« Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies

Intelligence and National Security Degree

B.S. in Intelligence and National Security

Offered on campus

Learn from Experienced Faculty

Point Park University's intelligence and national security degree program will allow you to develop a range of crucial skills to prepare for a variety of 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.

Meet Our Faculty

Sean Elliot Martin, Ph.D., associate professor of Criminal Justice & Intelligence Studies

Dr. Martin has served as a consultant, trainer, researcher, writer and business intelligence analyst for a wide variety of domestic and international organizations and companies.

Faculty Bio

Christine Secilia, Ed.D., lecturer of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies and Coordinator of the Undergradute Criminal Justice Program

Dr. Secilia has more than a decade of law enforcement experience, including six years as a sergeant.

Faculty Bio

Mark Wintz, Ph.D., associate professor of Intelligence and National Security

Dr. Wintz's areas of teaching experience include American foreign policy, intelligence case studies, intelligence tradecraft techniques, international relations, international terrorism and more.

Faculty Bio

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

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

Successful Students & Alumni

Intelligence and National Security Major Chanell Britten '24 Interns with the JASON Project, Pittsburgh Pirates

"I recommend Point Park because of its atmosphere and community. Immediately when you step on campus, it feels like home."

Criminal Justice, Intelligence & National Security and Behavioral Sciences Majors Intern, Work for Alumnus-Led Legal Consulting Nonprofit

"Contributing to The JASON Project's mission helps to give me a sense of satisfaction because I get to help truly make a difference in someone's life."

Intelligence and National Security Student, Alumna Work Together at Software Engineering Institute

"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."

Father and Daughter Reflect on Benefits of Point Park University's Criminal Justice and Intelligence Programs

"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."

Intelligence and National Security Studies Grad Shares Career Advice and Benefits of a Point Park Education

Speaking under the condition of anonymity due to the nature of their job, a 2019 alum now working as an intelligence specialist with the U.S. intelligence community shares their Point Park experience.