Military & Families: Advancing Your Mission at UC San Diego

GPS is dedicated to supporting active-duty military personnel, reserve officers and veterans as they transition into high-impact civilian careers or advance their military service.

Located in San Diego—a premier global military hub—GPS offers a rigorous, analytically focused curriculum designed to translate your leadership experience into strategic global decision-making.

Why Choose GPS?

1. Approved Civilian Institution for the Navy 2300 Subspecialty
   UC San Diego is an approved civilian institution for the Navy's Political-Military National Security/International Relations and Diplomacy 2300 Subspecialty 680 curriculum. By pursuing our Security of the Asia-Pacific track, you directly fulfill these curricular Educational Skill Requirements (ESRs). Detailed tracking is available through the NPS CIVINS portal.
2. Proud Yellow Ribbon School
   We actively participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to help veteran students cover out-of-state tuition and fees that exceed the standard Post-9/11 GI Bill cap.
3. Dedicated Support Systems
   From a streamlined application process to dedicated on-campus veterans' resources, we ensure you have the structural support needed to balance academic excellence with family life.

Financing Your Education & VA Benefits

Navigating your educational benefits is simple with our dedicated support teams.

• VA Benefits & Program Fees: If you plan to utilize veterans' educational benefits, contact our School Certifying Official (SCO) early. The SCO will help you determine if the overall program fee is covered or if there are specific, non-covered fees you need to plan for.
• Application Fee Waivers: To honor your service, UC San Diego offers a graduate application fee waiver to all U.S. veterans and active-duty U.S. military personnel. Request your waiver code from our admissions team before submitting your application.
• Summer Prep Program: If you are utilizing external funding, check with your funding source to confirm payment eligibility before opting into our summer prep courses.

Comprehensive Campus & Family Resources

San Diego is home to 12 major military installations providing unparalleled local personnel services, MWR facilities and medical care. On campus, we provide a robust network of resources to ensure your entire family thrives.