Intelligence and Security Studies, Minor

The ISS minor is designed to prepare outstanding students at the University of Mississippi for entry-level positions in the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).

• 18-hour minor consisting of six courses:
  • ISS 125, Intro to Intelligence and Security Studies
  • ISS 351, Advanced Analytics I
  • ISS 352, Advanced Analytics II
  • ISS 490, Internship
  • ISS 499, Capstone
  • Elective (any ISS 300- or 400-level course to include ISS 301, ISS 360, ISS 420, ISS 480)

Students must complete each course in the minor with a grade of “B” or better and must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0.

Unlike other minors at the University of Mississippi, students must apply for the minor and undergo a rigorous selection process.

The completion of an internship is required. Our staff will work with the IC to place students in internships that complement their academic experience. Internships may be in IC agencies, other governmental organizations, and the private sector.

Find more details in the academic catalog.

An approved internship is a graduation requirement of the ISS minor.

As a legacy IC CAE institution, CISS students are recognized as IC CAE Scholars when applying for Intelligence Community student opportunities — a status that often confers hiring preference.

 Plan ahead. Most IC summer internships require applications 9–12 months in advance. 

 Since 2008, CISS students have interned at agencies including:

• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
• Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
• National Security Agency (NSA)
• National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
• U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR)
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and component agencies
• U.S. Senate and House committees with national-security jurisdiction

Admission to the ISS minor is competitive. In addition to other university entrance requirements, students must apply for ISS minor and be accepted. Not all who apply will likely be accepted.

Students may apply for the minor in one of two ways:

1. Students already matriculating at the university who have completed or are taking ISS 125 may apply for the minor (ISS 125 is open to all students). The application process will consider a student's GPA, motivation, choice of major, writing skills, and maturity.
2. Students may apply for direct entry to the program prior to beginning their studies at the University of Mississippi. In addition to gaining regular admission to the university, students must apply for the ISS minor by completing a Supplemental Application, which can be accessed through the CISS website. The application process will consider a student's GPA, ACT/SAT scores, motivation, prospective choice of major, writing skills, and maturity.

Students must complete each course in the ISS minor with a grade of "B" or better and must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0. Students not meeting these requirements may be dropped from the minor.

Students from any major may apply, and we admit applicants from across the university — political science, international studies, history, modern languages, computer science, and beyond.

Applications are accepted in both fall and spring semesters. Most students apply during their freshman or sophomore year because of the internship requirement.

To be considered for admission, you must have completed (or be currently enrolled in) ISS 125 and earn at least a B. Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Submit the CISS application, required essays, resume, and one letter of recommendation. Reviewers consider your GPA, test scores, motivation, writing skills, and maturity.

CISS is a competitive program. We admit approximately 15 students each semester. Strong applicants typically present GPAs well above the 3.0 minimum, a clear motivation for IC service, and high-quality writing samples.

The ISS minor requires 18 credit hours:

• ISS 125
• ISS 351
• ISS 352
• ISS 490
• ISS 499, and
• An approved elective.

ISS 490 — the credit-bearing internship — is a graduation requirement of the minor.

Yes. Completion of an approved internship in intelligence or national security is one of the most important requirements of the ISS minor. CISS faculty and the internship coordinator help students identify, apply for, and secure placements in IC agencies, congressional offices, and the private sector. Internships often lead directly to full-time employment after graduation.

It is never too soon. Most IC summer internships require applications 6 to 9 months in advance. For example, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) deadline is normally October 15 of the prior year.