Course | Description |
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IDA 177 Introduction to Intelligence | A survey course that introduces the student to the IDA discipline of intelligence and provides the student with an understanding of how intelligence systems function, how they fit within the policymaking systems of free societies, and how they are managed and controlled. The course will integrate the history of intelligence with the methodology and processes that evolved over time to assist the intelligence professional. |
IDA 178 Intelligence Methods & Analysis | A follow-up course that expands the knowledge base and skill set acquired by the student in the Introduction to Intelligence course. The course will develop in the students a range of advanced research and thinking skills fundamental to the intelligence analysis process. |
IDA 213 Intelligence and Data Analysis | In the world of intelligence, clear, concise, and accurate documentation of facts and assessments along with the ability to efficiently present and articulate said facts and assessments are crucial skills to enable the efforts of senior decision makers. This seminar course will present students with multiple scenarios to assess, document (MS Word) and present (MS PowerPoint) in class. The scenario/document/present model is designed to place increasingly difficult levels of challenge and expectations on the students with the purpose of preparing consistently more professional levels of work. |
IDA 240 Intelligence for Business | This course explores the processes involved in providing foreknowledge of a company’s competitors, industry dynamics and macro-environmental factors that impact an organization; the precursors to actionable intelligence and strategy. The class introduces business terminology, analytical business models and other resources that organizations utilize in the process of competitive and market intelligence. Students will develop competitive assessments to assist corporate decision makers in making decisions and develop corporate strategy. Lectures, exercises, and projects are applied to a real company project with the goal to gain competitive advantage and/or minimize risks related to the current business climate. |
IDA 275 National Security Intelligence | During the Cold War, national security policy was concise, clear and routine. Both enemies and allies were well known and policies were geared towards maintaining an uneasy truce. The end of the Cold War has brought forth new complexities and challenges for national security policy technocrats. |
IDA 276 Concepts of Intelligence Driven Law Enforcement | This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, practices, and technologies underlying law enforcement intelligence and intelligence-driven policing. Designed for underclassmen, the course offers a foundational understanding of how intelligence is utilized to enhance public safety and improve policing strategies. Students will examine the role of intelligence in modern law enforcement, focusing on how data collection, analysis, and sharing contribute to effective crime prevention and response. The course covers the key components of intelligence-driven policing, including the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for crime mapping, predictive analytics for forecasting criminal activity, and the integration of artificial intelligence in crime analysis. Key topics include the ethical considerations of surveillance and privacy, the challenges of inter-agency information sharing, and the impact of intelligence practices on community relations. Students will also explore the various types of intelligence, such as human intelligence (HUMINT) and technical intelligence (TECHINT), and their respective roles in policing. Through case studies and real-world examples, students will gain insights into successful intelligence-driven policing initiatives and understand the practical application of theoretical concepts. The course also addresses the legal and constitutional issues related to intelligence gathering, providing a comprehensive view of the balance between security and individual rights. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with a solid understanding of how intelligence enhances law enforcement effectiveness and the critical issues that influence its implementation. This knowledge is essential for those pursuing careers in criminal justice, security, and related fields. |
IDA 300 Competitive Intelligence | The objective of the course is to introduce business terminology, analytical business models and other resources that organizations utilize in the process of competitive intelligence. This knowledge base will provide students with useful and practical tools to enable them to research a business environment and more clearly understand the competitive market; from this knowledge base, they will be able to provide competitive overviews and insights to assist corporate decision makers in making decisions and developing their corporate strategy. |
IDA 302 Human Intelligence | The discipline of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is the true cornerstone of the world of Intelligence. This discipline consists of source recruitment and development, the elicitation of information, and the follow-on management of a recruited source. This course provides the learner with an understanding of the methods which are utilized to recruit a human source, the factors which motivate an individual to betray his or her previous allegiances, and the methodologies utilized to elicit information from sources while efficiently managing them within governmental and/or organizational policies. The course will integrate the process of recruiting human sources with an understanding of cultural differences and sensitivities. This course provides a base of knowledge of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as applied to and supported by a learner’s developing knowledge of in-depth human behavioral characteristics. |
IDA 305 Concepts of Block Chain Analysis | This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, practices, and technologies underlying blockchain analysis and its application in criminal investigations. Designed for upperclassmen, the course offers a foundational understanding of how blockchain technology is used to track illicit financial transactions, combat cybercrime, and support law enforcement efforts. Credits: 3 |
IDA 312 Concepts of Intelligence Analysis and Critical Thinking | This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles, methodologies, and technologies used in intelligence analysis. Designed for upperclassmen, the course provides a foundational understanding of the various techniques that underpin the analytical process in intelligence operations, crucial for those pursuing careers in intelligence, national security, or related fields. Students will explore the critical role of intelligence analysis in decision-making, focusing on how data is collected, processed, and interpreted to produce actionable insights. The course delves into key analytical techniques, such as structured analytical methods, Link Analysis, Pattern Analysis, SWOT Analysis Hypothesis Testing, and Monte Carlo Simulations along with critical thinking techniques such as Socratic Questioning, Competing Hypotheses Analysis, and Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats. Emphasis is placed on the integration of multiple analytical methodologies and critical thinking concepts to increase the accuracy and efficiency of intelligence assessments and therefore provide stakeholders with enhanced decision-making toolset. Key topics include the identification and mitigation of cognitive biases in analysis, the ethical and legal considerations of intelligence work, and the challenges of synthesizing information from diverse sources to create a coherent intelligence product. Students will engage with case studies and real-world scenarios to apply analytical techniques in practice, understanding both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of intelligence analysis and understand the implementation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the analytical process. The course also addresses the importance of collaboration and information sharing between agencies, the impact of intelligence failures, and the ongoing evolution of analytical methods in response to new threats and technologies. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong grasp of how intelligence analysis techniques are employed to support national security objectives and the critical thinking skills necessary to apply these techniques in complex environments. Credits: 3 |
IDA 327 Espionage in Modern Media vs. Reality: A Comparative Analysis | The world of espionage is often glamorized and dramatized in film and media, but how accurate are these portrayals? This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the contrast between espionage in modern media and the realities of intelligence operations. Using major espionage films (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Argo, Munich, Body of Lies, and Bridge of Spies), and novels (The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum and Casino Royale by Ian Fleming) students will explore the critical aspects of tradecraft, ethics, geopolitics, and intelligence work. Throughout the course, students will evaluate the narratives constructed by these films and juxtapose them with real-world practices, historical case studies, and declassified materials. The curriculum includes an examination of intelligence operations as depicted in these films and a comparison to actual intelligence case studies, memoirs, and scholarly research in intelligence studies. Students will participate in in-depth discussions, case studies, and interactive research projects to develop the skills necessary to critically assess the accuracy of media portrayals of espionage. By the end of the course, learners will have an understanding of the real-world challenges, limitations, and nuances of intelligence operations, as well as the media’s role in shaping public perception of espionage. This course will broaden students' understanding of the ethical dilemmas, tradecraft, and geopolitical complexities in the world of intelligence, providing them with the ability to differentiate between Hollywood’s cinematic espionage and the intricacies of real-world intelligence work. Credits: 3 Prerequisite(s): Sophomore status |
IDA 354 Imagery Intelligence and Geospatial Analysis | Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) and Geospatial Intelligence (GIS) are independent intelligence disciplines wherein imagery, is analyzed to identify specific collected photographs or imagery for tactical or strategic purposes be it collected via government or private satellites, aerial photography, surveillance video footage or photographs, or crowd sourced images. |
IDA 374 History of Intelligence | This course examines the scope, elements and history of intelligence activities, especially the American experience. Particular attention will be paid to the role of intelligence in a democratic society. |
IDA 403 Intelligence Implications of 20th Century Events | This course offers an in-depth exploration of how historical events shape modern geopolitical landscapes, with a focus on understanding the catalysts for future terrorist activities, hostile nation actions, and global conflicts. Through case studies and analysis of key historical turning points, students will gain insight into how past events have set into motion present day threats and alliances that impact international security. Using a variety of sources, including declassified intelligence materials, diplomatic records, and geopolitical theories, students will examine the evolution of terrorist organizations, hostile state actions, and the strategic alliances between both friendly and adversarial nations. Special attention will be paid to the effect of these dynamics on U.S. foreign policy decisions, as well as how allegiances and shifting power structures between nation states and nonstate actors influence global stability. Throughout the course, students will engage in interactive simulations, critical discussions, and research projects designed to develop their analytical skills. By studying historical precedents and drawing parallels to contemporary issues, learners will explore the methodologies of predictive analysis in intelligence and geopolitics, enabling them to make informed assessments about future threats and opportunities. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the strategic decision-making process in U.S. foreign policy, the role of intelligence in anticipating future conflicts, and the critical factors that contribute to the rise of terrorism and international hostilities. Credits: 3 Prerequisite(s): Junior Status |
IDA 405 Strategic Intelligence: Capstone | This course is divided into three parallel tracks covering strategic theory, the practice of strategic intelligence, and the application of those principles to a "real life" problem. Analysts will participate throughout the course as a member of a group in a large-scale estimative project. |
IDA 410 Tradecraft: Skills of Espionage | Intelligence tradecraft is often shrouded in secrecy and intrigue, but what does it truly entail? This course provides an in-depth exploration of the essential techniques and methodologies used in intelligence operations, moving beyond popularized depictions to focus on the true-life practical skills and ethical considerations that underpin real-world tradecraft. Students will delve into the core skills of elicitation, surveillance, counter-surveillance, secure communication, and legend building to understand how intelligence professionals operate in complex environments. Throughout the course, students will examine each tradecraft technique through historical examples, case studies, and hands-on exercises, learning about methods such as dead drops, safe houses, and covert exchanges that enable secure and discreet communication. By practicing these skills in controlled scenarios, students will gain a nuanced understanding of operational security, compartmentalization, and the challenges of escape and evasion in high-stakes situations. Engaging in interactive activities, case analyses, and discussions, students will develop the ability to apply tradecraft techniques responsibly and effectively, recognizing the delicate balance of ethics and security required in intelligence operations. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with foundational tradecraft knowledge and skills, prepared to understand and analyze intelligence work beyond media portrayal. Credits: 3 |
IDA 412 Social Media Intelligence & Analysis | This course introduces students to the collection and analysis techniques used in the analysis of social media. Students will be exposed to critical theory with regards to social media including basic techniques in collection and analysis. Open source computer software programs are used to enhance individual analytical products. A threaded discussion of the psycho-socio aspects of intelligence analysis of social media is integrated into course material. |
IDA 420 Concepts of Influence Operations & Information Warfare | This course provides an in-depth analysis of influence operations, psychological warfare, and information warfare conducted by state and non-state actors. Students will examine the use of disinformation, propaganda, and strategic influence campaigns to manipulate public perception, shape geopolitical outcomes, and destabilize adversaries. The course explores historical and contemporary case studies, assessing the role of intelligence agencies in countering and deploying influence operations. Topics include media manipulation, social engineering, cyber-enabled influence campaigns, cognitive warfare, and the impact of emerging technologies on modern information warfare. Through structured analytic techniques and red teaming exercises, students will develop the skills to detect, analyze, and counteract influence operations in real-world intelligence scenarios. Students will also examine ethical considerations, policy implications, and the of Information Warfare and Influence Operations in intelligence operations. Credits: 3 |
IDA 425 Strategic Intelligence Capstone | This course serves as the culminating experience for students specializing in strategic intelligence, integrating the analytical skills, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks developed throughout their academic program. Designed for upperclassmen, the course provides an advanced exploration of intelligence analysis, national security threats, and strategic decision-making. Credits: 3 |