Intelligence Studies Major

INTELLIGENCE STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS

Intel education on the cutting edge.

We graduate in-demand, entry-level analysts who are skilled in preparing 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, an internship experience, and intelligence courses. 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’ll stand out with a degree from our internationally recognized intelligence program.

Fast Facts

Our students can connect with an alumni base of more than 1,000 graduates who work in a wide-range of fields and organizations in the intelligence community
During the 2015–16 academic year, more than 70 Intelligence Studies students received contracts to conduct intelligence work for actual U.S. intelligence agencies and private companies
The Ridge College is named after Erie native Tom Ridge, 43rd governor of Pennsylvania and first Secretary of Homeland Security.
The Ridge College’s Institute of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences provides research and analysis products to clients such as the Department of Defense, the European Union, Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble

TYPES OF JOBS

Graduates of the program have accepted employment in the following types of positions, to name a few: Intelligence Analysts, Intelligence Officers, Special Agents and Social Media Analysts.

VETERAN RESOURCES

Mercyhurst University is a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that allows veterans to attend graduate programs which cost more than the state tuition cap.

CAREER OUTCOMES

Graduates have accepted employment with a diverse set of federal agencies, global corporations, and international NGOs. A small sample includes: Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Wells Fargo.

Intelligence Blogs

The Tom Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences faculty member Kris Wheaton maintains three blogs that explore issues and concepts in intelligence analysis. There is also the main Tom Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences Blog.

Sources and Methods Blog

Advanced Analytic Techniques Blog

Strategic Minerals Blog

Student Intelligence Clubs

There are a variety of clubs in which our students and faculty are active members which creates opportunities for students and professors to nurture and enrich their passion for intelligence work and come together outside of the classroom setting.

Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) Club

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 College SCIP chapter became the first SCIP student chapter in the world in 1997. Since then they've managed to provide numerous speakers to their members as well as send twenty-five students to annual conferences. Please visit SCIP's website for more information.

Law Enforcement Intelligence Club

The Law Enforcement Intelligence Club was the earliest student club to exist within the Intelligence Studies programs at Mercyhurst University. Building on its long tradition, the club regularly meets for special events, speakers, and seminars on the field.

Cyber Threat Research Analysis Club (CTRAC)

Cyber Threat Research Analysis Club (CTRAC) was founded in early 2012 by a small group of students which recognized the growing demand for analysts in cyber practices. With an objective of assisting students in getting internships and jobs, CTRAC provides its members with the knowledge, skills, and tools sought by employers in the public and private sector. Members participate in analysis projects for businesses and organizations, contributions to Cyberpedia, club led discussions, and guest speakers from around the country working in different practices of cyber.

Mercyhurst University National Security Club

What is the MUNSC? We are a recognized RSCO that is dedicated to the bringing together of individuals with an interest in national security and its related fields. We seek to network and educate ourselves and other members of the Mercyhurst Community on the issues in the world today.

Intelligence Related Links

Alumni Employment

Want to learn more about some of the agencies and organizations that our alumni are employed by? Check out the links below. With over 500 alumni across the world, this list isn't exhaustive, but will give you an idea of where a degree in intelligence from Mercyhurst University can take you.

National and International Government Agencies and Organizations

Corporations and Organizations

Accenture
American Background Information Service
Meritor, Inc
BAE Systems
Bank of America
Booz Allen Hamilton
Canadian Association for Security and 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
Proactive Worldwide
Procter & Gamble
SRA International, Inc.
Target Corporation
TradeBytes Data Corp
Wells Fargo
VISA International

Professional Associations

Want to learn more about some of the professional associations that our faculty and students belong to? Check out the links below.

Intelligence Publications

The Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences at Mercyhurst 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.

Aid, Intervention, and Terror: The Impact of Foreign Aid and Foreign Military Intervention on Terror Events and Severity | Feb 11, 2019

Written By: Orlandrew E. Danzell

Wikis and Intelligence Analysis | May 17, 2012

Written By: Kevin Flanagan, JoEllen Marsh, Kathleen Moore, Emily Walker, Kristan Wheaton, and Stephanie Williams, and JoEllen Marsh, Editors

The Analyst's Cookbook | Jan 30, 2006

Written By: Kristan Wheaton, a 164-page compilation of 16 analytic methods applicable to a variety of intelligence analysis taskings.

Structured Analysis of Competing Hypotheses | Jun 09, 2006 (Currently out of print)

Description: Analytic Methodologies Project 2006, an 80-page booklet explaining an analytic method developed at the MCIIS from the original Analysis of Competing Hypotheses originally developed by Richards Heuer.

The Analyst's Style Manual | Jan 01, 2008

Description: MCIIS, a 60-page manual to guide intelligence analysts in dealing with basic grammar, spelling and abbreviation rules, as well as basic writing principles.

Walking Through the Halls of Intelligence: A Second Look at Recent Graduate Research | Feb 01, 2009

Description: Mercyhurst University Intelligence Communications Class 2007-2008, a look at a dozen research theses authored by Mercyhurst College Intelligence Studies master’s degree candidates since 2006.

Intelligence FAQs

Undergraduate Program

Can I transfer into the Undergraduate Program?
Yes, transfer students are permitted to apply and enroll on a rolling basis. All transfer applicants must submit: A completed undergraduate admissions application, official high school transcript or GED, official college transcript(s), ACT, SAT results (if taken). Learn more about the transfer process.

What housing options are there?

Learn more about campus housing.

What core courses are required?
Visit this page for a list of core courses required.

What types of subjects can I minor in?
Mercyhurst University offers a wide range of subjects in which to minor. The most common minors for the intelligence studies program are history, political science, criminal justice, computer science, and languages. For a complete list of minors see the course catalog.

What type of research projects do the students work on while in the program?
In many of the intelligence classes students are assigned a research project.

Do you offer an undergraduate certificate program in Intelligence Studies?
We do not offer an undergraduate certificate in this program at this time.

Do you offer an undergraduate online program in Intelligence Studies?
We do not offer an undergraduate online program in Intelligence Studies at this time.

Graduate Program

How can I apply for the Graduate Program? What are the requirements?
Please view this page on how to apply for the Graduate Program and all necessary requirements.

Do you offer a graduate certificate program in Applied Intelligence?
Yes, we do offer a graduate certificate in this program.

Is a security clearance required for admission into the Graduate Program?
No, a security clearance is not required.

Do I have to pass a language test in order to be admitted to the Graduate Program?
While some background in foreign languages is helpful for success in the program, study in this area is not required for admission.

When are applications accepted/due for the graduate program in Erie, PA?
Applications to the graduate degree in applied intelligence are accepted between Oct. 1 and April 30 of each year for the following fall term. The Graduate Student Admissions Committee will begin reviewing completed applications on January 15 for highly qualified candidates. Students admitted to this program may begin their studies in the fall term only. Only full-time enrollment is available.

How many graduate students does the Department of Intelligence Studies accept into the M.S. in Applied Intelligence Program in Erie, PA?
The Department of Intelligence Studies typically accepts a cohort of 25 students into the graduate program each fall term.

Does the graduate program run on a semester system?
Beginning in the fall of 2013, the Erie, PA graduate program will run on a semester system.

Do you offer a PhD program in intelligence studies?
We do not offer any PhD programs.

Do you offer online courses or distance learning?
We do offer an online MS in Applied Intelligence degree and online graduate certificates.

Who should apply for the online programs?
Preference in admissions for online programs will be given to working professionals who will benefit from further study in the application of intelligence analysis. Please note that those who are just completing their undergraduate studies and/or do not possess professional work experience should apply to the resident MS in Applied Intelligence degree program in Erie, PA.

Financial Aid

Do you offer financial aid?
Please visit this page for financial aid information.

Does Mercyhurst offer assistantships for graduate students?
Yes. Please visit this page for assistantship information.

My employer will reimburse my tuition. Does Mercyhurst have a tuition deferment program?
Yes. Please contact Mercyhurst University for more information on tuition deferment.

Adult Students

Can I still apply to your undergraduate program if I have been out of high school for longer than four years?
Yes, you will be considered an adult undergraduate student and the tuition and fees are slightly different than a traditional undergraduate student. Please view this page for more details about adult students at Mercyhurst.

What is an adult applicant?
Applicants are eligible to be admitted as adults, and be eligible for the reduced tuition rates when 4 calendar years have passed since his/her high school graduation.
Exceptions may include an individual who:

is married
has a legal dependent other than a spouse
is a graduate student
is a ward of the court/parents are deceased/lives independently of parents
is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
has worked full time for at least 2 years and is independent

Are scholarships available to adult students?
Yes, Mercyhurst does have adult scholarships.

General

How big is Mercyhurst University?

You can view the most current campus statistics here, in addition to a profile of the campus here.

How can I plan a visit to see your university campus?
If you are considering the undergraduate program, call the undergraduate admissions office at 1-800-825-1926, ext. 2202, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to schedule a tour and an appointment with a faculty member. Locally, call 824-2202.

If you are considering the graduate program, call the graduate admissions office at 1-800-825-1926, ext. 2297, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to schedule a tour and an appointment with a faculty member. Locally, call 824-2297.

How can I obtain a copy of the university brochure?
Use the Request Information Form to request one.

Do you offer online courses or distance learning?
We do offer an online MS in Applied Intelligence degree and online graduate certificates.

Who should apply for the online programs?
Preference in admissions for online programs will be given to working professionals who will benefit from further study in the application of intelligence analysis. Please note that those who are just completing their undergraduate studies and/or do not possess professional work experience should apply to the resident MS in Applied Intelligence degree program in Erie, PA.

What types of organizations are likely to hire me after I complete the program?
Graduates of the program have been hired by a whole range of government and non-government organizations.

Where can I find the complete curriculum and course descriptions for the program?
A complete curriculum of the university can be found in the undergraduate course catalog or the graduate course catalog.

Where can I find information on the academic calendar?
Information for when the program begins, and other academic dates is available on the academic calendar.

Do you accept international students?
We do accept international students. For more information please check our international students informational page.

With whom is Mercyhurst University accredited?
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680
Phone: (215)662-5606
Visit the page on the MSCHE site.

Veteran Services

Am I entitled to benefits if I have served/am serving in the military?

If you have served our country in the active duty military, the reserves or the National Guard you may be eligible for education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill.

Tuition and Fees

How much does the program cost?
Information on undergraduate tuition and fees for traditional students is available on this page. Information on tuition and fees for undergraduate adult students is available on this page. Information on graduate tuition and fees is available on this page.