About the Course

The Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program (CHDS ELP) is a unique, educational opportunity for senior-level homeland security and public safety leaders at the forefront of the nation’s homeland security mission. The curriculum includes strategy and policy discussions, collaboration, and networking with leaders from agencies at the local, state, and federal levels as well as the private sector.

The Executive Leaders Program consists of three one-week in-residence sessions over a nine-month period. Each of the sessions is conducted at the CHDS campus in Monterey, CA or the campus in Potomac, MD. Details can be found here. 

CHDS Programs are part of the DHS Academic Programs that provide its employees degrees and/or professional development opportunities for Coast Guard civilians and military at Department of Defense Senior Service Schools and other academic institutions. Application periods vary, and programs are added throughout the year

Training Objectives

Participants gain an understanding and appreciation of multiple agencies’ missions and how to think more inclusively and globally about homeland security.  

Funding

This non-degree program is fully funded by a FEMA grant, to include travel, lodging, and meals/per diem. Civilian participants will be required to sign a Continuing Service Agreement if selected to participate. The service obligation for Executive Leaders Program is 12 months.

Education

There is no degree requirement for this program. 

Any individual who has completed a degree under a Department of Homeland Security graduate academic program within the last three years is not eligible to apply.

Location

Naval Postgraduate School campus in Monterey, CA and Potomac, MD.

Duration

There are three one-week in-residence sessions during a year.  Attendance and participation are required at all three sessions.

Eligibility Requirements

This program is designed for Active Duty O5-O6 (with Command endorsement), Active duty enlisted E8-E9 and exceptional E7s (with Command endorsement) and GS14 and 15 (or equivalent) leaders.

Federal employees who have been with DHS for at least 1 (one) year at the time the application is due are eligible to apply. Any individual who has completed a degree under a Department of Homeland Security Graduate Academic Program within the last three years is not eligible to apply.

Employees must have achieved at least a “Meets Expectations” or equivalent on their most recent review and must be in good standing.

Timeframe

Participants attend three in-person sessions at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and the William F. Bolger Center in Potomac, MD, which are typically scheduled quarterly. A combined virtual session with the Emergence Program is planned, contingent upon CHDS scheduling availability.

Application Procedures

Please pay close attention, as the process is different for civilian and military personnel. 
 
Civilian: Please note that BOTH a DHS nomination and CHDS application are required. Applicants are encouraged to complete both applications at the same time. 

1.  DHS nomination packages are due to the CG POC (listed below) by 08 MAY 2026. Access the DHS CHDS ELP application here. 

2. CHDS applications are located on the CHDS website and are submitted through the application portal on that page NLT 30 MAY 2026. Find the CHDS ELP website here. 

Military: A single application to the CHDS programs is required. Applications are located on the CHDS website and are submitted via the website by 30 MAY 2026. 

Once you submit your application, please send an email to the CG POC (below) for tracking purposes. Include only your name, program name, and dates for which you applied. 

Selection Process

All nominations will be prescreened based on the eligibility requirements listed in the criteria and forwarded to DHS for concurrence. Nomination by DHS does not guarantee selection for the program. CHDS will review all applications submitted and will make final selections based upon the school's acceptance criteria into the program.

Please note: FC-LDR considers the CHDS Executive Leaders Program as mission essential training for the purpose TDY travel.  However, upon acceptance into this program, please route all TDY travel in accordance with the requirements set forth in ALCOAST 307/25, Updated Guidance to Required Clearance for Non-Mission Critical Domestic and International Travel and Speaking Engagements.

Program Manager

Ms. Alyssa Lombardi Blase, email: SMB-COMDT-DHSAcademicProgramsAdministration@uscg.mil 

Additional Information

CHDS Homepage