Strategic Intelligence, M.S.

The core of this Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence program lies at the intersection of intelligence and policy. Offered through Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies and designed for students seeking careers in the intelligence field, as well as those who already work in intelligence collection, analysis, or dissemination, you will be prepared to adapt your education and skills to real-world scenarios that require both a technical analysis and an operational implementation. 

Among other skills, you’ll also be qualified to evaluate and manage various information sources, determining their relevance to strategic intelligence and translating that information into actionable outcomes. You can also earn a graduate certificate that complements a master’s degree, often without taking additional credits. This allows you to tailor the program to your specific interests as you join a community of academics and practitioners from around the world and from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, providing the opportunity to continue to learn from a network of peers. 

As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 36-credit online program offers strategy-minded professionals like you a flexible option to meet your personal career goals. With multiple start terms, you can begin the master's program in fall, spring, or summer through SLU online. All courses are offered entirely online in 8-week terms, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals.

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

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (Students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.)
• Three years of full-time work experience or its equivalent (recommended)
• Completed at least one basic statistics or research methods course
• Knowledge of computer technologies involved in day-to-day business operations (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Students missing the prerequisite course will be permitted to fulfill it through the School for Professional Studies prior to acceptance into the program.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three recommendations using an online evaluation form
• Résumé
• A 500-word statement of professional goals articulating why a master's degree is needed within the student's 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
• 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. 

Note: The online nature of the program precludes us from offering documentation needed for obtaining student visas. 

Application and Assistantship Deadlines

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

Students seeking assistantships should apply by Feb. 1.

Review Process

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

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by February 1. 

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

1. Graduates will be able to apply program-specific knowledge to address practical problems using an ethical, evidence-based framework.
2. Graduates will be able to utilize argumentation skills appropriate for a given problem or context.
3. Graduates will be able to evaluate and manage various information sources and their relevance to strategic intelligence and translate that information into actionable outcomes.
4. 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.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions please call (314) 526-2825 or email sps@slu.edu.