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Intelligence and Analysis Master’s Degree (M.S.S.)

The Master of Security Studies (M.S.S.) in intelligence and analysis addresses the growing need for graduate-level study in the intelligence discipline and its relationships to national security issues, such as:

  • Policy making
  • Military strategy, planning and operations
  • Constitutional issues
  • The rule of law in a democracy  

This degree is ideal for those with bachelor’s degrees in security issues or related fields who want to improve their cognitive, analytical, decision-making, advising and leadership skills within the intelligence profession.

To increase flexibility, the program has both a thesis and a non-thesis option.

Online Only

Degree

Master of Security Studies (M.S.S.) in intelligence and analysis

Careers

Our graduates can expect to work in any of these settings:

  • Department of Defense
  • Federal Civil Service agencies
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Department of State
  • International relations
  • Private sector

Program Highlights

  • Classes are 100 percent online and in an eight-week format.

  • Faculty includes nationally recognized experts in intelligence, analysis, military and political issues, terrorism and human rights, global security challenges, cybersecurity, and strategic thought and leadership.

  • Course materials are designed to improve students’ cognitive, analytical, decision-making, writing, advising and leadership skills within the intelligence profession.

  • ASU recognizes military service and will maximize training and career experience.

Admission Requirements

  • All college and university transcripts
  • Essay of no more than 750 words discussing an important issue of national security

Prerequisites

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 or better, including all grades on repeated courses – or hold a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work

Application Deadlines

Spring: Dec. 1

Fall: Aug. 12

International Student Spring: Nov. 1

International Student Fall: June 10

You are strongly encouraged to register for the first and second eight-week sessions simultaneously, before the first eight-week session begins.

Degree Plan

  • M.S.S. in Intelligence and Analysis Courses
    Required Courses (21 Total Hours) Hours
    ISSA 6300 Intelligence and National Security 3
    ISSA 6301 Grand Strategy, Intelligence Analysis, and Rationality 3
    ISSA 6302 The Transformational Imperative: Reorganizing in a Multi-polar World 3
    ISSA 6303 Advanced Intelligence Analysis: Operating in Complex Environments 3
    ISSA 6304 The Practice of US Intelligence and National Security 3
    ISSA 6305 Research Methods and Statistics in Security Studies or comparable graduate-level course from any university department (with advisor approval) 3
    Electives ‡
    Courses Hours
    Electives * 18

    *Graduate INA students may take CRIJ, SEC, or BOR graduate courses as advanced electives with the Department Chair’s permission.

    ‡ Thesis Option

    Students wishing to take the thesis option will be required to take the 18 hours of required ISSA courses, 6 hours of prescribed electives (ISSA 6399 or 6699), and an additional 12 semester credit hours of electives.

    ‡ Non-Thesis Option

    Students wishing to take the non-thesis option will be required to take the 18 hours of required ISSA courses and an additional 18 semester credit hours of electives, including ISSA 6380.

  • Carr Academic Graduate Scholarships

    Carr Academic Graduate Scholarships are ASU’s premier scholarships for graduate students. Awards are based on undergraduate GPA. Students are considered for the Carr Academic Graduate Scholarship upon their acceptance into the College of Graduate Studies and Research. No application is required.

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