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"Intelligence and National Security Careers Crucial More Than Ever: A Faculty Q&A"

One of the Only Intelligence Programs in the Country Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community

Point Park University's intelligence and national security degree program in Pittsburgh is one of only three of its kind in the country. Our intelligence and national security majors develop a range of crucial skills that will prepare them for career opportunities in the intelligence community.

Language skills, critical thinking, analytical applications, strategic planning, report writing and ethical behavior are all crucial in intelligence work and woven throughout the curriculum. Intelligence and national security majors will have the opportunity to meet and learn from professionals from intelligence agencies while being taught by faculty who have gained expertise in a range of related disciplines.

Pictured are intelligence majors at the Spies in Black Ties event. | Photo by Chris Rolinson

Courses & Topics

You will receive a well-rounded education through our core curriculum and classes in the intelligence and national security major. Courses include:

  • Critical Thinking for Analysts
  • Disinformation and Psychological Operations
  • Ethics of Spying
  • Intelligence Tradecraft Techniques
  • National Intelligence Authorities
  • Terrorism
  • The President's Daily Brief
  • Threat Analysis
  • World Conflicts

Faculty bring diverse experiences and expertise to the classroom

Learn from faculty who have decades of experience and study in related disciplines.

Meet the faculty
Pictured is CJIS chair Michael Botta.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Michael Botta, D.S.S.
  • More than 20 years of experience working for the DEA and Joint Terrorism Task Force
  • Teaches courses in terrorism, counterintelligence and more
  • Expert on narcoterrorism

Career Options

Graduates of the intelligence and national security degree program can pursue various career opportunities such as:

  • Operations Officer
  • Targeting Officer 
  • Federal Agent
  • Signals Intelligence Analyst
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
  • Language Officer
  • Law Enforcement Intelligence Analyst

Gain the skills needed to pursue careers in agencies and organizations including, but not limited to:       

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • Department of Defense (DOD)
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
  • Pittsburgh Fusion Center and other regional fusion centers
  • National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • International Crime Police Organization (INTERPOL)
  • State and local law enforcement intelligence departments

Alumni Success

Learn where our graduates have gone on to build their intelligence and national security careers.

More news & features
Pictured is intelligence alumnus Jeff Gurski.
Jeffrey Gurski '12
"When I came upon the intelligence and national security program at Point Park and looked at the courses I needed to take, I was sold. It was the only way I would leave the Marines and go to school. I have a deep passion for the field."
Pictured is intelligence graduate Barbara Arroyo. Photo by Chris Rolinson
Barbara Arroyo '10
"I fell in love with the whole intelligence and national security program, its curriculum and everything it offered."

News & Features

Intelligence and National Security Student, Alumna Work Together at Software Engineering Institute
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 "For young intelligence professionals, many eyes are locked in on three-letter agencies for their first job. While this is a fantastic career choice, intelligence is everywhere. There are career opportunities at banks, universities, corporations and so much more."
Supreme Court of the U.S. Police Share Opportunities with Students in the Department of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies
Friday, February 24, 2023 Officers from the Supreme Court of the U.S. Police Department visited Point Park University to share job opportunities and information about joining the police force with students majoring in criminal justice, forensic science and intelligence and national security.
Nicole Merrick '16 '17 and Bernie Merrick '18
Friday, May 20, 2022 "There is so much value in Point Park’s criminal justice and intelligence programs. The subject matter is comprehensive, relevant and captivating. The faculty have a wide range of career backgrounds, from working in field operations to being highly-educated scholars. Students have access to endless volunteer, internship and career opportunities."