U.S. National Security and Intelligence Studies, Certificate

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  3. U.S. National Security and Intelligence Studies, Certificate (Certificate)

Think critically, act decisively and serve with integrity. The U.S. intelligence community needs adaptable, analytical and collaborative professionals with technical expertise and strong leadership skills. This certificate prepares you to meet that demand --- building the knowledge, endurance and decision-making abilities to thrive under pressure in a dynamic national security environment.

Program Description

The undergraduate certificate program in U.S. national security and intelligence studies emphasizes critical thinking; analytical writing; and the interpretation of human intelligence, signals intelligence, geospatial intelligence, and open-source intelligence, commonly termed HUMINT, SIGINT and GEOINT. Students explore topics such as cybersecurity threats, critical languages, and cross-cultural analysis, equipping them to address complex global security challenges. Students develop the ability to create an intelligence collection plan to collect key forms of intelligence in support of national security objectives. They demonstrate their mastery of core intelligence concepts through the stages of the intelligence process: planning and direction, collection, processing, analysis and production, and dissemination with both oral and technical reports.

Students learn to synthesize knowledge about the U.S. intelligence community and national security objectives by analyzing the missions, roles and structures of the 18 organizations within the U.S. intelligence community. Students in the program develop a comprehensive understanding of the national security enterprise through the application of research, data analysis and structured analytical techniques used in the production of finished intelligence products. They develop strong analytical writing and oral communication skills, essential for conveying complex information effectively to diverse audiences.

This interdisciplinary program integrates high-impact experiential learning with classroom instruction and internship opportunities that connect students to professionals across the federal government, private sector and nonprofit organizations. With strong local engagement in the Phoenix area; a network presence in Washington, D.C.; and a global outlook; the program prepares students to thrive in the dynamic and evolving field of intelligence and national security.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.


At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Program Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


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Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared for work in the areas of cybersecurity; inspection, investigation and compliance; intelligence analysis; intelligence collection; law and legal services; and security.

The program enhances workforce readiness and provide increased opportunities for graduates to find meaningful, impactful careers within the U.S. national security and intelligence community sectors in:

  • acquisitions and contracting
  • business and mission support
  • computer science
  • data science
  • education and training
  • foreign languages
  • geography
  • infrastructure and logistics
  • information technology
  • medical and occupational health
  • science, technology, engineering and mathematics

The certificate provides an excellent foundation for students pursuing careers in the public or private sectors, as well as those seeking to continue their education at the graduate level in national security, global security or intelligence studies.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation

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Global Experience

The Center for Intelligence and National Security, in partnership with the Melikian Center, the Critical Languages Institute, and ASU's Global Education Office, seeks to expand academic opportunities for students to study abroad and engage in global learning experiences as a critical component to the certificate. These programs are designed to help students develop research skills in an international context, gain cross-cultural competence, and build the global awareness and adaptability necessary to thrive in diverse environments --- skills that directly strengthen the future national security workforce and advance U.S. strategic interests.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-8563


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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