Online Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies (MA)
Learn how both public- and private-sector organizations leverage the intelligence cycle. This intelligence studies master’s degree program at American Public University (APU) examines how analysts support homeland security, law enforcement, and corporate operations.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies at American Public University explores contemporary issues that affect the intelligence cycle. The program is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of intelligence operations.
Faculty with real-world experience in national intelligence, homeland security, and the military lead APU’s flagship master’s program. Students hone their critical-thinking skills as they consider best practices for intelligence collection and strategic intelligence analysis.
Courses provide an in-depth overview of the strategies the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) employs to conduct threat assessments and protect national security. This online program covers a broad scope of topics, including:
- Counterintelligence
- Homeland security
- Terrorism and counterterrorism
- Law enforcement intelligence
- Geospatial intelligence
- Signals intelligence
- Human intelligence
- Open-source intelligence
Courses will also address corporate intelligence operations. Learners discuss how private-sector organizations integrate intelligence practices to support business objectives and bolster security efforts.
Students develop advanced problem-solving skills as they examine the ethical dilemmas that commonly arise within the intelligence field. Moreover, the program prepares learners to pursue further study through APU’s Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (DSI) program.
Master’s in Intelligence Program Concentrations
Students select degree concentration tracks to focus their learning. Each track delves into security and intelligence studies disciplines through highly specialized coursework.
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.
Explore Career Opportunities in Intelligence
APU’s intelligence studies master’s degree program explores contemporary intelligence issues such as the Department of Homeland Security’s establishment in the wake of 9/11. Learners also consider how government organizations, such as the National Security Agency, participate in intelligence operations. In this program, students 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
This degree program equips students with critical-thinking and research skills to help them navigate complex security challenges. Students will learn about the analytical techniques that security and intelligence professionals use to extract actionable insights from data.
Graduates may have potential career opportunities as:
- Intelligence analysts, who analyze data to inform decision makers about emerging threats
- Criminal intelligence analysts, who build intelligence networks to help law enforcement to investigate crimes and prevent future ones
- Political analysts/political scientists, who research economic, political, and security issues
- Security analysts, who safeguard private-sector organizations and their assets
Learners hone their analytical skills as they discuss how to gather and assess intelligence. Courses also examine how intelligence professionals review and interpret data to collect actionable insights.
Students learn to:
- Demonstrate effective communication skills through a combination of written assignments, academic research, and weekly class discussions
- Apply critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to case studies
- Use intelligence analysis methods to assess data and other information
- Analyze global security, political, economic, and cultural issues that impact the IC
- Conduct research using OSINT and analytic tools
“ Students may come into the program thinking of intelligence only as it relates to the military. This program will open their awareness to consider all 18 agencies and organizations that conduct strategic intelligence. ”
Explore Program Requirements for This Intelligence Studies Degree
All Course Requirements for Intelligence Studies
APU’s online master’s degree program grants students the opportunity to complete internships for academic credit. These internships provide real-world experience in the security and intelligence fields. Students coordinate their own placements, which must receive approval from faculty. Previous students have interned at the:
- Department of State, Office of Foreign Mission
- United Service Organizations (USO)
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- U.S. Forces Korea
Expand Your Network Through APU’s Student Organizations
At APU, intelligence studies students receive not only advanced education, but also the opportunity to build meaningful connections. Learners can engage with classmates and faculty beyond the classroom through student groups. These organizations include APU’s:
Learn more about virtual communities and other ways to get involved when you pursue an online master’s degree at American Public University.
Signature Skills: A Learning Revolution
Integrated into our student curriculum, these signature skills teach you how to move through the world with confidence. The road to success is paved with signature skills learned at APUS.
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Encouraging students to use current technologies, critically evaluate emerging tools, and responsibly engage with digital and AI systems.
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Strengthening the ability in all students to analyze information objectively, question assumptions, explore alternatives, and develop skills essential for navigating continual change.
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Helping students thrive in dynamic workplaces by reinforcing adaptability, resilience, innovation, and self-awareness.
Welcome to a learning revolution.
APUS signature skills.
Digital literacy, critical thinking, a growth mindset entwine themselves around the student journey.
They’re in everything we do!
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Meant to inform our approach to you, and your ability to thrive beyond the classroom,
these signature skills teach you how to move through the world with confidence.
The road to success is paved with signature skills learned at APUS.
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APU is here to support your student journey
We know your well-being is vital to your success. That's why we offer a range of supportive resources to help you throughout your academic journey.
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Get individualized guidance to help you explore career options, strengthen professional skills, and prepare for the next step in your journey. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, changing fields, or advancing your professional knowledge, our career services team is here to help you translate your goals into action.
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Your well-being is essential to your success. That’s why APU offers access to confidential, flexible, and around-the-clock mental health support. Through our partnerships with telehealth apps, you can connect with peers and professionals anytime you need to manage stress, maintain balance, or find motivation.
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From your first course to the day you graduate, our admissions and advising teams are here to guide you every step of the way. You’ll receive personalized assistance with enrollment, program selection, and degree planning from professionals who understand the needs of adult learners.
Learn MoreStudent Life
At APU, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Enrich your college experience and expand your network by getting involved in any of our student organizations. From cultural and social organizations to program-specific honor societies, you’ll find a group to help you thrive during and after your studies.
Learn MoreChoose APU’s Intelligence Studies Degree Program for an Affordable Online Education
Save on education expenses as you deepen your understanding of the role the IC plays in mitigating national security threats. University grants and low tuition rates help intelligence studies students reduce out-of-pocket costs. APU also offers generous transfer credit opportunities that allow students to save even further on the time and expense of pursuing their master’s degrees.
- $0 Application Fee
- $0 Textbooks & Ebooks
- $0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
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 be eligible for partnership grants through your employer. Speak with your admissions representative for more details.
APU Removes Barriers
Quality Education Shouldn’t Break the Bank
We offer special rates and grants for eligible students and limit fees to help keep the cost of higher education within reach. Find out how you can save on tuition expenses with our:
- Transfer Credits
- Financial Aid
- Private Loans & Scholarships
- Military & Veteran Benefits
Transfer Credits
APU makes it easy to earn credit for the work you’ve already done. We accept transfer credits from prior college coursework, professional training, exams, and certifications. We’ll evaluate your transcripts at no cost and help you maximize eligible credits so you can save time, reduce costs, and stay focused on reaching your education goals sooner.
Learn MoreFinancial Aid
We’re committed to making quality education accessible and affordable. APU participates in federal financial aid programs, including grants and loans for those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Office can provide personalized guidance to help you understand your options, complete required forms, and make an informed decision about paying for your education.
Learn MorePrivate Loans & Scholarships
In addition to federal financial aid, some APU students choose to explore private education loans or external scholarships to help fund their studies. We encourage all students to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal student aid before considering private options. Be sure to research lenders carefully, compare terms, and understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
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Apply to APU’s Online Intelligence Studies Degree Program Today
Review our admission requirements and submit your application today.
- No Entrance Exams No GRE® or GMAT®4 required for master’s programs
- No Application Fee For master’s-level courses
- Courses Start Monthly Enroll now, start next month
- All APU 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.
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
CHEA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies program includes a capstone project, through which students delve into the nuances of protecting national and/or international security. With an emphasis on research and writing, this assignment prepares students to pursue doctoral-level education.
APU’s Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (DSI) further expands on the concepts learners examine throughout this master’s program. The DSI challenges students to engage in original research as they explore the depths of intelligence and security studies. Program requirements include 58 credits and a dissertation. Learners evaluate the challenges of translating theoretical concepts into practice as they hone their analytical and writing skills.
Learn More about Pursuing a Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies
The Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies helps prepare students to analyze the impact intel operations have on national security. Studies facilitate practical skills in intelligence collection and analysis, while students also learn to identify the defining aspects of quality research.
Learners review how ethical and legal frameworks preserve civil liberties while simultaneously supporting the IC’s activities. Additionally, courses may expand on contemporary issues related to homeland security, global politics, and international relations.
APU’s intelligence studies educators include highly credentialed professionals with real-world experience in security and intelligence. These faculty members share their extensive knowledge of topics such as global politics, covert action, and international security operations. Students gain insight into the strategies intelligence and security experts employ to protect national security, defend human rights, and support the criminal justice system.
Over the years, faculty members have held positions at government agencies and other organizations, such as the:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- National Security Agency
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
- U.S. Marine Corps
- U.S. Navy Maritime Liaison Unit
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service
- Office of Naval Intelligence
- NATO
Intelligence analysts gather and assess information from various sources to produce meaningful knowledge, or intel. Leaders throughout our country use this intel to navigate international relations, protect public safety, and fight crime.
Intel has applications in the business world as well. In fact, private organizations enlist analysts to help executives better understand customers and competitors so they can make informed business decisions.
With more than 200 career-relevant degrees and certificates, APU makes online education accessible and affordable.
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The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.
