Intelligence and Security
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.
About this Minor
An Intelligence and Security Studies (ISS) minor gives students the skills and background needed for entry-level positions in the U.S. Intelligence Community and the national security sector.
To prepare students for careers in national security the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies emphasizes the professional and practical skills such as writing and briefing for policy-making and working in collaborative, fast-paced teams.
The Center for Intelligence and Security Studies uses a highly selective admissions process to admit a small number of outstanding students into minor twice a year. Students can apply for the minor during the Fall and Spring application window after completing the introductory intelligence course, ISS 125.
Want to prepare for a future in the intelligence and security sectors? The ISS minor is the perfect place to start.
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Program Information
Program Type
Minor
Area of Study
Intelligence and Security Studies
School
Duration
N/A
Degree
Program Location
Emphases
N/A
Required Credit Hours
18 credit hours
Degree Requirements
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
Internship Requirements for the Intelligence and Security Studies Minor
One of the most important requirements of the Intelligence and Security Studies (ISS) minor is the completion of an internship. Faculty and staff of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies work with students to place them in an internship that will give them a chance to practice the analytic tradecraft that they have learned through the ISS curriculum and that will advance their professional ambitions.
Since 2008, our students have successfully completed internships in the Intellgence Community, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of State, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms—just to name a few.
ISS students are strongly encouraged to begin thinking about internship possibilities as soon as they are accepted into the ISS program. Internships can be with government agencies or in the private sector.
Government Agencies
Government Agencies often provide ideal internships for students to gain experience due to their high prestige. Here are a few Government Agencies students may consider.
- Director of National Intelligence
- Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Coast Guard Intelligence
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Department of Energy
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of State
- Department of the Treasury
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
- National Reconnaissance Office
- National Security Agency
- Air Force Intelligence
- Army Intelligence
- Marine Corps Intelligence
- Office of Naval Intelligence
Private Sector
Interning within the private sector can develop a students’ personal interests, research and briefing skills while the student experiences more focused intelligence tasks that match the company’s goals.
Next Steps
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