College of Distance Learning PME

Master of Military Operational Art & Science

Curriculum

OLMP path

The Online Master’s Program curriculum is an intermediate developmental education (IDE) master’s degree program designed to produce more effective officers serving in operational-level command or staff positions. The program fosters the development of higher order thinking by challenging students to think critically about applying airpower in joint campaign planning at the operational level of war through curriculum covering such topics as contemporary Air Force operations, national security, leadership, and joint warfare. More importantly, students can participate in a learning opportunity that is focused on the needs of the modern warfighter— gaining knowledge and developing skills that will serve them now, throughout the remainder of their military careers, and once they leave the military. The MMOAS is offered in four concentrations and all four concentrations are separate from ACSC’s traditional nonresident IDE program. Upon successful completion of any of the MMOAS concentrations, students earn an accredited MMOAS degree. The MMOAS – Joint Warfare concentration also awards Joint Professional Military Education Phase I (JPME I) credit. Each course requires 10 to 15 hours of work per week. Due to the level of work required, new students can take only one course each term; however, they may be approved to take two courses per term after they have successfully completed their first three courses. Tuition is free and there is no active-duty service commitment associated with the program; however, students incur the cost of required books, personal computer(s), and Internet connectivity. Additionally, students will require access to a common access card (CAC)-enabled system for registration and enrollment. Students who work steadily should complete their master’s degree in two years; however, students have up to five years to meet degree requirements. Due to the inherent flexibility of the program, student deployments, unique duty schedules, and job or personal demands while enrolled can be easily managed. Students can manage their course schedules to coincide with personal and professional commitments.

 

Student Handbook

Student Handbook

 

Research Topics

Research Topics

 

The MMOAS produces graduates who are able to…

  1. Demonstrate creative thinking, critical analysis, and persuasive communications about airpower and operational problem solving.
  2. Apply principles of leadership and ethics to decision-making based on the shared values of the profession of arms.
  3. Apply the capabilities, limitations, and integration of the instruments of national power across the spectrum of competition, conflict, and war.
  4. Analyze operational environments marked by complexity, uncertainty, and surprise.
  5. Apply military theory, doctrine, strategic guidance, and joint warfighting principles to plan for all-domain, globally integrated operations.
  6. Explain the conduct of contemporary and emerging warfare.

Refer to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2670, Total Force Development, for general eligibility requirements. Additionally, see the sections below.

The Joint Warfare Concentration

Grants IDE, JPME-I, and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science Degree.

The Joint Warfare Concentration is specifically designed to prepare majors for the increased leadership and joint duty responsibilities they will face as they progress through their careers in the Air Force and Space Force. Graduates of this concentration will receive credit for IDE, JPME Phase I, and a Master of Military OperationalArt and Science degree.

US Air Force and US Space Force: Eligible personnel include O-4 selects and above who are on active duty or in the AFRES and ANG. Individuals who have completed IDE are still eligible. However, individuals who have already completed an Advanced Degree are ineligible.

Civilians: Full-time Department of the Air Force civilians in grades GS-12 through GS-14, or equivalent with a minimum of two years of federal service by the last day of the applicant window (Not Waiverable). Individuals who have completed IDE are eligible.  However, individuals who have completed an Advanced Degree are ineligible. Air Force civilians should contact AFPC CD Program manager, Mr. Brenton McCollum, brenton.mccollum.2@us.af.mil or your functional career field team (CFT) if you have any questions.

US Sister Service (Military): Eligible personnel include O-4, O-4 selects and above on Active Duty or in the Guard or Reserves.  Individuals who have completed IDE are eligible.  However, individuals who have completed an Advanced Degree are ineligible.  Sister Service acceptance into the program is limited by space availability within the program.  

Note for US Army: Army officers will not enroll in other than Army schools without written approval of the DCS, G-3/5/7 (Director of Training) per Army Regulation (AR) 350-1.

Nuclear Weapons Concentration 

Grants Master of Military Operational Art and Science Degree. Does NOT grant IDE or JPME-I but grants eligibility to take the shortened "ACSC Supplemental" course once reaching minimum rank.

The Nuclear Weapons Concentration leverages the Nuclear Weapons Effects, Policy, and Proliferation (NWEPP) Certificate Program administered by the Air Force Institute of Technology. The concentration is specifically designed to award 12 credit hours in nuclear weapons studies to NWEPP graduates once they have completed the MMOAS online application, are admitted to the MMOAS, and have completed the seven core MMOAS courses. Students graduating from the nuclear weapons concentration will receive the Master of Military Operational Art and Science and get a jump-start on their PME requirements.

AFIT, in coordination with Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), determines eligibility and entry into the NWEPP Certificate Program. NWEPP graduates who also meet the eligibility requirements for the MMOAS may apply for enrollment into the nuclear weapons concentration.

Eligible personnel include Air Force and Space Force O-3s thru O-5s who:

1. have total active federal commissioned service of six or more years,
2. do not have a master’s degree.

Leadership Concentration

Grants Master of Military Operational Art and Science Degree. Does NOT grant IDE or JPME-I but grants eligibility to take the shortened "ACSC Supplemental" course once reaching minimum rank.

The Leadership Concentration is specifically designed to prepare captains for the leadership responsibilities they will face as they progress through their careers in the Air Force and Space Force. The academic program consists of 11 courses (seven core and four concentration) for a total of 33 semester hours of credit. Students graduating from the leadership concentration will receive the Master of Military Operational Art and Science and get a jump-start on their PME requirements.

Eligible personnel include Air Force and Space Force active duty O-3s who:

1. have total active federal commissioned service of six or more years,
2. have completed Squadron Officer School (SOS) (resident or online), and
3. do not have a master’s degree.

There are limited opportunities for Guard and Reserve O-3s who meet all other requirements to participate in the Leadership Concentration. Contact the Guard or Reserve headquarters for more information.

Operational Warfare Concentration

Grants Master of Military Operational Art and Science Degree. Does NOT grant IDE or JPME-I but grants eligibility to take the shortened "ACSC Supplemental" course once reaching minimum rank.

The Operational Warfare Concentration leverages the Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) programs conducted by the USAF Weapons School. The concentration is specifically designed to award 12 credit hours in operational warfare studies toward the MMOAS to WIC graduates once they have completed the MMOAS online application, are admitted to the MMOAS , and have completed the seven core MMOAS courses. Students graduating from the operational warfare concentration will receive the Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree and get a jump-start on their PME requirements.

Eligible personnel include only Air Force and Space Force O-3s thru O-5s who:

1. graduates from WIC after January 2009,
2. have total active federal commissioned service of six or more years, 
3. do not have a master’s degree.

Military:  

Before applying, students must confirm that their official record accurately reflects all degrees earned. Refer to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) to check official records. Contact AFIT/RRC (DSN 785-6234) to update your information.

Please download and follow our detailed step-by-step program enrollment guide (with screenshots) here.  A CAC card is required to complete the enrollment process.

Civilians:  Applicants must apply through the Civilian Development (CD) annual nomination call in the Jan/Feb timeframe through MyVector. More information is available on the OLMP My FSS website. Please contact AFPC CD Program manager, Mr. Brenton McCollum, brenton.mccollum.2@us.af.mil or your functional career field team (CFT) if you have any questions.

Course Descriptions: 

For course descriptions and requirements, see the Air University Academic Catalog.

For an outline of required courses, see the Program Map

 

To apply for MMOAS graduation, download the Graduation Information Request form and submit it via email to au.gcpme.olmp@us.af.mil.