Put Your Smarts toward Intelligence Studies

Whether as part of homeland security, the armed forces, or individual law enforcement agencies, intelligence gathering is crucial for the detection, prevention, and prosecution of malicious behavior. From computer programmers to field agents to data analysts, there are professionals all over the world working around the clock to keep America and her communities safe. Kudos doesn't typically come with this line of work, since a successful day is when nothing happens at all. Rather, your reward is knowing that the information you gather protects society as a whole. Not surprisingly, advanced training is often required for entry into this field.

What You Learn in an Intelligence Studies Degree Program

At its core, an intelligence studies degree program teaches you to collect, organize, analyze, and process large volumes of data to help prevent criminal or enemy activity. Sometimes, you work entirely from an office computer. In other cases, you operate predominantly in the field. But almost always, you must have a keen understanding of:

• Information technology
• Encryption & cryptography
• Psychology
• Computer science
• International law
• Public policy
• Data management

So whether you pursue a bachelor's degree in computer programming or a master's degree in data analysis, your coursework should touch on all of the above areas.

Attending an Online Degree Program in Intelligence Studies

Not surprisingly, intelligence studies is a field well suited for online education. Given the intelligence community's growing reliance on Internet technology and computer science, it only makes sense to complete your education via an online degree program. Whether you want to study aeronautical engineering for the Army or database administration for a private security firm, having a solid understanding of basic computing can help.

Career Prospects after Your Online Intelligence Studies Degree Program

After completing your online or campus-based education, you should have little difficulty finding positions in which to apply your training. The intelligence community should only become larger as the threat of terrorism, global war, dwindling resources, and cyber-attacks continue to mount. Most jobs are likely to be within governmental agencies (including the military and espionage branches), but intelligence studies should also enjoy demand in the private sphere since many security and data companies partner with the federal government. Salary estimates range from $30,000 a year (for private detectives) all the way up to millions of dollars for executives who work in the defense and war contracting industries.
Sources:
American Military University
Bureau of Labor Statistics, career information for computer programmers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, career information for police and detectives
Bureau of Labor Statistics, career information for private detectives and investigators
Social Funds