Intelligence Studies

Intelligence Studies Major (BA)

The intelligence studies major at Lynchburg offers a rigorous liberal arts approach to the study of international security policy and issues. Intelligence studies examines the relationship between state and non-state actors, including NGOs, multinational corporations, and non-state paramilitary organizations. Fundamental questions include: What is needed to provide a safe and secure world? What leads to comprehensive human security? How do security threats like terrorists form and persist, and what can be done to negate their actions? An intelligence studies degree will help you land a job in both government and the private sector.

Complementary Minors

I worked for both military and civilian intelligence after 9/11, and I wish I’d had some of the coursework we offer…. Whether you are interested in law enforcement, national security, or fields like economic, cybersecurity, and medical intelligence, the intelligence studies program is an excellent fit. The demand for intelligence professionals outpaces the supply, and we hope our majors will fill that demand.

Brian Crim, PhD, professor of history

What can I do with an intelligence studies degree?

Border patrol agent
Counterterrorism analyst
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyst
Intelligence collection specialist
Intelligence officer

Police detective
Political scientist
Program analyst
Security analyst
Special agent

Sample Courses

INTL 280 — Security Studies in a Global Context

This course looks at how society and governments decide what is a security threat. Lots of things in our lives could potentially cause harm, but we usually only focus on a few things that we fear could do serious harm. So, while car accidents might cause more deaths, the news often covers a bombing halfway around the world in more detail than a wreck in the town next door. This course looks at why that is, and why it matters to what you’re studying.

ISS 200 — Introduction to the Intelligence Community

This class introduces students to the intelligence community — its members, history, and diverse products used by government and law enforcement. Students will study the intelligence cycle and learn how to collect, interpret, and disseminate intelligence in a simulated environment. ISS 200 is the first of two major simulations students will undergo during their course of study.

CRIM 301 — Comparative Criminal Justice

Today, security operations around the globe find their rules of engagement highly dictated by the host nation’s rule of law. The security operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan are two current examples. This class examines and contrasts rule-of-law systems from around the world and focuses on the specifics of several countries’ legal, law enforcement, and correctional systems.

Faculty Contact

David Richards, PhD
Associate Professor of International Relations and Political Science
Chair of the Political Science Department

434.544.8181
richards.d@lynchburg.edu