Program Overview
Intelligence Analysis
Program Type
B.A.
Estimated Time to Complete
4 Years
School
School of the Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
Delivery Mode
On Campus
Begin your career in this high-demand field.
When it’s time to make important decisions, policymakers turn to their information analysts for assistance. Analysts play a key role in collecting complex data, evaluating sources, and making timely, non-biased assessments. Their job is essential to the process of developing policies — and the impact of their work is felt on an international level.
The Intelligence Analysis degree program at York College prepares you to begin a career in this high-demand field. With a campus located near intelligence communities in Washington, D.C., and eastern Maryland, students are well placed to build their professional network.
This unique program emphasizes both regional area and global studies. Coursework ranges from geography, history, and regional politics to international relations, foreign policy, and national security.
Majoring in Intelligence Analysis
Key Courses
Intelligence Analysis Courses
York College’s Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Analysis includes a variety of classes. These include:
- IA 100: Introduction to Intelligence Analysis
- IA 200: Intelligence Analysis Methods
- IA 210: Writing for Intelligence Analysis
- IA 300: Intelligence Analysis and National Security
- HIS 392: History of Intelligence
- IA 410: Advanced Intelligence Analysis
4+1 Graduate Degree Opportunities
Students who wish to continue their education also benefit from a 4+1 pathway to York College’s graduate program, where they can earn both a bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Analysis and a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) in as few as five years.
Career Opportunities & Benefits
Careers in Intelligence Analysis
An Intelligence Analysis major is rich with career options. Possible jobs in the intelligence community include:
- Intelligence Analyst
- Intelligence Operations Specialist
- Intelligence Research Specialist
- Cryptologic Cyber Planner
- All Source Analyst
- Analytic Methodologist
Graduates of this major may work for organizations like the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration, the armed forces, think tanks, defense and intelligence contractors, and more.
Intelligence Analyst Salary
How much will you earn with a bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Analysis? Estimates suggest that intelligence analysts earn an average salary of $76,601 per year. The top 20 percent of earners can make over $140,000 each year.
Benefits of an Intelligence Analysis Degree
Careers in intelligence analysis offer exciting, satisfying work. Analysts make an impact, often serving their country and using their skills to keep others safe. Qualified analysts are in high demand, and graduates of the Intelligence Analysis degree program will be employable in a wide variety of work environments.
Internships & Work Experience
Internships & Work Experience
Wondering how to become an intelligence analyst? Our program provides students with opportunities to pursue internships in a number of fields, including specialized governmental experiences. Your internship may involve:
- a government agency
- a legislative, executive, or judicial decision-making body
- an advocacy group or volunteer association
- a non-profit organization
- a think tank
- a corporation
- a government contractor
- a state or local law enforcement agency
Students are required to complete an internship, so even before graduation, you'll log a minimum of 120 hours working in the field. Students intern at agencies within the intelligence community, organizations at all three government levels (federal, state, and local), private sector intelligence providers, or organizations that contract with the federal government.
Intelligence Analysis majors will also work on a threat assessment project. Your final national security product will be sent to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Mentorship & Community
Mentorship & Community
As you earn your Intelligence Analysis degree at York College, you’ll enjoy YCP’s proximity to the U.S. intelligence community in Washington, D.C., and eastern Maryland.
Students may also have the opportunity to explore international organizations that use intelligence during Study Abroad experiences. For example, one study abroad opportunity will take students to four different European countries to visit several different NATO headquarters with Intelligence Analysis Professor John Weaver.
Intelligence Analysis majors also have the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research, and many students have their research published. In the Intelligence Analysis National Security class, students collaborate with faculty to author book chapters and work through the real-world publishing process.
High-Demand Skills
Intelligence Analysis Skills
YCP’s B.A. in Intelligence Analysis helps students build a diverse set of skills that are critical to their future success. These include:
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Communications
- Interpersonal skills
- Data analytics
- Foreign language skills
Intelligence Analysis Minor
The Intelligence Analysis minor focuses on studying and evaluating information to produce timely and objective assessments. The minor will complement a student’s primary major as they develop skills necessary to perform intelligence analysis in the public sector (intelligence organizations at the federal and state levels), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector (intelligence companies and think tanks).
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
An Accredited Intelligence Degree
York College is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which accredits schools and colleges in the Middle States region. This includes Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Accreditation by one of the six regional accrediting associations in the United States indicates that the school or college has been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators.
Intelligence Analysis Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
Course Name | Course Code | Credits
- Intelligence Analysis Methods | IA 200 | 3 Credits
- International Relations | PS 302 | 3 Credits
- NATO Contemporary Security Issues | IA 310 | 3 Credits
- History of Intelligence | HIS 392 | 3 Credits
Careers in Intelligence Analysis
A bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Analysis opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
- Intelligence Analyst
- Intelligence Operations Specialist
- Intelligence Research Specialist
- Cryptologic Cyber Planner
- All Source Analyst
- Analytic Methodologist
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Intelligence Analysis?
Intelligence analysis is a broad field of study with a variety of available sub-specialities. Analysts may focus on a specific area, such as military capabilities, scientific or technical potential, economics, geographic/regional specialization, or cybersecurity.
What degree do you need to be an intelligence analyst?
According to hiring managers, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to begin your career as an intelligence analyst. Experience, either in related entry-level roles or internships, is also highly valued.
How do I get an intelligence analyst internship?
All students working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Analysis at York College are required to complete an internship. You’ll work with your faculty advisor and the Career Development Center to obtain placement at an internship site that will help you to strengthen your résumé and meet your professional goals. Most students intern at federal or state-level intelligence agencies or organizations that contract with government entities.