Intelligence Studies-Capstone Option (Intelligence Operations)

Course Overview

The Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies provides professional, graduate-level academic education in the interdisciplinary field of intelligence studies. The program's core courses impart substantive knowledge and analytic skills required by all professionals in the intelligence community. Students may also pursue concentrated study in functional areas or intelligence sub-fields. Student learning is greatly enhanced by the diversity of program professors with strong professional and academic backgrounds in intelligence studies, many who currently work in the U.S. Intelligence Community. Students must take INTL500 as the first required course in this program. The Master's Capstone Seminar option in Intelligence Studies includes a thesis or a major research paper in lieu of the final comprehensive examination, which has no credit hours. Those who elect this graduation option may reduce their electives by three semester hours to accommodate the seminar option credit. The thesis or major research paper options are recommended for those students who wish to apply their advanced research and analytic skills to a topic of U. S . or international security interest. The thesis option is recommended for those students planning professional writing careers or those planning to continue their education at higher levels. In addition to the institutional and degree level outcome objectives, the Master of Intelligence Studies seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. Graduates in this degree program will be able to: Examine the evolution, structures, functions, capabilities, and activities of the national intelligence community, both pre-and post 9/11. Explain the structures, functions, capabilities, and contributions of national intelligence consumers to include the national command authority, executive, departments, Congress, military services, joint/unified commands, and law enforcement agencies. Appraise the intelligence cycle, including intelligence planning, data collection, data exploitation, analysis, production, and dissemination phases. Investigate the fundamental capabilities, limitations, and means of tasking human, geographic/imagery, signals, measurement and technical and open intelligence data sources. Assess and predict traditional and non-traditional threats to national and international security. Conduct advanced research and compose professional and academic analyses on issues critical to intelligence consumers. Evaluate the latest techniques and procedures for improving interagency cooperation and intelligence sharing.