U.S. National Security and Intelligence Studies ,Certificate
Computer Science, Defense Attorney, Intelligence, International Relations, National Security, Political Science, Public Service, Security, Terrorism, foreign language
Think critically, act decisively and serve with integrity. The U.S. intelligence community needs adaptable, analytical and collaborative professionals with technical expertise and strong leadership skills. This certificate prepares you to meet that demand --- building the knowledge, endurance and decision-making abilities to thrive under pressure in a dynamic national security environment.
The undergraduate certificate program in U.S. national security and intelligence studies emphasizes critical thinking; analytical writing; and the interpretation of human intelligence, signals intelligence, geospatial intelligence, and open-source intelligence, commonly termed HUMINT, SIGINT and GEOINT. You explore topics such as cybersecurity threats, critical languages, and cross-cultural analysis, equipping you to address complex global security challenges. You develop the ability to create an intelligence collection plan to collect key forms of intelligence in support of national security objectives. You demonstrate your mastery of core intelligence concepts through the stages of the intelligence process: planning and direction, collection, processing, analysis and production, and dissemination with both oral and technical reports.
You learn to synthesize knowledge about the U.S. intelligence community and national security objectives by analyzing the missions, roles and structures of the 18 organizations within the U.S. intelligence community. You develop a comprehensive understanding of the national security enterprise through the application of research, data analysis and structured analytical techniques used in the production of finished intelligence products. You develop strong analytical writing and oral communication skills, essential for conveying complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
This interdisciplinary program integrates high-impact experiential learning with classroom instruction and internship opportunities that connect you to professionals across the federal government, private sector and nonprofit organizations. With strong local engagement in the Phoenix area; a network presence in Washington, D.C.; and a global outlook; the program prepares you to thrive in the dynamic and evolving field of intelligence and national security.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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The certificate in U.S. national security and intelligence studies requires 15 credit hours, of which 12 credit hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy certificate requirements. |
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INR 235 Introduction to the U.S. Intelligence Community
or
POS 235 Introduction to the U.S. Intelligence Community
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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INR 347 The U.S. Intelligence Process
or
POS 347 The U.S. Intelligence Process
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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POS 484 Internship
Internship credit from other disciplines, study abroad credit, capstone credit, and independent study credit may be used as a substitution with department approval.
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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OR OR Students complete six credit hours from one track that is beneficial to their personal or academic goals. Track options are: National Security and Intelligence, Foreign Languages and Cultures, or STEM.
6 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 6 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
The Center for Intelligence and National Security, in partnership with the Melikian Center, the Critical Languages Institute, and ASU's Global Education Office, seeks to expand academic opportunities for students to study abroad and engage in global learning experiences as a critical component to the certificate. These programs are designed to help students develop research skills in an international context, gain cross-cultural competence, and build the global awareness and adaptability necessary to thrive in diverse environments --- skills that directly strengthen the future national security workforce and advance U.S. strategic interests.
Graduates are prepared for work in the areas of cybersecurity; inspection, investigation and compliance; intelligence analysis; intelligence collection; law and legal services; and security.
The program enhances workforce readiness and provide increased opportunities for graduates to find meaningful, impactful careers within the U.S. national security and intelligence community sectors in:
- acquisitions and contracting
- business and mission support
- computer science
- data science
- education and training
- foreign languages
- geography
- infrastructure and logistics
- information technology
- medical and occupational health
- science, technology, engineering and mathematics
The certificate provides an excellent foundation for students pursuing careers in the public or private sectors, as well as those seeking to continue their education at the graduate level in national security, global security or intelligence studies.
School of Politics and Global Studies
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COOR 6798
spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8563
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
