Graduate
M.S. Intelligence Studies
USF’s M.S. in Intelligence Studies is the “next generation” intelligence studies degree. This master’s program is an online, STEM-based, applied graduate degree program to train analytic, information and intelligence professionals for work in the public and private sectors. Instead of focusing primarily on international relations or traditional security studies, the curriculum emphasizes analytic competencies, grounded in the disciplines of information science and informatics. The principal aim is to train problem-solvers who understand strategic concepts and analytic methodologies and can apply that knowledge to advance a nation’s or organization’s interests and objectives.
Graduates with the M.S. in Intelligence Studies will be able to develop and evaluate new knowledge; generate and analyze courses of action; express clearly reasoned opinions; and communicate effectively in writing, oral presentation, and visual display. That is, they will know how to use information and apply knowledge to support complex decision-making.
Major Research Areas:
- Strategic Intelligence
- Cyber Intelligence
- Intelligence Analysis
- Information Studies
- Information Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- National Security
Concentrations:
- Strategic Intelligence: The specific form of analysis which is required for the formulation of policy and plans at agency, corporate, national or international levels
- Cyber Intelligence: Learning and applying data acquisition techniques, information analysis skills, and intelligence production to identify, track, and predict cyber threat actor capabilities, intentions, and activities that offer courses of action to enhance decision making.
It is recommended that students have the following understanding of concepts and technical knowledge for the Cyber Intelligence concentration:
- Programming skills (e.g. Python, Java, C++)
- Knowledge of major operating systems and how they function
Admissions Requirements
Information about admissions to the Intelligence Studies program can be found in the USF Graduate Catalog.
University specific admissions requirements can be found here.
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Degree Requirements
The MS in Intelligence Studies is a 33 credit program. There are eight required core courses, which correspond to the program’s five core knowledge areas. Those core areas are: analytic strategy, analytic methods, applied informatics, project management, and analytic communication. You can find more information on the degree requirements by referring to the current year USF Graduate Catalog.
financial resources
Students will find a number of scholarship opportunities at USF and within the School of Information. For School of Information scholarships, please visit our Scholarship page.