Business and Competitive Intelligence
Support our economic prosperity and businesses’ interests using advanced analytic techniques and artificial intelligence.
Our national security and economic landscapes are changing at a rapid pace. New technology and intensifying geopolitical competition require education that anticipates and recognizes these changes and prepares graduates to succeed in a dynamic future.
We graduate in-demand research analysts skilled in data extraction, analysis, and interpretation, as well as in presenting findings to decision-makers in businesses and industries. With a curriculum rooted in the functional areas of business and data analytics, Business and Competitive Intelligence graduates are prepared to identify competitive advantages, discover future growth opportunities for organizations, and predict industry trends and market demands. Graduates will gain experience preparing assessments based on the collection, correlation, and analysis of intelligence data for employers in both government and private sectors.
We graduate in-demand, entry-level analysts skilled in using advanced analytic tools to support the continually evolving intelligence profession. Graduates will gain experience preparing assessments based on the collection, correlation, and analysis of intelligence data for employers in both government and private sectors.
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 opportunities, and intelligence courses. These elements prepare graduates to meet the growing demands of national and global security, while proactively addressing emerging concerns in cybersecurity, economic security, health security, environmental security, and related domains.
The Ridge Department of Intelligence Studies trains students to analyze publicly available, or “open-source,” data, and apply those skills in classified environments. Worldwide demand for skilled analysts will continue to grow—the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for market research analysts will grow by 7% from 2024 to 2034—you will stand out with a degree from our internationally recognized Intelligence program. Our newly launched Intelligence Studies Advisory Board (ISAB) connects the university’s academic community to the evolving intelligence profession.
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, oral, visual, and/or multimedia formats
- Execute extensive open source research and collection management
- Implement and manage intelligence processes and practices
- Apply methodologies, theories, and research skills to develop an integrated cohesive strategy for an organization to achieve a common goal and/or resolve a market research problem
Below is a list of agencies and organizations that our alumni are employed at. With over 1,200 Intelligence Studies alumni around the world, this list is not exhaustive but provides a general idea of where a Ƶ degree can take you.
National and International Government Agencies and Organizations
Holland Criminal Investigation
Jamestown, NY Police Department
National Crime Intelligence Service, Sweden
National Drug Intelligence Center
US Army, Military Intelligence
Corporations and Organizations
Accenture
American Background Information Service
International Property Services
Investment Data Corporation
JP Morgan Chase
Murphy Magonahe
Professional Associations
Below are some of the professional associations that our alumni, students, and faculty belong to:
Law Enforcement Intelligence Unit
National Military Intelligence Association
Rooted in Ƶ University’s mission to educate and inspire individuals through faith, reason, and values-based leadership, the Intelligence Studies Advisory Board (ISAB) connects the university’s academic community to the evolving intelligence profession. The ISAB strengthens Ƶ’s leadership in applied intelligence by championing ethical practice, innovative problem-solving, and cutting-edge analysis across intelligence, cybersecurity, and global security fields.
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.
Competitive Intelligence Club
Ƶ Competitive Intelligence Club provides education and networking opportunities for students and business professionals working in the rapidly growing field of competitive intelligence. Our mission is to enhance the skills and knowledge of students and professionals so that they may help their companies achieve and maintain a competitive advantage.
Law Enforcement Intelligence Club (LEIC)
The Law Enforcement Intelligence Club was the earliest student club to exist within the Intelligence Studies programs at Ƶ University. Building on its long tradition, the club regularly meets for special events, speakers, and seminars on the field.
Military & Operational Intelligence Club (MOIC)
The purpose of the Military & Operational Intelligence Club (MOIC) is to introduce students to the intelligence that is required for planning and conducting military campaigns and major operations to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or operational areas.
National Security Club (NSC)
The National Security Club (NSC) is an umbrella organization that brings together several national security related organizations/associations on the Ƶ campus. The NSC will promote the development of its members through organized events and functions that will educate and inform about national security issues.
Women in National Security Club (WINS)
The Women in Intelligence and National Security Club is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for individuals of all backgrounds who are passionate about intelligence, national security, and related fields. While we center the experiences and advancement of women in these industries, we welcome and encourage the participation of all allies who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and professional growth.
Our mission is to empower individuals—regardless of gender—to promote the inclusion, leadership, and success of women in intelligence and national security. Through mentorship, networking, professional development, and advocacy, we strive to create a more diverse and equitable field where all voices are valued, and the next generation of security professionals can thrive.
The club plans to host a variety of different events. One of the biggest events will be the speaker series. The speakers will consist of female professionals within the intelligence, cybersecurity, national security, and related career fields. We also want to host service projects within Erie. These service projects will either be hands-on or donation-oriented for a specific organization within Erie. We also want to host professional workshops in which we discuss professional skills (resume building, interview skills, etc).
My Ƶ Minute
Meet Business and Competitive Intelligence major Jordan!
Want to learn more? Send us an email! We would love to see you on campus or chat virtually.
Ted Stanich
Executive Director, Department of Intelligence Studies
Dr. Fred Hoffman and Professor William Brosius
Co-chairs, Department of Intelligence Studies
Meet the Faculty
Intelligence Studies
Joseph Morris, D.A.
Dean, School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics; Chair, Department of Political Science; Professor
Craig S. Fleisher, Ph.D.
Affiliate Faculty; Board of Trustees (Academic Affairs, Advancement, Mission); Thesis Course Director for M.S. in Applied Intelligence
