Minor in Intelligence Studies

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

Banner Code: LA-MINOR-CLS-ISTU

This minor is designed for students who are interested in careers in homeland security or other intelligence-related fields. This minor focuses on developing the skills of intelligence analysis, including research, writing, briefing, and analytical tradecraft. Students explore ethical issues in the field and new developments in the analysis of intelligence information.

The curriculum fosters a broad knowledge of content in several disciplines valued by employers in homeland security and intelligence-related fields. The minor offers students sufficient flexibility to pursue their primary interests while also preparing themselves for careers in intelligence analysis.

Students who are American citizens may apply for an internship in intelligence analysis at the Federal Bureau of Investigation or other agencies. Credits earned for an internship are in addition to those required for the minor and do not contribute toward completion of the minor. Students who intend to apply for the internship should begin the application process no later than September of their sophomore year, since the security clearance process can take a year or more. Students may wish to participate in the Clearance Ready Program offered through Career Services. Information can be found at https://careers.gmu.edu/students/find-job-or-internship/clearance-ready-program. Students in this minor are strongly encouraged to pursue advanced training in Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.  

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

(formerly NTLA)

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 18

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Students should plan their course of study with a criminology, law and society advisor assigned by the program.

Core Courses in the Minor

CRIM 310 Introduction to the Intelligence Community 3
CRIM 312 Intelligence Analysis Techniques 3
Total Credits 6

Electives in the Minor

The electives must consist of courses from at least two different departments (two different subject prefixes).

Select four electives from the following: 12
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core)
Political Anthropology (Mason Core)
Language and Culture
Communication Theory
Foundations of Intercultural Communication (Mason Core)
CONF 340
Global Conflict Analysis and Resolution (Mason Core)
Social Dynamics of Terrorism, Security, and Justice
Introduction to Homeland Security
Computer Crime, Forensics, and Auditing
Counterintelligence
Applied Criminal Psychology
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
or GOVT 460
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Law Enforcement and Homeland Security
Theory and Politics of Terrorism
CYSE 101
Introduction to Cyber Security Engineering
Political Geography (Mason Core)
Cartographic Design
Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing
Geovisualization
Air Photography Interpretation
Satellite Image Analysis
GOVT 328
Global Political Theory
GOVT 344
American Foreign Policy
GOVT 345
Islam and Politics
GOVT 346
American Security Policy
GOVT 347
International Security
GOVT 443
Law and Ethics of War
GOVT 446
International Law and Organization
Ethics and Leadership
Human Trafficking and Smuggling 1
Computer Crime, Forensics, and Auditing
Logic and Critical Thinking
Applied Cross-Cultural Psychology (Mason Core)
The Psychology of Working in Groups and Teams
Social Movements and Political Protest
Globalization and Social Change (Mason Core)
Conflict, Violence, and Peace
Violence and Religion
Big Data, Technology, and Society
Analysis of Social Data
Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I
Introductory Statistics II
Special topics courses may be approved if they are relevant to the field of intelligence studies 2
Other courses as approved by minor director
Total Credits 12