Increasing NPS Enrollment: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Implementing Distributed Learning and the Masters of Business Administration Programs.

摘要

This thesis examines the effects of the Distributed Learning (DL) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programs on NPS enrollment. In recent years, enrollment at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has significantly declined. To reverse this trend, NPS is considering shortening a student s required time-on-station to earn a master's degree. Shortening the time an officer spends at NPS may increase enrollment, as a quick return to the fleet is likely to attract support from both Navy leadership and prospective students. Our thesis research evaluated the current strategies to increase NPS enrollment: Distributed Learning (DL), and the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programs. Our objective was to provide NPS leadership with a viable course of action that increases student enrollment while providing a quality education. We conducted a detailed cost/benefit analysis of current time-on-station reduction strategies. Our research included a student survey, stakeholder interviews, a thorough application of Little s Law, and a collection of relevant enrollment, promotion, and graduate education data. We concluded that the DL and MBA programs will reduce NPS resident enrollment and may reduce the quality of resident student. However, the DL program significantly benefits all stakeholders, but one. Currently, the Navy provides no incentives for prospective students to embrace DL.