Strategic Intelligence & Analysis
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The Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence and Analysis is for students seeking careers in the intelligence field and those who already work in intelligence collection, and is designed to prepare the next generation of intelligence analyst leaders.
Part-Time
The Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence and Analysis is designed for students who seek careers in the intelligence field, as well as professionals whose agencies or clientele are charged with the acquisition and interpretation of intelligence. The degree features courses in fundamental intelligence disciplines, such as analysis and epistemology, intelligence collection, and others. Every analyst in the Intelligence Community is expected to be proficient in 6 core competencies. The competencies enumerated by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) are as follows:
- Engagement and Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Personal Leadership and Integrity
- Accountability for Results
- Technical Expertise
- Communication
The program focuses on summarizing psychological theories relevant to critical thinking and analytical techniques, demonstrating knowledge, through examination procedures, of the major theories and research findings in intelligence analysis, becoming familiar with analytical literature through independent reading, and applying analytical techniques and theories to problem sets. The Master’s in Strategic Intelligence and Analysis prepares the next generation of intelligence analysts for leadership roles in the public and private sectors.
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Unique Features
- Northeastern faculty experts, who have contributed to local, state, and national intelligence and analytics efforts, and have advised high-level decision makers in Boston and other major cities, the military, port authorities, the White House, and various federal intelligence agencies.
- Affiliation with Northeastern's Kostas Research Institute, which offers research opportunities, guest speakers, in addition to the credibility, contacts and resources associated with its work with the Department of Homeland Security.
- Courses and Concentrations that help launch or advance careers by providing skills for analysis roles in either the public sector or the private sector.
Unique Transfer Credit Opportunity
Northeastern recognizes the knowledge and competencies demonstrated by Navy IW-qualified individuals (Officer, Enlisted, Active, or Reserve). Individuals with this status have the unique opportunity to accelerate through the Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence and Analysis by applying this qualification in exchange for transfer credit.
Successful IW-qualified applicants can experience the following:
- Will receive 12 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 25% savings in tuition
- Will enjoy the convenience of a 100% online, interactive curriculum or choose to complete classes on ground in Boston
- Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence and Analysis program, IW-qualified individuals will also receive the coveted 2400 Designation: Strategic Intelligence Sub Specialty Code
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: SIA 6050- All-Source Intelligence, SIA 6060- Human Intelligence Operations, SIA 6070- Analysis for Counterterrorism
Contact us today for more information by completing the form on our page.
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Program Costs
Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations of the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resume
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts (Official transcripts required at the time of admission)
- Two letters of recommendation: from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English Language Proficiency Proof: students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S, stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, or NU Global Exam scores
Admissions Dates
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, however we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| April 8 | March 29 |
| May 20 | May 10 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| July 8 | June 28 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2019 | September 6, 2019 |
| October 28, 2019 | October 18, 2019 |
General Requirements
Required Courses
Capstone
Complete one of the following:
Please Note: Students who are interested in taking SIA 7990 need to first take and pass GST 6109 Basic Field Research.
Electives
Complete 6-8 quarter hours from the following:
Concentrations
Choose one from the following:
Required Courses
Electives
Complete four of the following:
Northeastern's signature experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:
- Experiential Learning at Work — Working professionals collaborate with their employer to develop a project that addresses a key business need their company has in an area they want familiarity with.
- Experiential Network (XN) — Students work virtually with a sponsoring organization on a short-term project over a six-week period.
- Full-Time Co-op Opportunities — Students on co-op work in a paid position in their field of study for three to six months.
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and in fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors, and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 245,000 alumni and 3,200+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional campuses further foster that lifelong global community of learning and mentoring.
Below is a look at where our Political Science and Security alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Fidelity Investments
- State Street
- US Army
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
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What They Do
- Business Development
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Legal
- Operations
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What They're Skilled At
- Public Speaking
- Research
- Leadership
- Microsoft Office
- Management
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.