Posted on Feb 10, 2022
Which degree is best to try and start a career in the intelligence community?
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I am looking to get my Bachelor's (and then Master's) degree using my GI Bill to try and start a career within the Intelligence Community. I'm trying to keep multiple options in mind such as raw analysis, all-source intel, HUMINT, etc. I've narrowed my choices down to three (all online by the way):
BA in Intelligence and Security Studies at The Citadel
BS in National Security Studies at Norwich
and BA in International Relations and Global Security at AMU, most likely with a minor in Intelligence.
Now, I didn't want the degree to be JUST Intelligence, because I want to have something to fall back on if I cant get a TS/SCI, I decided it's not for me, or just whatever.
It's very difficult to weigh the pros and the cons when you can't quantify just how a potential employer will look at one degree vs the other. That said, what do you think would provide the best ROI? I think the AMU option not only gives me more confidence that I can get my foot in the door, but that it can be more useful outside of the IC in comparison to the other two. That said, I've seen some say that a degree from The Citadel or Norwich would be more respected than one from AMU. But my opinion is very limited, and I would like to hear what some more knowledgeable members think of my potential choices.
BA in Intelligence and Security Studies at The Citadel
BS in National Security Studies at Norwich
and BA in International Relations and Global Security at AMU, most likely with a minor in Intelligence.
Now, I didn't want the degree to be JUST Intelligence, because I want to have something to fall back on if I cant get a TS/SCI, I decided it's not for me, or just whatever.
It's very difficult to weigh the pros and the cons when you can't quantify just how a potential employer will look at one degree vs the other. That said, what do you think would provide the best ROI? I think the AMU option not only gives me more confidence that I can get my foot in the door, but that it can be more useful outside of the IC in comparison to the other two. That said, I've seen some say that a degree from The Citadel or Norwich would be more respected than one from AMU. But my opinion is very limited, and I would like to hear what some more knowledgeable members think of my potential choices.
Intelligence
College
Bachelors Degree
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
As someone who is Intel, if you have ZERO experience doing anything related to intel, the door is locked and isn’t opening. You aren’t getting to a 3 letter without at least 8+ years on related intel experience and contracting firms require some, usually 2 years of intel experience. Just having a degree doesn’t even unlock the door for you. As SFC Kelly Fuerhoff mentioned, the degree alone is not what makes you a good candidate for the intelligence field. I’ve been an All source analyst for 8 years, 3 of which is strategic level intel on active missions and have done counter terrorism work in both Africa and Asia. If you can’t explain to employers what you provide outside of a degree, you aren’t getting hired.
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SrA Bronson Strange
Then what options are there for getting in aside from military? Not that I'm opposed to going back in, but it would be stupid to enlist again after getting a degree (not to mention I couldn't reenlist in the Air Force unless it was in the same job I did before), and there's no guarantee I could get a commission for Intel either.
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SSG (Join to see)
if you want me to be honest with you, I would suggest determining a new career goal. Over 98% of the countries Intel field is prior service military intelligence. The other 2% are subject matter experts on specific areas such as missiles or chemical weapons. If you have ZERO experience, you’re gonna get someone killed. The best analysts are the ones that have done the work when peoples lives are at stake.SrA Bronson Strange
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If you can't get a clearance you may need to focus on a different career field. Even if you were going the Federal Agency route you will eventually run into needing some form of clearance and all paths will converge to the same crossroad. Focus more on a solid education and less on getting a degree specifically in the intel field. Not all Intel workers have Bachelor's in their career field just as you won't find every FBI agent or US Marshal with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. Just be sure to do your research
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For years, one of the most respected degrees came from the Intelligence Studies program at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA.(they were placing close to 95% of their graduates with public and private sector intelligence offices) Not sure that is still the case, however the primary reason given by employers was the balanced study load including liberal arts with an emphasis on critical thinking and good writing. You will definitely need the TS/SCI for career advancement in govt intel and it certainly helps in the private sector competitive intel arena.
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