ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED INTELLIGENCE
We are currently accepting applications for an online Master of Science Applied Intelligence degree with classes beginning in September 2013. The deadline for application is June 21, 2013.
Program Overview
The Online Master of Science in Applied Intelligence emphasizes the application of intelligence theory across the disciplines of national security, military, law enforcement, and competitive intelligence. The Mercyhurst program focuses on intelligence as a process, using (primarily unstructured) information from all sources and focused externally, that is designed to reduce the level of uncertainty for a decision-maker.
Given this focus, the coursework concentrates on developing deep researching abilities, proficient use of analytic techniques and methodologies, concise analytic writing, and effective briefing. The advancement of these analytic skills, in addition to an appreciation of the theory and history of the intelligence field, produce program graduates capable of leading in the knowledge-centric work environments of the future.
Lively discussion, informative presentations, scholarly study material, engaging activities, carefully crafted assessments, and course outcomes focused on real-world application concepts are the hallmarks learning within the Applied Intelligence Program at Mercyhurst University.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the MS in Applied Intelligence Program will be able to:
- Discuss the intelligence process and its inherent challenges in the current environment within each of the disciplines of intelligence;
- Explain the application and history of intelligence in various fields;
- Use deep research techniques to capitalize on available proprietary and open source materials and use collection plans to respond to complex taskings;
- Utilize software to assist in the various stages of the analytic process;
- Examine collected data and information using a variety of structured analytic techniques and methodologies;
- Evaluate and reduce bias in the analytic process to produce higher-quality analytic products;
- Produce descriptive, explanatory, and estimative analytic conclusions based on critical inquiry, analysis of situational complexity and an appreciation historical perspective;
- Compose effective analytic documents and briefings, based on thorough research and the use of appropriate analytic techniques, which respond to decision-maker needs; and
- Produce research in the intelligence field to add to the body of knowledge for analytic professionals.
Who Should Apply
To apply to the program you must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, preferably with a GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The Department of Intelligence Studies accepts students from a wide variety of undergraduate degree programs -- from political science and international relations to biology and mathematics.
Preference in admissions will be given to working professionals who will benefit from further study in the application of intelligence analysis. Please note that those who are just completing their undergraduate studies and/or do not possess professional work experience should apply to the resident MS in Applied Intelligence degree program in Erie, PA.
Online Course Information
Mercyhurst’s online courses are delivered through the Blackboard Learning Management System. The classes are asynchronous, so students can access the course material 24/7, without having to be "there" at a specific time. However, the courses are not “independent or self-study.” You may be required to brief or "meet" with your instructor or group members in an online format.
Courses are designed with 10 weekly learning units, with due dates and times each week for assignments, including required readings, postings to the discussion board, written products, presentations and other projects. Students generally log into the course at least three times per week and can expect to spend an average of 10 hours per week working on assignments.
Class sizes are limited to approximately 20 students, so that individual attention is assured. In addition to communication through Blackboard, instructors are accessible by phone and email.
Program Requirements
Core Courses
- INTL 501 Research Methods in Intelligence
- INTL 510 Intelligence Theory and Applications
- INTL 540 Competitive Intelligence
- INTL 576 Law Enforcement Intelligence
- INTL 580 Intelligence Communications
- INTL 615 Contemporary Leadership for Intelligence
INTL 655 Managing Strategic Intelligence
Elective Courses
(select 3 for thesis option or 4 for research-based project option)
- INTL 520 Advanced Analytic Techniques
- INTL 560 Cyber Threat Analysis
- INTL 570 Comparative History of Intelligence
- INTL 575 Evolution of Counterintelligence
- INTL 590 Intelligence Support to Targeting
- INTL 603 Theory and Process in LE Intelligence
- INTL 606 Strategic Business Intelligence
- INTL 611 Intelligence and the Constitution
- INTL 620 Nonproliferation Analysis
- INTL 626 Analyzing Financial Crimes
- INTL 627 Graduate Seminar: National Security
- INTL 633 Studies in Terrorism
- INTL 635 Counterintelligence Events and Concepts
- INTL 637 Adv Analytic Methodologies for LE and HS
- INTL 640 Intelligence, the Military, and Warfare
- INTL 645 Counterespionage and Policy Making
- INTL 650 Topics in Intelligence
- INTL 675 Internship (3 credits)
Capstone Courses
- INTL 676 Research-based Project
OR - INTL 679 Intelligence Thesis Seminar (1 credit) AND INTL 680 Thesis in Applied Intelligence
Tuition and Fees
Students in the online MS in Applied Intelligence Program have their choice between two capstone experiences to their graduate studies at Mercyhurst University. Credits vary according to capstone selection:
- Thesis Option - students graduate with 34 credits
- Research-based Project Option - students graduate with 36 credits
2013-2014 Tuition
- 3 Credit Course: $2,118.00 USD
2012-2013 Required Fees
- Registration Fee (per term) $45.00
- Technology Fee (per term) $60.00
- Applied Intelligence Fee (per term when a student is enrolled full-time at 2 classes/6 credits) $160.00
NOTE: This fee will be pro-rated at $80 per 3 credit course.
Approximate Total Cost for Attendance for the Degree
(please note that these are based on 2013-2014 tuition/fee rates and do not include housing; tuition and fees may be increased each academic year)
Research-based Project Option (36 credits)
- Full-time (2 courses per term): $27,006.00 USD
- Part-time (1 course per term): $27,636.00 USD
Thesis Option (34 credits)
- Full-time (2 courses per term): $25,514.00 USD
- Part-time (1 course per term): $26,039.00 USD
Mercyhurst University has a payment plan system to assist those who will not be using loans to cover the cost of their education. You can find out more about the payment plan option here: Mercyhurst Payment Plan Information
Schedule Information
Mercyhurst operates on the term system, with four terms in each academic year: Fall, Winter, Spring. and Summer. Each term is 10 1/2 weeks long.
2012 – 2013 Term Schedule for Online Classes:
WINTER: November 26 – February 13 (holiday break, December 22 through January 4)
SPRING: March 4 – May 15
SUMMER: June 3 – August 11
2013 – 2014 Term Schedule for Online Classes:
FALL: September 9 - November 19, 2013
WINTER: December 2 - February 23 (break from December 23 through January 5)
SPRING: March 3 – May 12
SUMMER: June 2 – August 10
Apply Now
For More Information
Ms. Linda Bremmer, Coordinator of Online Programs
Department of Intelligence Studies
Mercyhurst University
501 E 38th St
Erie, PA 16546-0001 USA
814-824-2170 (EST)
lbremmer@mercyhurst.edu
Degree Requirements and Course Descriptions for the M.S. in Applied Intelligence
Information Sheet on the M.S. in Applied Intelligence Program
