The Leadership Education and Development Program

The Leadership Education and Development Program

The faculty and staff at the University of Maryland (UMD) and the United States Naval Academy welcome you to the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program. This unique program was jointly designed by UMD and the United States Naval Academy to prepare officers for the responsibilities of a Company Officer at the Academy, and as leaders throughout their careers, through graduate education based on current practices, accepted theory, and research.

The program is taught by faculty who are knowledgeable in a wide range of disciplines including group dynamics, information technology, ethics, trend analysis and Department of Defense policy. Graduates receive a Master's degree of Professional Studies in Leadership Education and Development from the University of Maryland upon successful completion of course work.

"...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





Frequently Asked Questions



What do Company Officers do?

Lead and mentor a company of approximately 150 midshipmen. Company Officers can also teach the Leadership courses (NL 110 first semester and NL 310 second semester), and act as officer representatives for sports teams or extra curricular activities. Past Company Officers have unanimously commented that their tours were among the most rewarding of their careers. No other billet at the Naval Academy has as much impact on the attitudes and leadership capabilities of the Brigade of Midshipmen.


What rank and designator are required to participate in the LEAD Program?

LEAD students are Navy and Marine Corps O-3s or junior O-4s from any of the line communities. A representative selection of Surface Warfare Officers, Submariners, Aviators and Marines are selected to fill each years class.


How long are Company Officer tours?

Officers spend twelve months as full-time students at UMD, and two years as Company Officers in Bancroft Hall.


Is duty at the Naval Academy career-enhancing?

It can be. Not only are you awarded a Master's degree from the University of Maryland, but you also receive a 4500-series subspecialty code. Fitness reports are signed by a senior O-6 or O-7 and are highly competitive. Many Company Officers have gone on to attain flag rank. Additionally, the Naval War College Fleet Seminar Program is offered on-site weekly for those interested in completing JPME I and an additional Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.


How do I get selected for the program?

Like any advanced degree program in the Navy, acceptance into the LEAD Program is competitive. The first step is to inform your detailer that you're interested in the program. An abbreviated copy of your OSR (and a few of the detailer’s own comments) are forwarded to PERS-444. The package will then be sent to Annapolis where it is chopped by the USNA Personnel Officer, the LEAD Program Director, the Commandant of Midshipmen, and the Naval Academy Superintendent. Some warfare specialties require a personal interview by the type commander. Again, start with your detailer. If they are unable to help, contact the LEAD Program Director at USNA.


Do I have to be a Naval Academy graduate to be a Company Officer?

No. In fact, we actively pursue a mix of academy and non-academy graduates from all communities.


Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT?

No. All officers with accredited bachelor’s degrees meet the entry requirements.


Is there any commitment associated with the program?

Like any one-year graduate educational program provided by the Navy, you will incur a three-year obligation to remain on active duty. The first two years of your commitment are served as a Company Officer and the final year is served in follow-on orders after your tour at USNA.


Is the course work hard?

Not overly so, but at the same time, it's not an easy degree either. Officers are full-time students the first year at USNA for good reason: they're busy doing course work. Class work consists of considerable reading, as well as analyzing pertinent articles, studying selections from the course text and reviewing case studies. Courses require research projects and paper writing. In general, students should possess basic undergraduate math skills and above average reading and writing ability. Specific course information is available on the UMD LEAD web site.


If I'm accepted into the LEAD Program, when do I have to report?

Orientation generally begins in early June. The LEAD class graduates the following May, on the Friday after the Midshipmen graduation and commissioning. Graduates then transfer over to the Bancroft Hall side of the Yard to start work as Company Officers for two years.


Where do Company Officers live in Annapolis?

Officers ordered in as Company Officers are eligible for government housing around the Annapolis complex. The beautiful Annapolis area also has many homes for rent or sale in the surrounding communities. Specific questions should be directed to the USNA Housing Office.