Intelligence and Security Studies Minor

A minor in Intelligence and Security Studies is designed to enable students to develop an understanding of the intelligence process, its effect on the policy-making process, and the legal and ethical considerations involved in the endeavor.

Student Learning Objectives

The objective of the program is designed to enable students to develop an understanding of the intelligence process, its effect on the policy-making process, and the legal and ethical considerations involved.

1. Develop an understanding about the craft of intelligence and contemporary issues related to homeland and national security.
2. Develop an understanding about the complexities of the relationship between intelligence analysis and the policymaking process, as well as the implications for the broader system of governance.
3. Develop an understanding of the evolution of the field of intelligence by examining its historical evolution, particularly in the U.S. political system.
4. Develop an understanding of the variety of analytical tools and techniques that can be utilized to address security issues in both foreign and domestic contexts.
5. Appreciate the legal and ethical considerations of intelligence in national security policymaking.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Intelligence and Security Studies Minor will be able to:

1. Describe the elements of the intelligence process and how they are related.
2. Explain the role and potential impact of intelligence information on the policymaking process.
3. Analyze the development of the U.S. intelligence community in light of historical trends within American politics and international relations.
4. Identify and describe the major actors who influence the development, acquisition, analysis and dissemination of intelligence information.
5. Analyze and evaluate relevant information to produce intelligence assessments and forecast potential trends on security issues.
6. Evaluate the ethical and legal considerations of intelligence in the contexts of national and homeland security policymaking.

Requirements

A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in each course to be applied toward the minor. Students must complete at least 12 unique credits to earn the minor; that is, a student may not use more than two courses from a major curriculum to satisfy the Intelligence and Security Studies Minor requirements.