Intelligence and Security Analysis UCERT

The Intelligence and Security Analysis Certificate prepares students to excel in the high-stakes, fast-evolving field of national security. Through a rigorous 26-credit interdisciplinary curriculum, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. Intelligence Community, the intelligence cycle, and the policies and operational frameworks that drive modern defense and security strategies.

Designed for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, criminal justice, computer science, data science, biochemistry, and related STEM or policy disciplines, the program emphasizes both critical thinking and practical application. Students develop advanced analytical and communication skills to evaluate complex data, generate actionable intelligence, and effectively present findings to diverse stakeholders. A strong focus on ethics, legal standards, and collaborative leadership ensures graduates are equipped to make sound decisions and thrive in high-pressure environments central to national and global security.

Whether entering the intelligence workforce or advancing within it, this certificate equips students to excel in dynamic environments where timely and accurate information can shape the future of security and diplomacy.

Metro State also leads the North Star Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (NICCAE), a regional ODNI-funded initiative that supports:

• Career-connected learning and internship opportunities with IC partners
• Applied faculty and student research in cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI
• Annual speaker series, workshops, and colloquia with national security experts
• Outreach to underserved communities to diversify the intelligence workforce

Through NICCAE, students benefit from unique experiential learning opportunities, real-world partnerships, and access to IC career resources. Learn more at the North Star ICCAE Portal.

• Interdisciplinary curriculum focused on intelligence, national security, and analysis
• Core courses in intelligence operations, AI applications, and strategic communication
• Elective pathways in cybersecurity, criminal justice, forensic science, and STEM
• Real-world experience through internships and mentorships supported by NICCAE
• Emphasis on ethics, leadership, and civil liberties in national security work

• Interdisciplinary curriculum focused on intelligence, national security, and analysis
• Core courses in intelligence operations, AI applications, and strategic communication
• Elective pathways in cybersecurity, criminal justice, forensic science, and STEM
• Real-world experience through internships and mentorships supported by NICCAE
• Emphasis on ethics, leadership, and civil liberties in national security work

Upon completing the certificate, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding and application of core intelligence and national security concepts, including the history and structure of the U.S. Intelligence Community and the intelligence cycle
• Interpret and analyze intelligence data from multiple sources to generate actionable insights that impact national security decisions
• Apply ethical standards and legal frameworks that govern intelligence work, including the protection of civil liberties and privacy
• Communicate findings clearly and strategically, using both written reports and presentations tailored to diverse audiences
• Lead and collaborate in high-pressure team environments, demonstrating strong coordination, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

The Intelligence and Security Analysis Certificate prepares students for a wide variety of careers in federal agencies, law enforcement, homeland security, defense contracting, and private intelligence firms. Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

• Intelligence Analyst
• Counterterrorism Specialist
• Cyber Threat Analyst
• Forensic Intelligence Examiner
• Homeland Security Professional
• National Security Policy Advisor

Job market insights:

• The U.S. job market for intelligence analysts is projected to grow by 1.5% between 2022 and 2032, creating approximately 1,700 new positions, in addition to 4,100 replacement openings from retirements and attrition.
• The median annual salary for intelligence analysts is approximately $70,500, with top earners making over $105,000, depending on specialization, experience, and employer.
• Intelligence professionals are in demand across sectors, including government agencies (CIA, FBI, DHS, NSA), military intelligence, and private-sector security consultancies.

Intelligence Community opportunities:

According to IntelligenceCareers.gov, the Intelligence Community offers a variety of roles in fields such as:

• Cybersecurity – Safeguarding national infrastructure from cyber threats
• Data Science – Analyzing and modeling intelligence data to uncover patterns
• Foreign Languages – Translating and interpreting foreign communications
• Policy and Strategy – Supporting decision-makers with actionable insights
• STEM and Technology – Advancing tools and systems to support intelligence operations

A career in the IC offers meaningful public service, career mobility, and intellectually engaging work critical to the safety and security of the United States.