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Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies: Program Highlights
As an institution with roots in the military, AMU is committed to quality, accessible intelligence education. This master’s degree expands on the topics students explore through our bachelor’s program, while laying the groundwork for doctoral-level studies. AMU learners therefore gain a comprehensive understanding of intelligence functions.
The program’s curriculum is comprised of fully online classes. Required courses engage students in critical thinking to help strengthen their problem-solving abilities and build leadership skills.
Learners may also participate in extracurricular academic research through the University to further enrich their studies. Collaborating on research projects and publishing opportunities with faculty and peers allows students to investigate contemporary issues related to security and intelligence.
Moreover, students have the option to complete internships for academic credit. Interning students report to their respective placements in person and complete corresponding coursework online.
Students arrange their own internships under the guidance of faculty members. Interning grants students professional experience, along with meaningful context for the topics they study in class. Previous internships have included roles within local law enforcement organizations and in the private sector.
Study the Relationship Between Intelligence Analysis and National Security
Intelligence professionals are instrumental in safeguarding our country’s infrastructure and citizens. They apply their expertise to evaluate indications and warnings (I&W), or time-sensitive updates on foreign developments that may threaten national security. Students review how the IC simultaneously protects public safety as well as military, political, and economic interests.
Courses also address myriad contemporary issues that plague the IC. For example, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Security Agency, and related organizations must now account for cyber threats. Without proper safeguards, cyber attackers may target electrical grids, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately, upend the global economy. Students discuss how the IC integrates cyber intelligence strategies to identify potential threats and thwart sophisticated attacks.
Discover a Broad Range of Applications for Open-Source Intelligence
Intelligence experts are increasingly incorporating open-source intelligence (OSINT) into their operations. OSINT comes from publicly available data, such as information published in news reports or on social media websites. Students in this online program learn how OSINT can provide meaningful clues to help guide intel operations.
Explore the Depths of the Intelligence Field
This degree program familiarizes learners with national intelligence objectives. For example, courses review how the IC gathers intel on foreign and domestic activities to combat acts of terrorism and protect national security.
Students also discuss how organizations beyond the realm of the IC engage in intelligence operations. From corporate settings to the criminal justice system, the intelligence field now encompasses considerably more than national security initiatives.
For instance, a corporate intelligence analyst might perform a risk assessment to determine whether pursuing a new business venture is worthwhile. Alternatively, a criminal investigator may collect and analyze intel to build an objective case against a suspected felon. Learners therefore explore how traditional intelligence processes function within these broader contexts.
Develop Essential Intelligence Analysis Skills
Security and intelligence analysts must be critical thinkers. Their work requires them to formulate hypotheses, conduct hands-on research, and distill complex data into actionable insights.
Students sharpen their critical-thinking and communication skills as they research the legal and ethical issues surrounding intel operations. Additionally, learners study the analytical techniques professionals use to “connect the dots” between seemingly unrelated pieces of information. Moreover, assignments challenge students to discern between assumptions, biases, and indisputable facts.
Learn How Analysts Help Our Country’s Leaders Protect National Security
Intelligence professionals demonstrate exceptional written and oral communication skills. Their work requires them to analyze large sets of data and synthesize their findings into reports and presentations. Learning a second language can be beneficial for those working in national security as well, since the IC often gathers intel from sources in foreign languages.
Why Pursue Your Degree at American Military University?
- Convenience. AMU’s online program enables busy working professionals to attend classes from anywhere with internet access. Students complete weekly assignments to develop an advanced understanding of the intelligence field. Classes have no set login times, and learners may access course materials online 24/7.
- Accreditation. American Public University System (APUS) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). APUS is comprised of American Military University and American Public University (APU). The HLC accredits degree-granting institutions nationwide and is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Affordability. University grants and low tuition rates help make studying at AMU affordable for master’s-level students. Learn more about tuition and fees.
- Career-relevant education. AMU’s curriculum emphasizes practical applications for the knowledge and skills students gain through their studies.
Learn from Intelligence Professionals with Real-World Experience in the Field
AMU’s intelligence studies department is led by retired intelligence officers. Our educators also include military veterans and professionals who have held leadership roles at various organizations, including:
- U.S. Army Open Source Intelligence Office
- U.S. Army National Guard
- DHS/Transportation Security Administration
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Intelligence and Security Command
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence
About This Master’s in Intelligence: Concentration Tracks
Program requirements include specialized coursework in the following concentration areas:
- Terrorism studies. This concentration focuses on extremist groups within and outside of the United States. Students become familiar with the Department of Homeland Security, National Security Agency, and other agencies that support counter terrorism efforts. Courses also examine the work of international organizations, such as the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and Interpol. Students discuss how these entities facilitate international cooperation to support counter terrorism strategies.
- Criminal intelligence. This concentration investigates the history and evolution of organized crime. Courses cover the role of intelligence in combating human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses. Students review how criminal investigators apply intel to break up organized crime syndicates and protect public safety.
- Cyber. This concentration is a multidisciplinary exploration of cyber intelligence. Students sharpen their data analysis skills as they learn how to combat cyber threats. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including cyber community agencies, cybersecurity laws, and cybercrime prosecution.
- Homeland security. This concentration informs students about intelligence analysis tactics essential for recognizing and responding to national security threats. Courses examine the history of the Department of Homeland Security. Students also discuss our country’s ongoing efforts to prevent and prepare for the use of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, learners analyze the sociopolitical makeup of terrorist groups.
Other degree concentrations include:
- Intelligence analysis
- Intelligence collection
- Intelligence management
- Intelligence operations
- General
Prepare for Further Study at AMU
This Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies lays the groundwork for AMU’s Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (DSI) program. Comprised of 58 credits and a dissertation, the DSI engages learners in original research. Students deepen their understanding of core concepts that include global and domestic intel operations, leadership principles, and the latest advancements in cyber intelligence. Learn more about the online DSI program at AMU.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security and Intelligence
No. You may pursue this Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies even if you studied a different discipline as an undergrad.
If you have not yet completed a baccalaureate degree, however, AMU’s online bachelor’s degree program in intelligence studies serves as a stepping stone to this master’s program. The bachelor’s degree introduces students to the core concepts that define the intelligence field. Coursework encourages critical thinking and analytical skills. Students in the bachelor’s degree program also study data collection methods and intelligence analysis strategies.
A master’s degree in intelligence studies provides graduate-level students with an in-depth understanding of intelligence analysis strategies. Learners also study intelligence collection methods as they review how the IC contributes to national security.
In addition, master’s-level programs explore the role of intel within military operations, our criminal justice system, and private organizations. Students develop leadership qualities and hone their problem-solving skills as they consider the duties and responsibilities of intelligence officers.
Earning an MA demonstrates your commitment to the discipline and to advancing your leadership skills. Master’s-level students deepen their understanding of the Intelligence Community’s role in protecting national security and supporting our nation’s leaders.
AMU’s MA program also provides learners with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the field by interning for academic credit.
The best degree to pursue depends on your personal academic goals and interests. At the undergraduate level, a bachelor’s degree provides a comprehensive introduction to the discipline. Coursework at the bachelor’s-level tends to focus on building foundational research and analytical skills.
Master’s degree programs allow students to delve deeper into topics such as national security, criminal intelligence, and intel collection and analysis. Master’s-level coursework emphasizes communication skills, analytical writing, and critical thinking.
Finally, doctoral degree programs combine classroom learning with hands-on research opportunities surrounding highly complex security and intelligence issues. Students conduct original studies and author dissertations detailing their findings.
Consider how program requirements compare to your academic interests. For example, a certificate program offers a glimpse into the discipline, whereas a degree program provides a well-rounded learning experience.
AMU’s intelligence studies graduate certificate consists of just 18 credit hours, while the master’s degree in the same field requires 36 credits. In addition to core requirements and electives, degree-seekers complete specialized coursework in their chosen concentration areas. The MA program also includes a capstone project, through which learners showcase their advanced knowledge and skills.
Most federal agencies, especially those involved with national security, require employees to hold security clearances, since their work involves sensitive information. Still, security clearance requirements vary from one position to the next.
For example, corporate roles rarely require security clearances. Instead, organizations may perform extensive background checks on applicants.
Typically, you will undergo a security clearance process once you have a conditional offer of a job. Receiving clearance involves demonstrating your:
- Loyalty to the nation
- Trustworthiness
- Reliability
- Discretion
Learn more about the security clearance process.