Intelligence Studies
We graduate in-demand, entry-level analysts and intelligence collectors who are skilled in preparing written and oral assessments based on the collection, correlation, and analysis of intelligence data for employers, both in government and private sectors, especially those in business, law enforcement, national security, and the military.
This unique and academically challenging multidisciplinary program combines a liberal arts core with a foreign language or computer requirement, as well as national and international studies, internship experience, and intelligence courses.
Mercyhurst University named its Intelligence Studies program after former Pennsylvania Governor and first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge on April 11, 2014. The program was restructured into the university's seventh school, encompassing intelligence studies, mathematics, computer systems, and communication and was officially named "The Tom Ridge School of Intelligence Studies and Information Science.
This naming honored Ridge's contributions to national security and his ties to Erie, Pennsylvania, where Mercyhurst is located. The program has since evolved into the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences, continuing its legacy as a leader in intelligence education.
The university's Intelligence Studies program began in 1992 as the Research/Intelligence Analyst Program (RIAP), the first non-governmental undergraduate intelligence program in the U.S. Its success led to the establishment of the Institute for Intelligence Studies in 2004, further enhancing its academic offerings.
As the worldwide demand for skilled analysts continues to grow — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for analysts will grow by as much as 19 percent by 2024 — you will stand out with a degree from our internationally recognized intelligence program.
Fast Facts
- "The Thomas J. Ridge Department of Intelligence Studies” was christened on April 11, 2014, taking its name from the respected Erie native, first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, and former Pennsylvania governor.
- We have an Intelligence program Alumni base of over 1,800
- Our professors have experience working in the intelligence fields of national and international government agencies, banking, military, and private-sector corporations
- In this program, Intelligence Studies students are exposed to learning and employing a variety of useful, cutting-edge software tools to collect and analyze data
- Annually, more than 200 Intelligence Studies students receive contracts to conduct work for U.S. intelligence agencies and private companies through the Center for Intelligence, Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT) and the Innovation Entente Lab
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the theory and history of the intelligence discipline
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills
- Analyze collected data/information using a variety of analytic techniques and methodologies
- Produce analytic products in written or visual and/or multimedia formats
- Execute extensive open-source research and collection management
- Implement and manage intelligence processes and practices
Find a Career in Intelligence Studies
- Spotlight at Seven: Operation Midnight Hammer, June 27, 2025, Erie News Now
- Behind the Story: Israel-Iran Conflict, June 20, 2025, Erie News Now
- Ted Stanich Appointed New Intel Studies Chief, April 24, 2025, WJET
- Analysis Communication Misstep National Defense, March 25, 2025, Erie News Now
- President announces new F-47 fighter, March 21, 2025, Erie News Now
- Whether Tesla vehicle attacks considered terrorism, March 21, 2025, Your Erie
Established in 1986, today the Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) organization has over 50 chapters around the world, with individual members in more than 50 nations. SCIP is a global nonprofit membership organization for everyone involved in creating and managing business knowledge. Their mission is to enhance the skills of knowledge professionals in order to help their members' companies achieve and maintain a competitive advantage. Specifically, SCIP provides education and networking opportunities for business professionals working in the rapidly growing field of competitive intelligence (the legal and ethical collection and analysis of information regarding the capabilities, vulnerabilities, and intentions of business competitors). Many SCIP members have backgrounds in market research, strategic analysis, or science and technology.
The Mercyhurst chapter became the first SCIP student chapter in the world in 1997. Since then they've provided numerous speakers to their members and sent dozens of students to annual conferences.
The Law Enforcement Intelligence Club examines the processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information concerning criminal activities. These activities include but are not limited to, gang activity, drug activity, and other specific criminal activity that may affect the public. LEIC enhances its club meetings with professional speakers and activities.
The Military and Operational Intelligence Club educates students about the intelligence that is required for planning and conducting military campaigns to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or operational areas. MOIC provides informed speakers and activities to promote the club’s objectives.
The National Security Club (NSC) is an umbrella organization that brings together several national security related organizations/associations on the Mercyhurst campus. The NSC will promote the development of its members through organized events and functions that will educate and inform about national security issues.
Alumni Employment
Read on for a list of agencies and organizations that employ Mercyhurst Intelligence Studies alumni. With over 1,200 alumni around the world, this list is not exhaustive.
| National and International Government Agencies and Organizations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Central Intelligence Agency | Federal Bureau of Investigation | Bureau of Customs & Border Protection |
| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms | Central FL High Intensity Drug Trafficking | Defense Intelligence Agency |
| Department of Defense | Department of Homeland Security | FINCEN |
| Holland Criminal Investigation | INTERPOL | National Air & Space Intelligence Center |
| National Crime Intelligence Service, Sweden | National Security Agency | Office of Naval Intelligence |
| US Army, Military Intelligence | US Secret Service | Washington Baltimore HIDTA |
| Washington D.C. Metro Police Department | ||
| Corporations and Organizations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accenture | Meritor, Inc. | BAE Systems |
| Bank of America | Booz Allen Hamilton | Cannadian Association for Security & Intelligence Studies |
| Center for Strategic and International Studies | Chautauqua Foundation | Deloitte & Touche LLP |
| Discovery Resources, Inc. | Eastman Kodak Co. | Exxon Mobil |
| Key Bank | International Property Services | Investment Data Corporation |
| JP Morgan Chase | Low & Associates | McManis & Monsalve Associates |
| Murphy Magonahe | Northrup Grumman | Philip-Morris |
| Procative Worldwide | Procter & Gamble | SRA International, Inc. |
| Sterling | Target Corp. | Wells Fargo |
| Professional Associations | |
|---|---|
| Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals | International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts |
| Association of Former Intelligence Officers | International Association for Intelligence Education |
| International Association of Crime Analysts | Naval Intelligence Professionals |
| Society fo Former Special Agents of the FBI | Law Enforcement Intelligence Unit |
| International Association of Counterterrorism and Security Professionals | National Military Intelligence Association |
The School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics began its own publication arm in 2005 as the Institute began to develop its own intelligence publications.
The Mercyhurst Institute for Intelligence Studies Press since then has developed several publications now available for purchase and is in the process of developing several more. Faculty and students from the Institute have collaborated to develop these specialized publications which will be useful to intelligence students, educators, and professionals.
Center for Intelligence, Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT)
Our CIRAT program works to hone and professionalize the skills of students in Intelligence Studies and Computer Information Science programs. As a nonprofit arm of Mercyhurst University, CIRAT develops opportunities with business and government entities through contracts, grants, and academic partnerships. Students of all academic levels can participate in CIRAT to apply their skills in a variety of collaborative intelligence and data-driven projects. By participating in CIRAT, Mercyhurst students gain a competitive edge; upon graduation, they already have applicable, hands-on experience working with national security organizations, U.S. government agencies, private sector businesses, and more.
Dr. Fred Hoffman
Chair, Intelligence Studies
Office: CAE 307
Meet the Faculty
Intelligence Studies
Joseph Morris, D.A.
Dean, School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics; Chair, Department of Political Science; Professor
