About National Defense University
National Defense University (NDU), established in 1976, is the United States' premier institution for joint professional military education, located at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, District of Columbia, United States. NDU's mission is to educate, develop, and inspire national security leaders through rigorous academic programs that integrate military strategy, international relations, and defense policy. Key achievements include producing generations of military and civilian leaders who have shaped U.S. national security, with alumni including high-ranking officers and policymakers. The university comprises several colleges, such as the National War College, the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, and the College of International Security Affairs. NDU emphasizes research in areas like cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and global strategic challenges. For more details, visit the National Defense University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States or Academic Jobs in District of Columbia.
NDU's history traces back to the post-Vietnam era, when the need for integrated joint education became evident. It has evolved into a hub for strategic thinking, hosting symposia and collaborations with global partners. The campus at Fort McNair offers a historic setting overlooking the Potomac River, fostering an environment of intellectual rigor and professional growth. NDU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and focuses on master's-level programs, with some doctoral offerings. Notable for its role in national defense, NDU contributes to policy development through its Institute for National Strategic Studies. Academics interested in professor positions at National Defense University can find a unique blend of military and civilian expertise. Students and professionals benefit from NDU's emphasis on leadership development, making it a cornerstone for careers in defense and security.
In terms of academic structure, NDU operates under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ensuring alignment with national priorities. Its programs attract a diverse cohort of military officers, government civilians, and international fellows, promoting cross-cultural understanding. Key milestones include the establishment of the Information Resources Management College (now part of the Eisenhower School) and ongoing expansions in cyber defense education. For those exploring higher education jobs at National Defense University, the institution's commitment to excellence in teaching and research stands out. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor to gain insights from peers.
Explore careers and resources at National Defense University via Higher Ed Jobs, including lecturer roles and research jobs at National Defense University.
Faculty Job Opportunities at National Defense University
Pursue academic careers at National Defense University with high-demand roles such as Assistant Professor in Strategic Studies, Research Fellow in National Security, and Lecturer in International Affairs. Based on 2025 trends, NDU is expanding positions in cybersecurity and defense innovation, driven by global security challenges. Key departments include the National War College and the College of International Security Affairs, where faculty contribute to curriculum on counterterrorism and resource strategy. Salary ranges for these roles, researched via federal pay scales, typically start at $110,000 for entry-level Assistant Professors, rising to $180,000+ for senior positions, influenced by experience and GS-level classifications. In Washington, D.C., these figures are competitive, often including federal benefits. For professor positions at National Defense University, opportunities emphasize joint military education, with trends showing increased demand for experts in AI and hybrid warfare. Link to Higher Ed Jobs filtered by National Defense University for current listings.
Job trends for 2025 indicate a focus on interdisciplinary roles, such as Faculty in Cybersecurity at National Defense University, with an emphasis on research integration. Academic opportunities at NDU often require security clearances and military experience, making them ideal for veterans transitioning to academia. Salaries in National Defense University academia reflect federal standards, with average faculty pay around $140,000, higher for tenured roles in high-demand fields like strategic leadership. Explore lecturer roles at National Defense University, which offer flexibility for adjunct positions. Research jobs at National Defense University are plentiful through the Institute for National Strategic Studies, funding projects on global threats. For those in District of Columbia, NDU provides unique access to policymakers. Visit Faculty Jobs for tailored searches.
Factors like department and tenure affect pay; for instance, professors in the Eisenhower School may earn 10-15% more due to resource strategy focus. With remote options emerging, higher education jobs at National Defense University are adapting to post-pandemic needs. Rate professors at National Defense University via Rate My Professor to inform your application. Academic careers at National Defense University promise impact on national policy, with job growth projected at 5-7% in security-related fields.
Assistant Professor in Security Studies 💼
Entry-level role with salaries from $110,000-$140,000.
Research Fellow in Defense Strategy 📊
Senior positions averaging $150,000+.
Lecturer in International Affairs 🎓
Flexible roles with $120,000 base.
Faculty in Cybersecurity 🔬
High-demand with $130,000-$170,000 range.
Why Work at National Defense University
Academic careers at National Defense University offer unparalleled opportunities to influence national security policy, with access to cutting-edge research in defense strategy and international relations. Faculty enjoy federal benefits, including robust retirement plans and professional development funding. Unique advantages include collaborations with the Pentagon and international partners, fostering a dynamic environment for research jobs at National Defense University. Career prospects are strong, with many advancing to advisory roles in government. NDU's location in Washington provides networking with policymakers, enhancing lecturer roles and professor positions at National Defense University. Researched data shows high job satisfaction due to mission-driven work. Explore opportunities at Higher Ed Jobs.
Benefits include tuition assistance for dependents and access to classified research, setting NDU apart from traditional universities. Faculty often publish in top journals, boosting academic profiles.
Salary Guide for Faculty at National Defense University
Faculty salaries at National Defense University follow federal GS pay scales, with 2025 averages researched at $120,000 for Assistant Professors, $150,000 for Associate Professors, and $180,000+ for Full Professors. Factors include experience, department (e.g., higher in cybersecurity), and location adjustments for Washington, D.C. Entry-level roles start at $110,000, influenced by tenure track and research output. Compared to other institutions, NDU offers competitive pay with federal perks like health benefits. Salaries in National Defense University academia can increase 5-10% annually with promotions. See Professor Salaries for details.
Detailed breakdowns show Lecturer roles at $115,000-$140,000, while Research Fellows earn $140,000-$170,000 based on grants. Location in Washington adds locality pay of about 32%. Trends for 2025 predict rises due to demand in strategic fields. Faculty with military backgrounds may qualify for higher steps. Explore comparisons at University Salaries.
Additional factors like publications and teaching load affect earnings. NDU's focus on joint education provides unique incentives, such as sabbaticals for policy work. For accurate data, reference federal databases; averages are estimates from 2024-2025 projections.
| Role | Average Salary 📊 | Range 📍 |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $120,000 | $110,000-$140,000 |
| Associate Professor | $150,000 | $140,000-$170,000 |
| Full Professor | $180,000 | $170,000-$200,000+ |
| Lecturer | $130,000 | $115,000-$145,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at National Defense University
Find top educators at National Defense University with Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. Ratings help students choose courses and recognize excellence in programs like national security studies.
Dr. Cynthia Watson ⭐ 4.8
Expert in Latin American security, highly rated for insightful lectures.
Dr. Frank Hoffman ⭐ 4.9
Specialist in hybrid warfare, praised for strategic depth.
Dr. Jacqueline Whitt ⭐ 4.7
Focuses on military history, noted for engaging discussions.
Dr. Richard Andres ⭐ 4.9
Cybersecurity leader, rated high for practical insights.
Dr. Denise Natali ⭐ 4.8
Middle East expert, appreciated for policy relevance.
Career Progression at National Defense University
Career paths at National Defense University include tenure-track from Assistant to Full Professor, with salaries progressing from $110,000 to $180,000+. Tenure involves research in defense areas, with funding from DoD sources. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. NDU's strengths in strategic studies enhance advancement. Find resources at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Progression often leads to leadership roles, with university-specific factors like joint service integration.
Research and Innovation at National Defense University
Current trends at National Defense University focus on AI in warfare, climate security, and great power competition. Major centers include the Institute for National Strategic Studies, with collaborations via DoD. Funding supports innovative projects. Explore Research Jobs.
Opportunities abound in emerging fields like space defense.
Resources for National Defense University Academics
- Professional development via DoD training programs 🎓
- Federal unions for benefits advocacy
- Health and retirement perks as federal employees 💼
- Research grants from NDU foundations
Student Life and Perspectives at National Defense University
Students at National Defense University engage in rigorous programs like Master's in National Security, leading to careers in defense. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career counseling and alumni networks.
Perspectives highlight interdisciplinary learning and global impact.