Become well-versed with the issues the United States confronts in adapting its intelligence community to address the security challenges of the twenty-first century. You’ll focus on phenomena such as terrorism, transnational organized crime, humanitarian disasters, environmental degradation, emerging and re-emerging diseases, and cyber-threats that are key items on the national security agenda.
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Security and Intelligence Studies
Advance national and international security.
Tackle complex challenges affecting global security.
Learn to analyze and develop strategies for mitigating threats to state and human security around the world. You’ll be prepared for careers in diplomacy, intelligence, defense and foreign policy strategy, and homeland security.
Areas of Focus
- Diplomacy
- Intelligence collection, analysis, and covert action
- National defense strategy
- Regional focus in areas like Russia, China, Middle East
- Terrorism
Internship Experiences
Gain experience for investigating and navigating threats to security, from local challenges to international crimes. Prior to graduation, you’ll also complete a 300-hour internship at an approved site.
Previous Internship Sites
- U.S. Department of State
- National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- U.S. Department of Defense
- PPG Industries
- Duane Morris Government Strategies
Career Paths
Learn to collect and analyze intelligence, create plans of defense, and promote diplomatic solutions, with the aim of protecting individuals, communities, and societies from those who would harm them.
Potential Workplaces
- Federal agencies like the FBI, CIA, and NSA
- Think Tanks like the Center for Strategic and International Studies, RAND Corporation or the Council on Foreign Relations
- State and local law enforcement
- International organizations like the United Nations Security Council
- Diplomatic posts for the U.S. Department of State
Major Courses and Plans of Study
As a security and intelligence studies major, you’ll learn methods for obtaining the data and intelligence needed to mitigate security risks. You’ll also complete a set of required degree courses, which are outlined in the MPIA plan of study.
View MPIA plan of studyFeatured Courses
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Understand the major theoretical approaches and issues in international politics. You’ll gain insight into the basic concepts and schools of thought, and examine the major institutions and processes through which foreign policies are made and implemented.
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Examine how history can inform policy-making by looking at key watersheds in international history—ones that continue to shape the world in which we live. You’ll study how events have unfolded in the past, and understand how that information may enable us to better deal with the complexity of what’s going on now.
Faculty Experts
Work with faculty who have real-world, on-the-ground experience working to safeguard society against issues of international security.
View All FacultyCenters, Institutes, and Initiatives
Gain experience in research, teaching, and public service in security and intelligence studies.
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