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. Hopkins' 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:
1. 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.
2. Two recommendations. Please include the contact information for two references who can verify professional and/or academic accomplishment. The references will be automatically emailed information on how they can access the recommendation system.
3. A resume or CV.
4. A writing sample. Submit a 5-page, double-spaced original paper responding to the following question:
"Is intelligence analysis an art or a science?"
Your submission should demonstrate your writing skills, demonstrate evidence-based argumentation, and cite three sources from the extant research literature in support of your position.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Eight core courses
- Two elective courses
- Two research courses
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| 473.600 The Art & Practice of Intelligence 1 | ||
| 473.601 Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy 1 | ||
| 473.602 Intelligence Analysis | ||
| 473.603 Intelligence Communications | ||
| 473.604 Applied Critical Thinking and Analytic Techniques | ||
| 473.605 Strategic Culture Analysis | ||
| 473.606 Legal Issues in Intelligence | ||
| 473.607 Intelligence Ethics | ||
| 474.608 Leading Intelligence Organizations | ||
| 473.800 Research Seminar | ||
| 473.801 Capstone: Special Issues in Intelligence (Prerequisite: 473.800) 2 | ||
| Electives | ||
| 470.622 Introduction to Intelligence in the Five Eyes Community | ||
| 473.622 Rise and Fall of Intelligence | ||
| 473.624 International Security and Intelligence | ||
| 473.626 Comparative Intelligence Systems | ||
| 473.628 Evolution of American Intelligence | ||
| 473.640 Counterintelligence and National Security: 21st Century Challenges | ||
| 473.642 Assessing Foreign Militaries | ||
| 473.644 Technical Collection of Intelligence | ||
| 473.646 Covert Action and National Security | ||
| 473.660 Intelligence and Counterterrorism | ||
| 473.662 Defense Intelligence in War and Peace | ||
| 473.664 Terrorist Financing Analysis and Counterterrorist Finance Techniques | ||
| 473.666 Case Studies in Intelligence | ||
| 473.668 Intelligence to Secure the Homeland and Hometown | ||
| 470.668 Politics and Process of American Foreign Policy | ||
| 470.724 Managing Dangerous Futures: Global Political Risk Analysis | ||
| 470.731 Privacy in a Data-Driven Society | ||
| 470.740 Cyber Policy, Strategy, Conflict, and Deterrence | ||
| 470.743 Data Mining and Predictive Analytics | ||
| 470.792 Social Science, National Security, and Intelligence | ||
| 470.795 The Constitution and National Security | ||
1 Students must enroll in either 473.600 The Art & Practice of Intelligence -or- 473.601 Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy in their first semester. Credit from only one of these courses may be applied to the degree requirements.
2 Students must enroll in 473.801 Capstone: Special Issues in Intelligence in their final semester in the program.
Course Sequencing
All MSIA students must enroll in either 473.600 The Art of Practice of Intelligence or 473.601 Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy during their first semester in the MSIA program. These courses provide the foundational knowledge necessary for success in subsequent courses, including coverage of intelligence collection methods, the intelligence production cycle, and the use of intelligence by decision-makers to formulate policy. One or both of these courses is offered every semester. Credit from only one of these courses may be applied to the degree requirements.
Students must complete 473.800 Research Seminar prior to enrolling in 473.801 Capstone: Special Issues in Intelligence, which must be taken in the student's final semester in the program. Capstone projects proposals are developed and approved during the 473.800 Research Seminar course and completed during the 473.801 Capstone: Special Issues in Intelligence, providing students a year to pursue their selected research initiative.
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.