Program Overview

Senior Enlisted Academy Program Overview

The Senior Enlisted Academy is a part-resident, part-online program dedicated to developing adaptive, ethical leaders—and preparing them for greater responsibilities. In fact, successfully completing SEA has long been a requirement for promotion to command master chief or chief of the boat and, now, for advancement to E-9.

Advancing Your Career at SEA

SEA’s academic programming provides senior enlisted personnel with a solid understanding of national security strategy, joint force operations, and leadership skills. Coursework focuses on communications, management, ethics, and mission accomplishment in a global environment.

The SEA program lasts 7 weeks; including 3 weeks of facilitated distance learning, a 1-week nonacademic period, and finishing up with 3 weeks of in-residence education in Newport, RI.

Distance Learning Phase – Three weeks

During the distance learning phase, you will read, write papers, participate in activities, explore case studies, and interact with classmates and faculty members via our online learning system. Topics of focus include critical thinking, national security, commander’s intent, and threat.

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In-Residence Phase – Three weeks

The in-residence portion of your SEA experience builds upon what you have learned through distance learning. While on campus, you will attend seminars, hear from guest speakers, participate in group activities, work on physical conditioning, and, sometimes, take field trips.

Specific lessons include topics such as group dynamics, feedback skills, counseling and mentoring, and impromptu speaking.

• Eligibility