525 over a 12-week period in the fall and in the spring (approximately 17 Sept. - 11 Dec. and 7 Jan. - 26 Mar., though this will change each year) with no classes Thanksgiving week.

Elective Open Houses: Details about electives, including course descriptions and class dates/times, are included in the NDU Electives Catalogue (on the NDU web site in early August). Students will learn more during student orientation and the NDU Electives Open Houses, where students can meet professors and obtain detailed course information. The electives program moves fast, especially in the fall, so do your homework. The fall Electives Open House is held in mid-August, and the spring Electives Open House is held in early October. Immediately after each Open House, students have one week to submit their electives preferences electronically. Preference forms must be filled out completely with alternatives or they will be rejected. Students may not get their top choices. Research electives require prior approval from the instructor. Your PFA is your initial POC or ask the ES Electives Director, Jim Turner.

Electives Concentrations: Certain electives taken together form a concentration, offering deeper study into a subject area (see Electives Catalog on the NDU SharePoint site). Students may pursue a concentration program to meet individual interests, specific career needs, or broaden professional development. Some ES students are required by their service or agency to complete a particular electives concentration (e.g., the Senior Acquisition Course, or SAC). International Fellows are automatically enrolled in the American Studies Program (ASP). SAC and ASP are their electives. Concentrations may their own requirements. Most concentrations are open to students across all NDU colleges; though there are a small number of “closed” elective concentrations. The Eisenhower School offers two concentrations—available only to Eisenhower students—SAC and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics (GSL).

Key dates:

August: Briefing on Electives, Concentrations, research options (orientation).
mid-August (1145-1330): Fall Electives Open House (LH South Atrium/ MH hall).
early October (1145-1300): Spring Electives Open House (LH South Atrium/ MH hall).

Watch for announcements listing the specific dates as they change each academic year.