Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies-Capstone Option

RECOMMENDED AS FIRST PROGRAM COURSE. REQUIRED AS ONE OF FIRST THREE PROGRAM COURSES. Learn basic research methods skills for addressing security and intelligence studies problems and issues. You focus on the detailed procedures for conducting qualitative case studies, which is the foundation for most basic security and intelligence research conducted in academic, government, and business circles. You become well versed in research planning, secondary data collection, and qualitative data analysis methods and how these methods relate to the larger field of social science research. You will also learn the analysis of competing hypotheses approach to research design. You are also introduced to basic social theory which supports security and intelligence research. The course prepares you for later learning intermediate and advanced security and intelligence methods.

RECOMMENDED AS SECOND PROGRAM COURSE. Strategic Intelligence is an examination of the current structure, function, capabilities, and contributions of individual U.S. national intelligence community members. Students appraise the intelligence cycle, including an overview of the intelligence planning, collection, exploitation, analysis, production, and dissemination phases. A review is also made of intelligence oversight structures and restrictions on U.S. national intelligence community activities as prescribed by federal law, executive and agency directives, and the intelligence oversight system.

This course is a study of intelligence collection and information gathering. It focuses on a variety of aspects related to how both the United States and foreign nations gather and process intelligence. The student will develop a comprehensive understanding of the role collection plays in the intelligence community, how various policies affect collection, and how different intelligence agencies monitor and collect intelligence.

This course provides the student with a firm foundation in qualitative analysis and modeling techniques, including rational choice, utility, and game theories, in order to create and test hypotheses. Students will apply basic trend analysis techniques and forecasting methods such as probability tree analysis, analytic hierarchy process, alternative scenarios/futures, Delphi technique, and the Lockwood Analytical Method for Prediction (LAMP).

This course will aid the student in writing clear and concise intelligence related documentation. Through a series of practical intelligence related exercises, the student will learn to choose the appropriate writing style required to properly and effectively communicate their message to their simulated target audience, including proper formatting and citation styles, as well as the best use of tables, diagrams, graphics and charts.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT A RESEARCH METHODS COURSE IS TAKEN BEFORE THIS COURSE. This course first explores the nature of human thought processes: why we think the way we do, and the many analytical, perceptual, and cognitive errors that plague our efforts to conduct sound, dispassionate analysis. The course then addresses various analytical tools that are available to the analyst, using practical exercises to reinforce same. A major research project will demonstrate the applicability of these techniques to analysis, using a notional/contemporary scenario.

Learn how to improve interagency relationships among security, defense, and intelligence agencies. This course introduces the student to theoretical and practical material for understanding the behavior of individual organizations and what can be done to make organizations work more closely together at the federal, state, and local levels. Students are introduced to theoretical material on organizational cultures; bureaucracy; social trust; individual, group, and organizational decision-making; and interagency collaboration. Emphasis is placed on explaining why organizations act the way they do and how to improve interagency coordination. Prerequisite: INTL500 Research Methods in Security and Intelligence Studies or other APUS 500-level graduate research methods course.

This course examines Signals Intelligence focusing on the underlying technology of SIGINT and its application to various military and civilian intelligence questions at both the tactical and strategic level primarily through the use of the case study approach. Focusing primarily on communications intelligence (COMINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) this course will also address the lesser-known disciplines of MASINT, FISINT, etc. Collection platforms will be studied in relation to their inherent capabilities and application against various intelligence targets. The peculiar constraints on intelligence analysis in the SIGINT environment will be explored with the purpose of understanding the limitations of SIGINT and SIGINT’s role in the broader all-source intelligence analysis process. The course is held at the unclassified, open-source level.

Students will learn controlled HUMINT operations from a management perspective, to include mission-target analysis; operational planning, execution and evaluation; cover, security and communications; collection and reporting; and financial management. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to assess, articulate and defend the soundness of operational concepts, plans and budgets.

Students explore the contribution of imagery intelligence to the all-source effort, the advantages and disadvantages of imagery intelligence, the collection sensors' capabilities and limitations, and the interpretation process of the imaged subject.

This course is designed to teach students the theory and practice of scientific and technical intelligence, including weapons intelligence. The student will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the following topics: defining the S&T problem; fundamental principles of S&T analysis; the use of models in S&T intelligence; cultural and organizational influences in S&T; basic technology assessments and weapons systems assessments; predictive analysis of both technology and systems developments; and communicating with the S&T customer. The course also covers specialized technical collection methods that are unique sources for S&T analysis; and dealing with denial and deception. It relies primarily on case studies and selected readings.

The Master’s Capstone Seminar option in Intelligence Studies includes a thesis or a major research paper in lieu of the final comprehensive examination, which has no credit hours. Those who elect this graduation option may reduce their electives by three semester hours to accommodate the seminar option credit. Students starting their degree program after 1 January 2009 must take INTL699 and complete a thesis based upon a list of available subjects. The thesis or major research paper options are recommended for those students who wish to apply their advanced research and analytic skills to a topic of U.S .or international security interest. The thesis option is recommended for those students planning professional writing careers or those planning to continue their education at higher levels.