by : Daniel Sommer

Introduction

While the intelligence field and the art of intelligence gathering have been around longer than nation states, there has been significant growth in strategic security- related curriculum such as intelligence degree programs and intelligence study courses over the past decade. In addition to the growing number of both online and traditional degree programs in this field, government agencies even have their own programs dedicated to intelligence study. Since September 11th, research indicates that over 250 strategic security– related degree programs have been created. Scholars debate whether future intelligence analysts are best served by a traditional liberal arts program focused on area studies or a more direct program in intelligence study. I suggest, however, that intelligence study and organized intelligence degree programs fit a niche for specific individuals who already have a specific career goal in mind – intelligence analysis. This article discusses the curriculum and theory behind intelligence degree programs and provides some info on why such programs are useful. (more…)