Students learn innovative ways to structure their thinking to solve complex real-world problems when there is both time pressure and a lack of reliable information. The Bachelor of Science in Intelligence Analysis at the James Madison University highlights the continually evolving nature of intelligence analysis, with an emphasis on employing new academic research into analytic methods.  Students develop a unique set of highly desirable skills including:

• Cognitive Skills: how to think and reason rigorously

• Computational Skills: how to employ relevant technologies effectively

• Communicative Skills: how to express conclusions in compelling verbal and written products

• Contextual Skills: how to locate conclusions in the broader circumstances in which they occur

Students select one of two possible concentrations: National Security Intelligence (for those who desire a career in the U.S. government) or Global Competitive Intelligence (for those who desire a career in the private sector). In addition, they have the opportunity to develop a customized Subject-Matter Specialty to equip them to address a major national security threat, business challenge, or geographic area.

The program offers two concentrations:

• Intelligence Analysis - Competitive Intelligence
• Intelligence Analysis - National Security

Potential Careers

Senior leaders in many fields, including the military, the civilian side of the government, law enforcement, and the corporate world express a desire to have employees who can help in making tough decisions by being outstanding at critical thinking, researching, writing, and briefing.

A recent survey quoted in The Chronicle of Higher Education noted that most employers were looking to hire people with "a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems" as well as having "ethical judgment and integrity; intercultural skills; and the capacity for continued new learning."

Graduates who have mastered such skills and abilities, as offered in the Intelligence Analysis Program, will find many opportunities in a wide variety of fields; and those who have majored in IA have found interesting jobs, where they can make a significant contribution, in a wide variety of fields.  The number and type of entry level positions, however, depends on many factors, such as budgets and changing missions, that are outside of the control of JMU.  In addition, students hoping to be considered for such jobs, which as noted elsewhere are extremely competitive, have to exhibit character traits such as teamwork, resourcefulness, self-reliance, and initiative, among many others.