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Center for Intelligence and Security Studies

WHAT WE DO

Our mission is to prepare the next generation of national security, cybersecurity, and intelligence professionals. Most CISS graduates enter the intelligence community or U.S. government, while others join think tanks, NGOs, and top private-sector organizations.

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Why study national security and intelligence studies?

National Security and Intelligence Studies is an interdisciplinary field focused on protecting a nation from threats, merging aspects of politics, law, history, and technology to understand and counter risks like terrorism, espionage, cyber threats, and Weapons of Mass Destruction, preparing professionals for careers in government, defense, and private sectors

You will be able to learn from faculty with experience in intelligence, defense, cybersecurity, and diplomacy.

Our curriculum is designed for those seeking roles in the "Intelligence Community" (such as the CIA, FBI, or NSA), homeland security, or international diplomacy. It is also increasingly relevant in the private sector for corporate risk assessment, cybersecurity, and global market analysis, as businesses must now navigate the same geopolitical risks as governments.

Information for Students

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Undergraduates and Graduate Level Students

Find more on how to apply to CISS, academic opportunities for students, and FAQs about each program.

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Student Opportunities

Get connected to internship and student organization opportunities, learn more about careers, and find assistance with charting a future in the intelligence community.

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Leadership and Staff

Learn from some of the most experienced staff in the business.

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Latest News

Discover the newest news about the intelligence community.

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Support the Center

Give to the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies in order for the center to continue to prepare the next generation of intelligence workers.

Don't Wait to Start Your Intelligence and Security Education

CISS academic programs are designed to boost your career in the national security sector.

UG

Intelligence and Security Studies, Minor

The Intelligence and Security Studies (ISS) minor is an 18-credit minor designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the Intelligence Community (IC) and related careers.

  • Oxford

UG

Global Security Studies, Minor

A minor in global security studies (GSS) familiarizes students with the skills and background necessary for entry-level employment in the national security sector.

  • Oxford
  • Online

  • Center for Open Source Analysis

    Affiliated with CISS, the University of Mississippi Center for Open Source Analysis (COSA) is a student-run analysis group that works to publish monthly open source intelligence pieces on relevant national security issues.

    COSA site

Meet CISS Faculty & Staff

Shaio Zerba

Shaio Zerba

  • Instructional Associate Professor of Intelligence Studies & Director of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies
Wesley Yates

Wesley Yates

  • Instructional Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies
Susan Kelly

Susan Kelly

  • Program Manager
Leslie Guelcher

Leslie Guelcher

  • Instructional Associate Professor of Center for Intel and Security Studies

Craig Morris

Craig Morris

  • Instructional Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies
Travis Endicott

Travis Endicott

  • Adjunct Professor of Center for Intel and Security Studies
David Kritz

David Kritz

  • Adjunct Professor of Center for Intelligence and Security Studies
Sam Scurry

Sam Scurry

  • Instructional Assistant Professor of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies