Virtual Open House: Intelligence Analysis
Recorded Session
A recorded information session is available to view.
Intelligence Analysis Links
Intelligence Analysis Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of student succeeds in the IA program?
What courses are required for the major, and when are students expected to take them?
Given that a minor (or double-major) is required, which ones would you recommend?
The choice of minor should be a reflection of your interests. If you like technology, options include Computer Science (for cyber intelligence analysis), Geographic Science (for geospatial intelligence analysis), and so on. If you like law enforcement, then consider criminal justice. If you like private sector, consider a minor in the College of Business. If you like national security, consider a range of options (political science, area studies, language, psychology, economics, anthropology, etc). See the complete list of minors.
Can all students who declare IA continue through to graduation?
Because the IA major is popular, demand for the major exceeds the number of spaces available. As a result, continuation in the major is competitive after the fall semester sophomore year. Specifically, the requirements are as follows:
- First, a grade of C or higher in the IA150: Introduction to Intelligence Analysis course.
- Second, a grade of C or higher for the three fall semester sophomore courses (IA200, IA240, and IA261).
The current cap on the IA program is 58 students in each cohort. If more than 58 students receive a C or higher in these four courses, then the top 58 students (based on average grades in the three fall semester sophomore courses) will be able to continue in the IA program. This makes continuation in the major competitive. Approximately 75-100 students compete for these 58 spots each year.
Are internships and study abroad encouraged?
How does the IA program address security clearances?
All IA graduates receive solid liberal arts and sciences education with an emphasis on the fundamentals (research, reading, thinking, writing, and speaking) and some subject matter knowledge from their minor or double major. Most graduates get jobs as analysts, with about half in the national security sector. Some graduates get jobs as intelligence analysts (NSA, FBI, DHS, NGA, etc). Some specific employers who have hired our graduates recently include Accenture Federal, Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, Deloitte Consulting, Local Police Departments, Northrop Grumman Corporation, US Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps), the US Department of Defense (NGA, DIA), and the US Department of Justice (FBI). See the full list of job placement for 2018 and 2017 graduates.
Where do I go for additional information?
Email Dr. Stephen Marrin, IA Program Director at marrinsp@jmu.edu or Kimberly Robinson, IA Academic Advisor at robinsks@jmu.edu