Strategic Intelligence, M.S.

Offered in a completely online format, this graduate certificate from Saint Louis University can complement your master’s degree, often without taking additional credits. This allows you to tailor the program to your specific interests.

Curriculum Overview

The master's degree in strategic intelligence at Saint Louis University trains you to understand the intersection of intelligence and policy.  The focus of the program goes beyond the grand plan needed to achieve strategy to examine the underlying logic of the plan. This will enable you to adapt your education and skills to real-world scenarios that require both a technical analysis and an operational implementation.

Designed for working professionals, our program is flexible and offered in eight-week modules, allowing you to stay focused on your career as you are earning your degree. Our online courses are delivered through the Blackboard Learning Management System, and students can access course content 24/7 without having a specific class meeting time. Using the latest video capture and discussion board technology, students are required to meet and collaborate with instructors and classmates in an asynchronous online format. To ensure individual attention and mentoring by our distinguished faculty, we typically limit course sections to 20 students.

Careers

SLU's M.S. in strategic intelligence prepares you to think strategically, analyze data, and derive actionable plans and policies.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence program have the educational foundation necessary to succeed as intelligence analysts and analytical leaders/managers within defense and intelligence industries, criminal justice fields, and federal, state and local agencies, such as the FBI, CIA, DIA, NGA and NSA. 

Admission Requirements

• Minimum undergraduate GPA: 3.00
• Applicant must be employed on at least a part-time basis (20 hours or more per week) and have at least three years of work experience
• Completed coursework in the following areas:
  • At least one course in information systems/technology or a programming language.
  • At least one basic statistics or research methods course.
• Skills in using business productivity software and understanding of basic level software installation and troubleshooting procedures.

Applicants who have a GPA that is less than 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis, by considering the strength of the remaining components of their application.

Students missing any of the above prerequisites will be permitted to fulfill them through the School for Professional Studies prior to acceptance into the program.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three recommendations submitted using the Applicant Evaluation Form.
• Résumé
• A 500-word personal statement articulating why a master's degree is needed within present or future career and how the program will help meet that need.

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application and Assistantship Deadlines

Students should apply for the fall semester by July 1 and for the spring semester by Nov. 1.

To be considered for an assistantship, apply by Feb. 1.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by a committee of School for Professional Studies faculty members.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the capacity to make ethical, evidence- based decisions within the workplace.
2. Graduates will be able to apply leadership competencies within team and organizational contexts.
3. Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations to both a disciplinary or professional audience and to a general audience, in both oral and written forms.
4. Graduates will be able to evaluate and manage various information sources and their relevance to strategic intelligence and translate that information into actionable outcomes.
5. Graduates will be able to perform sophisticated analysis and evaluations of possible threats through demonstrated technical expertise and application of conceptual skills.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Graduate Core Courses

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.