Online Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies (MA)
The intelligence studies online master’s degree program at American Military University (AMU) examines how to identify and neutralize threats to national security. AMU’s graduate study program gives students an advanced understanding of strategic intelligence collection, analysis, and operations.
The intelligence studies master’s degree program at American Military University (AMU) examines how to identify and neutralize threats to national security. Coursework provides an advanced understanding of strategic intelligence collection, analysis, and operations.
This master’s degree equips students with a solid foundation of analytical skills. Class discussions zero in on the strategies the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) employs to protect our nation.
Courses are led by faculty members who include professionals with deep roots in the Intelligence Community. These educators share extensive knowledge about various analytical techniques for gathering intel.
The program covers:
- Counterintelligence
- International relations
- Homeland security
- Terrorism and counterterrorism
- Geospatial intelligence
- Signals intelligence
- Human intelligence
- Open-source intelligence
In addition, core courses explore how intelligence operations support homeland security efforts and the criminal justice system. The program delves into the tactics the IC uses to combat terrorism, espionage, and drug cartels. Students also consider the role of intelligence analysis in the private sector.
The curriculum exercises critical-thinking skills as learners contemplate the ethical challenges that accompany intel operations. Coursework helps lay the groundwork for further study and prepares graduate students for AMU’s Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (DSI) program.
Master’s in Intelligence Studies Program Concentrations
Through degree concentration tracks, learners can further focus their studies. Required courses in each track offer an in-depth exploration of intelligence practices that support national security agencies, law enforcement organizations, and businesses in making critical decisions.
Select a concentration to learn more.
About the Concentration
This general concentration allows you to select from all the intelligence courses within this program, enabling you to create your own focused area of study.
Program Objectives
This general concentration allows you to select from all the intelligence courses within this program, enabling you to create your own focused area of study.
About the Concentration
Examines the historical roots of organized crime and its current role within the American criminal justice system. Provides an overview on U.S. counter-drug efforts and basic information on illicit drugs, with a focus on world regions where drugs are typically manufactured and transported. Teaches counterintelligence principles and criminal intelligence analysis for predicting trends, weaknesses, capabilities, intentions, changes, and warnings needed to dismantle criminal organizations.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply intelligence processes and procedures in the criminal justice community.
About the Concentration
Addresses the cyber discipline from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics include current and historical structure, functions, and capabilities of private and governmental agencies comprising the cyber community; laws related to intellectual property, civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, and privacy; cybercrime investigation and prevention; and the ethical, economic, and societal issues that face today’s information-entrenched society.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Analyze the cyber discipline from a multidisciplinary perspective.
About the Concentration
Traces intelligence and homeland security processes in defending the U.S., such as the efforts to prevent, prepare, and respond to the use of weapons of mass destruction. Looks at: terrorist groups from different political psychological perspectives; threats to U.S. borders, such as illegal immigration, narcotics smuggling, and money laundering; and risk management in loss prevention.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply intelligence processes and procedures in the defense of the United States.
About the Concentration
Studies advanced intelligence analysis methods in composing professional and academic analyses on issues critical to intelligence community consumers. Topics include: an analysis of political leaders; an overview of transnational crime and narcotics and the effects on the political, social, and economic development of countries around the world; and the challenges and benefits of cyber intelligence operations.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply advanced intelligence analysis methods in composing professional and academic analyses on issues critical to intelligence community consumers.
About the Concentration
Studies advanced intelligence data collection methods in supporting analyses on issues critical to intelligence community consumers. Analyzes the phases, processes, and challenges of cybercrime investigations, as well as U.S. and foreign aspects of counterintelligence and the technical, legal, and social issues relating to the search and seizure of digital evidence and computer forensics.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply advanced intelligence data collection methods in supporting analyses on issues critical to intelligence community consumers.
About the Concentration
Lays the groundwork to understanding management principles in the intelligence community environment. Topics include: ethical dilemmas and conflicts in organizational settings; strategic planning techniques used by industrial companies; the evolution and philosophical foundation of the human resource field; methods of managing an organization; and human behavior principles in individual, group, team, and organizational settings.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply management principles in the intelligence community environment.
About the Concentration
Explores intelligence management skills required for leadership within the intelligence community. Examines covert action in the context of national security, including the political and executive aspects of the presidential powers involved. Addresses core elements of information operations, including the disciplines of electronic warfare (EW), computer network operations (CNO), psychological operations (PSYOP), and operations security (OPSEC).
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Employ intelligence management skills required by planning and management positions in the intelligence community.
About the Concentration
Studies the causes and threats of domestic and international terrorism, including the threat of weapons of mass destruction as a unique phenomenon within the homeland security landscape. Also includes terrorist and extremist groups within the U.S., policies for combating terrorism and terrorist tactics worldwide, and various counterterrorism intelligence methodologies and analytic tools.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Appraise the causes of and threats from U.S domestic and international terrorism.
View Course Requirements
Discover How This Intelligence Studies Degree Can Help You Pursue Your Goals
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of intelligence functions in courses led by retired intelligence officers and military veterans.
In this online program, you will:
- Examine the evolution, structures, functions, capabilities, and activities of the U.S. Intelligence Community
- Analyze the intelligence cycle, including the planning, data collection and exploitation, intelligence 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 nontraditional threats to national and international security
Security and intelligence analysts must be critical thinkers who can formulate hypotheses, conduct hands-on research, and distill complex data into actionable insights. AMU’s online program is designed to equip learners with practical skills as they consider these objectives. Coursework challenges students to discern between assumptions, biases, and indisputable facts.
Graduates of the program may consider potential career opportunities as:
- Military intelligence officers, who lead intelligence efforts to support defense operations
- Counterintelligence specialists, who detect and help thwart acts of espionage and other insider threats
- Geospatial intelligence analysts, who review imagery and geospatial data to help advance military missions
- Cyber intelligence analysts, who safeguard information technology by identifying and mitigating security threats
- Homeland security/emergency management specialists, who plan and coordinate responses to national security incidents
- Intelligence operational planners, who apply intelligence to military missions and operations
The Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies provides students with a solid foundation in the analytical techniques professionals use to produce actionable intelligence insights.
Students in this online program learn how to:
- Demonstrate effective written, oral, and digital communication in intelligence contexts
- Analyze global security, political, economic, and cultural issues affecting intelligence operations
- Apply ethical reasoning and legal frameworks to intelligence collection and dissemination
- Evaluate organizational behavior and leadership practices within intelligence agencies and related organizations
- Conduct research using open-source intelligence (OSINT) and analytic tools
Take The First Step
“ When you look at the threats facing our national security, it requires a huge swath of responsibilities to assess them. We need people in the profession with a lot of different talents. One of the strengths of the security and intelligence programs at American Military University is the diversity of highly credentialed faculty. ”
Assistant Department Chair, Professor, Intelligence Studies
Browse Required Courses for AMU’s Intelligence Studies Program
Featured Intelligence Studies Courses
Expand Your Network While Pursuing This Master’s in Intelligence Studies
AMU offers intelligence studies students the opportunity to network and connect with others outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to join student organizations such as:
- National Security Policy and Analysis Organization chapter
- wSEC (a club for women in the security field)
- Society for Defense and Strategic Studies
- OSINT Club
Learn more about virtual communities and other ways to get involved when you pursue an online master’s degree at American Military University.
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Learn MoreAMU’s Online Degree Program Provides Affordable Intelligence Education
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Earning a degree is a valuable investment, but it needs to fit into your budget. Our tuition estimator can help you estimate your tuition and fees, so you can plan a manageable path to your educational goals. For full details, please refer to the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). This estimate does not include course materials, supplies, equipment, software and other expenses such as lab fees. You may eligible for partnership grants through your employer. Speak with your admission representative for more details.
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AMU recognizes the value of your service and experience. Our generous transfer credit policy ensures that you get credit for prior college coursework, military education and training, exams, and certifications so you can save time, keep costs low, and stay focused on your education mission.
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In addition to special rates and grants for military servicemembers, veterans, and their families, we also participate in federal financial aid programs for those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Office team can help ensure you have the support you need.
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AMU students may explore private education loans or scholarship options to supplement their education funding. Before pursuing these options, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn about your eligibility. We encourage all borrowers to research their choices, review interest rates and repayment terms, and make an informed decision that aligns with their goals.
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As a leader in higher education for the nation’s military and a top choice for veterans using education benefits, AMU proudly accepts Tuition Assistance (TA) and other military education benefits. Our experienced Military Tuition Assistance team can help you understand your eligibility, apply your benefits, and make the most out of your available resources.
Learn MoreApply to the Intelligence Studies Graduate Program
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- All AMU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®). Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
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Learn More About Pursuing a Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies
No. You may pursue this Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies even if you studied a different discipline as an undergrad.
If you have not yet completed a baccalaureate degree, however, AMU’s Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies serves as a stepping stone to this master’s program. The bachelor’s degree introduces students to the core concepts that define the intelligence field. Coursework encourages critical thinking and develops analytical skills as students consider how analysts leverage intelligence networks to conduct threat assessments. The bachelor’s degree program also covers basic data collection methods and fundamental intelligence analysis strategies.
Earning an MA demonstrates your commitment to the discipline and to advancing your analytical skills. Master’s-level students deepen their understanding of the IC’s role in protecting national security and supporting our nation’s leaders.
AMU’s MA program also provides learners with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the field by interning for academic credit.
The best degree to pursue depends on your goals and interests. A bachelor’s degree provides a comprehensive introduction to the discipline. Coursework at the bachelor’s level tends to focus on building foundational research and analytical skills.
Master’s degree programs allow students to delve deeper into topics such as national security, criminal intelligence, and intel collection and analysis. Master’s-level coursework emphasizes communication skills, analytical writing, and critical thinking.
Finally, doctoral degree programs combine classroom learning with hands-on research opportunities surrounding highly complex security and intelligence issues. Students conduct original studies and author dissertations detailing their findings.
Consider how program requirements compare to your academic interests. For example, a graduate certificate program offers a glimpse into the discipline, whereas a graduate degree program provides a more well-rounded learning experience.
AMU’s intelligence studies graduate certificate consists of just 18 credit hours, while the master’s degree in the same discipline requires 36 credits. In addition to core requirements and electives, degree-seekers complete specialized coursework in their chosen concentration areas. The MA program also includes a capstone project, which learners complete to showcase their advanced knowledge and skills.
Intelligence studies faculty have held leadership roles at various organizations, including:
- U.S. Army Open Source Intelligence Office
- U.S. Army National Guard
- Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Intelligence and Security Command
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Most federal agencies, especially those agencies involved with national security, require employees to hold security clearances, since their work involves sensitive information. Still, security clearance requirements vary from one position to another.
For example, corporate roles rarely require security clearances. Instead, organizations may perform extensive background checks on applicants.
Typically, you will undergo a security clearance process once you have a conditional offer of a job. Receiving clearance involves demonstrating your:
- Loyalty to the nation
- Trustworthiness
- Reliability
- Discretion
Learn more about the security clearance process.
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