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Master's in Intelligence Analysis (MS)
MS in Intelligence Analysis Program Overview
Intelligence analysts with a broad suite of analytical skills are critically important in today’s multifaceted landscape. Designed to meet that need, our innovative, well-rounded master’s program will prepare you for a range of key roles within the intelligence field.
Whether you’re interested in starting a career in intelligence or are looking to advance into a top-level position within a public and private intelligence organization, a master’s degree in intelligence analysis can help you reach your goal.
Intelligence Analysis Master’s Student Outcomes
Core Skills Gained in Intelligence Analysis
Our Intelligence Analysis master’s program helps you develop the advanced research, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication knowledge and skills that you will need for evaluating complex information. At JHU AAP, the specially designed coursework emphasizes collecting and interpreting information from diverse sources, applying analytical tradecraft, evaluating evidence, and communicating findings clearly and concisely. You will also develop experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply these approaches to current intelligence challenges through a capstone project. These capabilities allow you to distinguish meaningful information from noise, recognize patterns and potential threats, assess uncertainty, and provide decision-makers with insights they can act on.
Intelligence Analysis Master’s Courses
Below are a few examples of intelligence analysis master’s courses that you can take as part of our program. These courses will help you gain the skills you need to advance in your career and improve your abilities. As part of the program, you will be expected to take required core classes as well as choose from relevant electives to complete your degree.
- The Art and Practice of Intelligence
- Intelligence Ethics
- The Foundations of Political Analysis
- Legal Issues in Intelligence
- Analysis of Military Capabilitiess
Explore the MS in Intelligence Analysis Program
In-Depth Article
Intelligence Analyst Career Paths with a Master's Degree
Intelligence analysts collect and evaluate information to predict behavior and inform decisions. If you enjoy critical thinking and pattern recognition—and hope to make an impact through your work—intelligence analysis may be a fit for you.
Samuel Mulkey MS in Intelligence AnalysisI always wanted to go to Johns Hopkins. It is such a prestigious school. My biggest takeaway was the capstone work. I would readily recommend this program. I took a lot away from it.
Master’s in Intelligence Analysis Related Events
Why to Pursue an MS in Intelligence Analysis at Hopkins
Learn From Experienced Intelligence Professionals
Our faculty includes intelligence analysis experts serving with the nation’s premier Federal intelligence agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, and Department of Homeland Security. Beyond their real-world experience, these faculty members are at the cutting edge of scholarly work defining the future of intelligence analysis.
Take Classes That Match Your Interests
Choose from interesting and relevant electives such as AI and the U.S. Intelligence Community, Analyzing Foreign Militaries, Intelligence to Secure the Homeland and Hometown, and Private Sector Intelligence.
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Ready to Take Action?
Gain the skills and knowledge necessary to gather and analyze important intelligence to inform your organization’s decision-making and policy formulation.
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Advanced Academic Programs Admissions
Master’s in Intelligence Analysis FAQs
Johns Hopkins University’s MS in Intelligence Analysis program is a 12-course, 36-credit STEM-certified professional master’s degree program – often completed within 12-24 months, though students have up to five years for degree completion. Courses are offered 100-percent online.
The admissions criteria for the MS in Intelligence Analysis program includes a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent international credential, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The application can be completed online and requires supporting materials, including resume, transcripts, writing sample, and more.
Tuition and fees for the MS in Intelligence Analysis program currently are $62,880 USD. The cost per course is $5,140. Students may be eligible to access federal loans, employer tuition assistance, military and veterans benefits, or partner-organization benefits to offset the cost of the degree. Learn more about financial aid options.
Students are required to complete eight core courses and four elective courses that expose them to advanced analytic methods and social science methodology. Elective courses may include offerings from JHU’s Data Analytics and Policy, Global Security Studies, and Government programs, among others.
Yes. Students successfully completing the program will submit a capstone project that incorporates their mastery of the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills through an analysis of a current issue in intelligence.
Graduates may pursue roles across government and private-sector organizations such as:
- Intelligence analyst
- National security analyst
- Strategic intelligence analyst
- Threat analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
The specific title and responsibilities will vary based on experience, specialization, security clearance, and employer. You may also apply the research and analytical knowledge and skills developed through the degree to adjacent analytical careers. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of operations research analysts to grow 21% from 2024 to 2034, with a median annual wage of $91,290 in May 2024. While this occupation is broader than intelligence analysis, it illustrates the value of advanced analytical capabilities in roles that support complex organizational decision-making.
Intelligence analysis graduates can work across several broad industries rather than being limited to a single type of employer. Government and national security remain major areas, including:
- Federal intelligence and law enforcement organizations
- The military
- Homeland security
- Foreign affairs
The private sector also uses intelligence capabilities in areas such as:
- Defense contracting
- Cybersecurity
- Financial services
- Technology
- Consulting
- Corporate risk management
JHU AAP’s Intelligence Analysis curriculum prepares students for roles in public and private intelligence organizations, with electives that address areas such as private-sector intelligence, homeland security, foreign militaries, and artificial intelligence within the Intelligence Community.