Intelligence and Security Studies, B.A.

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The intelligence and security studies major prepares students for security-related career fields that involve research, analysis, planning, evaluation, and dissemination of critical information. In addition to developing advanced practical skills, factual knowledge, and ethical rigor, students are educated in a multi-disciplinary and liberal arts environment that factors inclusion, diversity, critical thinking, and respect for core democratic norms, including transparency an accountability.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the requirements for a degree in intelligence and security studies will be able to:

1. Understand the historical evolution, organizational structure, operations, oversight, and methods of the US intelligence community.
2. Effectively communicate oral intelligence and security analysis in a manner that takes account of time, audience, and security considerations.
3. Effectively communicate written intelligence and security analysis in a manner that takes account of time, audience, and security considerations.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts, theories, and contemporary issues related to functional area of intelligence/security policy in original student research.
5. Employ critical thinking in intelligence analysis.
6. Evaluate the impact of language, history, culture, politics, geography, and economics on intelligence and security issues in a particular region of the world.

Students who wish to pursue a degree in intelligence and security studies must conform to the following regulations:

1. Students must register for the major by consulting the program’s administrative specialist and/or the department chair in order to be counseled and to be assigned an adviser.
2. To remain a member of the major, a student must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in each course used to satisfy requirements for the major, including foundation courses for the intelligence and security studies major. Students who fail to maintain this academic standard may be dropped from the program by the department chair upon unanimous recommendation of the program’s faculty.

The curriculum for this program is interdisciplinary with most of the courses being housed in the Department of Intelligence and Security Studies. Students will complete the University core curriculum and a collection of foundation courses to establish a base-line level of knowledge in the relevant subject areas connected to the study of intelligence and security. These early courses also introduce students to core skills that are useful in the analysis, evaluation and communication of intelligence information. From here, students are positioned to expand their knowledge and skills in the realms of intelligence and security, as well as the regional and occupational contexts that inform these issues.

** Only two courses from the major requirements may be applied toward a student’s minor requirements.