Department of Intelligence Studies
Defend our national security and economic 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, 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, including 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 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 in the coming decade — 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.
Our Intelligence Program Prepares Graduates for Jobs In:
Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA)
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. National Security Agency
U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Fast Facts
- The Department of Intelligence Studies is a nationally recognized leader and the first academic institution to offer a degree in this field, providing research and analysis products to clients such as the Department of Defense, the European Union, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, Pfizer, and Procter & Gamble. Our students can connect with an alumni base of more than 1,800 graduates who work in a wide range of fields and organizations in the intelligence, law enforcement, and business communities.
- Our professors have professional experience in intelligence roles across national and international government agencies, banking, military, and private-sector corporations.
- In this program, Intelligence Studies students learn to employ a variety of advanced, cutting-edge software tools to collect and analyze data and work with real-world clients in the classroom through capstone research projects to support the needs of sponsoring organizations. Ƶ’s Center for Intelligence Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT) provides students with hands-on experience by meeting the intelligence and research needs of real-world clients.
Learn More About Our Intelligence Program
Center for Intelligence, Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT)
Our Center for Intelligence, Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT) program works to hone and professionalize the skills of students in Intelligence Studies and Computer Information Science programs. As a nonprofit arm of Ƶ, CIRAT develops opportunities with business and government entities through contracts, grants, and academic partnerships. In-person 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, Ƶ students gain a competitive edge; upon graduation, they already possess applicable, hands-on experience supporting national security organizations, U.S. government agencies, private sector businesses, and more.
Innovation Entente Lab (IEL)
Students can participate in the Innovation Entente Lab (IEL) to provide a competitive business intelligence approach in conducting key research and the collection of data necessary to help entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve an understanding of their market, industry, and competitive landscape. Students working within the IEL take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world experiences.
Evolution of the Intelligence Studies Program at Ƶ
- Holland Criminal Investigation
- Jamestown, NY Police Department
- National Crime Intelligence Service, Sweden
- National Drug Intelligence Center
- US Army, Military Intelligence
- Accenture
- American Background Information Service
- International Property Services
- Investment Data Corporation
- JP Morgan Chase
- Murphy Magonahe
- Law Enforcement Intelligence Unit
- National Military Intelligence Association
- 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: Ƶ University Intelligence Communications Class 2007-2008, a look at a dozen research theses authored by Ƶ College Intelligence Studies master’s degree candidates since 2006.
Below is a list of agencies and organizations that our alumni are employed at. With over 500 alumni across the world, this list is not exhaustive but provides a general idea of where a Ƶ Intelligence Studies degree can take you.
National and International Government Agencies and Organizations
Corporations and Organizations
Professional Associations
Below are some of the professional associations that our alumni, students, and faculty belong to:
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.
The Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences at Ƶ began its own publication arm in 2005 as the institute began to develop its own intelligence publications.
The Ƶ 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.
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).
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
Jenna Rosciszewski
Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Admissions
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
