Intelligence Analysis, Master of Science

MS in Intelligence Analysis

advanced.jhu.edu/intelligenceanalysis

The Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis (MSIA) provides students interested in launching or advancing their career in intelligence analysis with the core competencies needed to succeed in an array of intelligence analysis roles. The program provides a theoretical grounding in the discipline, as well as mastery of the core skills required to succeed as an intelligence analyst in the public and private sectors. JHU's MSIA degree emphasizes the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to identify actionable insights from diverse and complex intelligence sources, and persuasively communicate those findings to decision-makers. Courses are taught by leading practitioners in the intelligence community with significant opportunities for students to engage with both faculty and their peers. Graduates of the program will be highly qualified for key roles within public and private sector intelligence agencies. 

Admissions Criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs 

Program-Specific Requirements

In addition to the general admissions criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs, applicants should submit:

• A 1-2 page Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose explains the applicant’s reasons for seeking admission and includes a plan of study addressing the applicant’s analytical abilities and interest in studying the theory and practice of intelligence analysis.
• A writing sample. Identify an emerging trend that is likely to influence the profession of intelligence analysis. Drawing on at least three sources, detail the implications of the trend for the future of U.S. private and/or public intelligence operations and present your findings in a 1 to 2 page executive brief to a senior decision-maker.  

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Ten required core courses 
• Two elective courses

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core Courses-Required:		30
AS.473.600	The Art & Practice of Intelligence (Introductory course)
AS.473.602	Intelligence Analysis
AS.473.603	Intelligence Communications
AS.473.604	Applied Critical Thinking and Analysis
AS.473.605	Strategic Culture Analysis
AS.473.606	Legal Issues in Intelligence
AS.473.607	Intelligence Ethics
AS.473.608	Leading Intelligence Organizations
AS.473.800	Research Seminar
AS.473.801	Capstone: Current Issues in Intelligence
Elective Courses:		6
Select two of the following:
AS.473.609	Introduction to Intelligence in the Five Eyes Community
AS.473.626	Comparative Intelligence Systems
AS.473.642	Assessing Foreign Militaries
AS.473.644	Technical Collection of Intelligence
AS.473.660	Intelligence and Counterterrorism
AS.473.668	Intelligence to Secure the Homeland and Hometown
Total Credits		36

MSIA Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis (MSIA) are expected to master the following key learning outcomes:

• Discern, extract, and synthesize relevant information from diffuse and extensive intelligence sources in response to current policy and security challenges.
• Employ time-sensitive critical analysis in an environment of ambiguity.
• Inform and persuade diverse audiences using oral, written, and visual media to inform decision-making.
• Evaluate ethical and legal principles in the field of intelligence analysis.
• Analyze and apply effective leadership and management skills for resourcing intelligence operations and organizations.
• Create an inclusive approach to decision-making that fosters awareness of regional and global contexts.