10 Best Degrees for In­tel­li­gence Analysts What to study for a career in in­tel­li­gence

Intelligence analysts work with the biggest security agencies in the world to keep the public safe from terrorism, organized crime, and hostile states. As a reward for their service, people who enter this career field enjoy impressive salaries, great benefits, and high career mobility. However, you can’t just start working in intelligence analysis without proper qualifications. Most employers require applicants to at least hold a bachelor’s degree to even be considered for a position. Because attaining a degree requires a huge investment of time, money, and willpower, you should check out this list of the 10 most useful degrees in the intelligence analysis field to get the most out of your education.

1. Computer Science

Computers, microchips, and digital technologies are more important than ever, and they will play an even more significant role in everyday life in the future. Because of this, professionals who deeply understand coding and computers can expect stellar pay and great career prospects. A bachelor’s degree in computer science prepares students to solve a plethora of complex problems by teaching them how to write efficient code in the most important programming languages. As someone with a computer science degree, you will be equipped to use data, streamline processes, and invent new technologies to make the world a better place.

Typical Coursework in This Program

In the first two years of a computer science program, you can expect to take courses in calculus, statistics, discrete structures, Python, C, and JavaScript. As you progress, you’ll delve into data structures, other programming languages, computer architecture, operating systems, software engineering, cybersecurity, and tech-related ethics courses. Many computer science programs also cover the basics of circuitry and offer electives that focus on video game production, artificial intelligence, privacy engineering, computer networks, algorithms, computer graphics, and other specialized topics.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Intelligence experts must recognize trends to identify and deal with threats before they can cause any harm. With the help of skilled computer scientists, intelligence departments can focus on the most relevant data to make major decisions without wasting time. As someone with an interest in intelligence analysis, you may want to take courses on database management, artificial intelligence, data algorithms, and data visualization to help members of your organization make decisions with greater certainty.

2. Cybersecurity

These days, the biggest criminal organizations target vulnerable data networks to undermine public safety. Data is more valuable than ever, and since governments, businesses, and individuals store so much data on computer networks, intelligence agencies need people who can keep this sensitive information out of the wrong hands. As a cybersecurity specialist, you will use your knowledge of computer networks, secure data storage, digital forensics, and information systems to stop criminals from accessing crucial data.

Typical Coursework in This Program

Before advancing to cybersecurity-focused courses, you’ll learn about calculus, discrete mathematics, Linux, and the basics of computer science. In the third year of most programs, students study object-oriented design, coding with C++ and similar languages, and algorithmic analysis. Your final year in a cybersecurity program will include courses in cloud security, cryptography, information assurance, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and software engineering.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving. New threats arise every day, so the biggest intelligence services need people who can adapt to new challenges and persistently reinforce the most important networks and data systems. You can expect to regularly perform penetration tests, adopt effective software solutions, decrypt nefarious communications, and communicate succinctly with other agents and departments to bring the worst cybercriminals to justice.

3. International Affairs

There are nearly 200 countries in the world today, and each one has its own interests, opportunities, and challenges. A degree in international affairs prepares students to understand the broad range of factors that contribute to war, trade, and international politics. Graduates will have the cultural literacy necessary to identify international threats and promote cross-cultural cooperation to keep the public safe.

Typical Coursework in This Program

Your initial coursework will cover political science, the basics of international law, anthropology, economics, international business, and the history of globalization. Later in the program, students will take courses in regional studies, international security, comparative politics, and conflict resolution. Students typically choose to focus on a specific country or region, and most international affairs programs require students to develop intermediate proficiency in a foreign language.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Threats to national security can come from a variety of countries, linguistic groups, and cultures. Your cultural knowledge will help members of your agency readily identify trends and understand the motivations of the people behind certain security threats. On top of that, you will likely play an important role in your department’s cooperation with foreign institutions.

4. Criminology

How do criminals think? Which methods do they use to commit crime? What are criminals’ motivations? Criminology majors seek to answer these questions and use this knowledge to solve and prevent all kinds of criminal behavior. By covering topics in sociology, policing, psychology, statistics, and law, criminology programs give graduates a well-rounded base of knowledge to make effective decisions when faced with unique security threats.

Typical Coursework in This Program

To build a solid foundation for your later coursework, you’ll initially take classes in scientific writing, research methods, statistics, behavioral research, and introductory topics in criminology. Later, you’ll learn more about the court system, policing, criminal psychology, sociology, advanced behavioral research, and forensic science. Most programs require students to complete an internship with a nearby police department or correctional facility to accumulate practical experience in the field.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Many intelligence analysts don’t start working for large intelligence agencies straight out of college. Instead, local law enforcement departments are often the first step in a criminal justice career. A criminology degree will provide you with the right knowledge and skills to understand complex criminal behavior, and this will be valuable will be valuable when you apply to any criminal justice organization. By taking internships in your program, you’ll build a professional network with nearby law enforcement officials, improving your odds of finding a law enforcement job and accumulating the real-world experience necessary to work for a federal agency.

5. Public Safety Administration

Police departments, fire departments, and other emergency services must coordinate efficiently to keep the public secure. Individuals who major in public safety administration understand how crime, natural disasters, economics, sociology, and international relations intersect to affect public order. With a public safety degree, you will be better equipped to identify risks, plan for disasters and safety hazards, and direct all kinds of emergency personnel to protect the public in dangerous situations.

Typical Coursework in This Program

Your core courses will cover organizational behavior, public safety systems, diversity, social vulnerability, administrative processes, and ethics. Many programs require students to also take courses in psychology, sociology, and criminology. Common concentrations in this major include disaster management, public health, and law enforcement. Because public safety is such a broad field, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of electives in your major.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Intelligence agencies exist to protect the public from criminals and terrorists. With a degree in public safety administration, you will be equipped to predict harmful threats and quickly react to emergency situations. Your knowledge of disaster management, administration, emergency response systems, and sociology will provide a unique perspective to help your organization use data to make more nuanced decisions in chaotic circumstances.

6. Foreign Language

Currently, there are over 7,100 languages spoken in the world. The majority of people across the world cannot comfortably express themselves in English, so it’s important to build the right skills to break through language barriers. Foreign language programs familiarize students with the grammar, syntax, writing system, and cultural norms of the target language so that they can more effectively communicate with native speakers. In the era of global trade and international cooperation, people with strong language skills facilitate communication and promote intercultural cooperation to achieve great things.

Typical Coursework in This Program

Most of your courses in this program will prepare you to write, read, speak, and listen in the target language. As the years pass, the level of language instruction will gradually become more advanced. Your program might also require you to take politics or sociology courses relevant to the target culture, and you will likely take some courses focusing on the history of the target culture and significant written works in the target language. Most programs require students to complete a language proficiency test, and some universities expect students to spend at least two semesters abroad.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Major crimes and acts of terrorism often involve people from several countries who collaborate across borders. Because of this, law enforcement organizations from different countries must work together to address international criminal activity. With your proficiency in a foreign language, you will help your department monitor communications in the target language, translate important documents, and interact more effectively with suspects and law enforcement professionals from other cultures.

7. Forensic Accounting

Money is a central factor in all kinds of human activity. Nobody is going to work if they’re not getting paid, and that includes criminals. Sure, some criminals are ideological enough that they don’t need compensation for their work. However, these people still require money to afford the resources necessary to commit crimes and acts of terrorism. Forensic accountants cut off criminal organizations’ monetary resources and put financial transactions under a microscope to help companies, governments, and other organizations identify fraudulent activity.

Typical Coursework in This Program

During your first couple of years in a forensic accounting program, you will study financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, technical writing, and statistics. Most programs also require students to take introductory courses in criminology, sociology, and other relevant social sciences. As you make your way through the program, you’ll take several courses in auditing, financial fraud, digital investigation, financial law, and criminal interview techniques. Many programs also include courses in corporate finance, managerial ethics, white collar crime, forensic psychology, machine learning, and cybersecurity.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Most people who graduate from this program choose to become a certified public accountant or a certified financial examiner. With these certifications, you can track money and identify fraudulent transactions for almost any kind of organization. Money is a key factor in many organized criminal activities, so most criminal justice organizations are in desperate need of professionals who can analyze fraudulent financial documents and identify suspicious transactions. You may want to pursue an internship with a court, law office, or law enforcement agency to bolster your resume if you want to become an intelligence analyst.

8. Intelligence Studies

A degree in intelligence studies combines data analysis, criminology, sociology, forensic accounting, statistics, public safety management, and other relevant disciplines to prepare students to work for major federal intelligence agencies. Students in an intelligence studies program must hold the law and justice in very high regard. In your studies, you’ll run through detailed simulations and learn how to adapt to ever-changing conditions in order to combat terrorism, hostile state actions, natural disasters, and organized crime.

Typical Coursework in This Program

On top of a few introductory criminology courses, your initial coursework will cover basic statistics, technical writing, public speaking, psychology, and ethics. In your second year, you’ll explore topics such as international terrorism, international relations, and espionage. In your final two years, you’ll analyze major covert actions learn about counterterrorism, advanced geopolitical theories, data analysis, and American foreign policy. Many programs require students to achieve intermediate proficiency in a foreign language, and some universities focus heavily on relevant topics in computer science and cybersecurity.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Distinguishing yourself in an intelligence studies program will greatly increase your odds of finding a job with a major criminal justice organization upon graduation. You will build many useful contacts in the field as you progress through your degree. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to complete internships for police departments, governmental organizations, and private companies to gain invaluable practical experience.

9. Psychology

How does the human mind work? Why do people make certain decisions? Psychologists study patients, analyze medical data, and perform experiments to answer these questions. In a psychology program, you will attend labs, conduct experiments, study human anatomy, and explore prevailing theories of psychology to learn as much as possible about the mysteries of human behavior.

Typical Coursework in This Program

As a first-year psychology student, your coursework will explore the fundamentals of psychology, statistics, biology, human anatomy, and principles of psychological research. Over the next two years, you will take courses in social psychology, human development, cognition, neuroscience, and abnormal psychology. During your final year, you will focus heavily on advanced topics in your concentration. Common concentrations in a psychology program include abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Criminology and psychology go hand in hand. With a background in psychology, you will have the necessary tools to understand suspects and predict criminal behaviors based on available data. A psychology degree is also a good springboard for a number of graduate programs if you want to work in a clinical capacity or end up deciding that intelligence analysis isn’t for you.

10. Data Science

Computers, servers, and networks have allowed humanity to store data at an unprecedented scale. However, data isn’t very useful without people who know how to analyze it. Data scientists understand the intricacies of data storage, information security, and the application of data to help organizations make quick and accurate decisions. Because more and more organizations are using quantitative data analysis to craft effective strategies and streamline complicated processes, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in data science are in very high demand.

Typical Coursework in This Program

In your first year, you will take courses in statistics, mathematical methods, basic programming, data management, finance, and introductory economics. If you can make it through those classes, then you’ll start learning about algorithms, linear algebra, mathematical analysis, databases, and advanced statistics. Your last two years in the program will cover topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and financial statistics.

How This Degree Benefits Intelligence Analysts

Even a small police department in the middle of nowhere has to store and work with massive amounts of data. This information includes police reports, demographic data, employee information, evidence logs, and more. National intelligence agencies have to work with even more data than that, and they don’t have the time to slowly sort through it. As a data scientist, you’ll highlight the most important information and identify trends so that your organization can tackle national security threats and serious criminals with surgical precision. Businesses also need to analyze and leverage data to stay ahead of the competition, so a data science degree is a great choice if you ever want to work in the private sector.

Choose Your Program Carefully

In your program, you’ll be spending countless hours studying cases, attending labs, taking tests, and building the right professional network to thrive as an intelligence analyst. Thus, you want to make sure to pick the right program to make the most out of your time and money. Luckily, intelligence agencies need a wide range of skilled professionals, so you will likely have something to contribute as long as you put your heart and soul into a degree program that aligns with your talents and interests.