Intelligence Analysis

With an Intelligence Analysis major, you’ll be part of a field where international relations, foreign policy, and national security intertwine.

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.

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A student sits at a study booth in the library, reading from a large hardcover book.

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 200: Intelligence Analysis Methods
- IA 230: Tradecraft Practical Application
- PS 262: Quantitative Analysis
- PS 302: International Relations
- IA 310: NATO Contemporary Security Issues
- HIS 392: History of Intelligence
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 go on to work for organizations like the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration, or the armed forces.

Intelligence Analyst Salary

How much will you earn with a bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Analysis? CareerExplorer.com estimates 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.

No matter which career path you choose, we’ll help you excel before, during, and after your job search.

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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. Most students intern at agencies within the intelligence community or for organizations that contract with the federal government.

Intelligence Analysis majors will also work on a threat assessment project. Your final work 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 also have the opportunity to explore international intelligence organizations during Study Abroad experiences. For example, during Winter Intersession, a group of students travel with Intelligence Analysis Professor John Weaver to visit NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Intelligence Analysis?

Intelligence analysis is a broad field of study with a variety of available sub-specialities. Intelligence.gov highlights a number of opportunities in government agencies, where intelligence analysts are often employed to “collect, analyze and report intelligence that uncovers the intentions of foreign governments and non-state entities worldwide.” 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 Indeed.com, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to begin your career as an intelligence analyst. Hiring managers will also look for candidates with experience, either in related entry-level roles or internships.
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.

Program Requirements

Required Courses and Degree Requirements for Graduation

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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

View the 2023-2024 Catalog

Related Programs

History and Political Science Department

Corey Brooks, Ph.D., Chair
Humanities Center, 101
Phone: 717.600.3869
cbrooks4@ycp.edu

Deb Staley, Administrative Assistant
Humanities Center, Room 100
Phone: 717.815.1349
dstaley@ycp.edu

Intelligence Analysis