A Master of Science in Intelligence and Security Studies (MS) equips graduates to step into dynamic, impactful roles across the public and private sectors. From analyzing geopolitical threats to advising corporate leadership on cyber risks, this specialized degree prepares professionals to protect national interests and critical infrastructures.
Graduates enter a field where analytical thinking, data interpretation, and ethical decision-making are highly valued—and where demand continues to grow as transnational, geopolitical and military issues and global security threats evolve. These roles can be found in universities with intelligence degrees, federal agencies, defense contractors, private-sector firms, and many others, as we will uncover in this article.
Related reading: What Is a Master’s in Intelligence & Security Studies?
Bellevue University gave me the opportunity to get my degrees and make my life better, while I was also able to balance being a mother. I am Midwest Media by Melanie with over 12,000 followers, covering news, and telling people’s stories.
– Melanie Standiford, Journalist, BS Leadership, MS International Security Studies, Bellevue University
Common Careers for Intelligence & Security Studies Graduates
With an intelligence studies degree, your career options extend far beyond government service. Common roles include:
- Intelligence analyst: Analyze and interpret data to help guide national security decisions.
- Counterterrorism or counterintelligence specialist: Identify and disrupt security threats.
- Risk and threat assessment manager: Evaluate vulnerabilities for corporations or government agencies.
- Policy advisor: Shape strategies for think tanks, NGOs, or international agencies.
Discover careers that might best suit your personal goals by taking a career assessment through Bellevue University Career Services.
Industries for Intelligence & Security Studies Graduates
A master's degree in security and intelligence is respected across a range of industries. Bellevue University graduates will have extensive career opportunities in various settings, including governmental, corporate, philanthropic, and academic institutions including:
- Federal and state government agencies: Homeland Security, CIA, FBI, NSA, and military intelligence units.
- Private security and risk consulting firms: Helping clients mitigate operational and cyber threats.
- Financial institutions: Monitoring and analyzing risks such as fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime.
- Nonprofits and research institutions: Providing geopolitical and security analysis and consulting.
The United States Intelligence Community is comprised of 17 agencies, and the demand for analysts is likely to continue increasing. In addition to these 17 agencies, the United States has hundreds of major private-sphere corporations and organizations working exclusively with the Intelligence Community priorities and mission objectives. This translates into many diverse and intriguingly varied career opportunities far beyond the CIA, FBI, or NSA.
These agencies rely on graduates trained to navigate complex, fast-changing threat environments: (This list is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is this data intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate placements.).
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Department of Energy (Office of Intelligence & Counterintelligence)
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of State
- Department of the Treasury
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- United States Military
- SAIC
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Northrop Grumman
- Lockheed Martin
- Bechtel
- Boeing
- Halliburton
- Raytheon
- CACI
Skills You’ll Develop in a Graduate Program in Intelligence and Security
The Bellevue University Master's in Security and Intelligence Studies develops a blend of technical, analytical, and strategic skills in:
- Researching how transnational threats affect U.S. national security
- Forecasting emerging trends from global threats and proposing new policies
- Analyzing and comparing international intelligence agencies with the U.S. system
- Evaluating strategic and philosophical differences among global intelligence communities
- Developing conflict resolution strategies for complex global issues
- Building skills to work ethically and effectively in peacekeeping, diplomacy, military intervention, environmental policy, and international relations
These skills make graduates highly valuable in roles that require nuanced analysis and clear, actionable recommendations.
The program equips students with the knowledge and skills to research, analyze, and communicate information from various sources to decision-makers. Students in the program are exposed to critical knowledge of intelligence and security studies and skills in analysis and communication. Some of the timely topics discussed in the program include:
- Disinformation
- Comparative cultures of the global intelligence systems
- Technology and cybersecurity
- Counterterrorism
- Geopolitics
- The environment
- Space
When you are in the military, the first priority of work has been and always will be security. Arrival to any potentially hostile environment means taking necessary steps to create a level of physical security in the location. However, security is rarely the number one objective. It is the underlying effort that enables all other efforts. Security provides the ongoing protection of people and things needed to achieve the mission or business objective. BU’s Cybersecurity program provided me with a unifying theme that significantly and positively impacts my ability to produce outcomes for my organization.
– Bellevue University Alum, BS Cybersecurity
Further Education or Certifications
Beyond a master's in intelligence and security, many professionals pursue specialized certifications or further education to sharpen their expertise, such as:
(Specific industry-recognized examinations and prerequisites may apply.)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Advanced language or regional studies programs
- Doctoral studies in security, international relations, or political science
Combining a master's in intelligence and security studies with specialized credentials can boost your competitiveness for advanced leadership roles.
Continuing education in the form of courses or certificates and professional development helps you, as a graduate, stay competitive and adapt to evolving industry trends.
I proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1990 to 2010, holding various roles throughout my career. I began as an Apprentice Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Analyst, developing critical skills and expertise in intelligence operations. My final assignment was at Buckley AFB, where I served as the NCOIC for the Intelligence Squadron Command Staff. After retiring in September 2010, I transitioned into an intelligence analyst role with Lockheed Martin at ADF-C. At Bellevue University, we have a strong veteran presence among our staff, allowing us to understand and address the unique needs of military students and their families. Our processes are designed with the military student in mind, and we continually innovate to provide military-focused programs.
– Stan Hawkins, USAF, Retired; Director of Government and Military Operations at Bellevue University
Discover Where an MS in Intelligence & Security Studies Can Take You
If you’re passionate about protecting national interests, analyzing global threats, and helping organizations stay ahead of risk, a master's in intelligence studies could be the perfect next step.
Discover how a graduate program in intelligence and security can open doors in government, corporate security, cyber defense, and beyond. Take the next step today: learn more about how the Master’s in Intelligence and Security Studies can prepare you to become a leader in this critical field.
Related resources we think you’ll like.
What Is a Master’s in Intelligence & Security Studies?
Is a Master’s in Intelligence & Security Studies Worth It?
What Is a Master’s in Cybersecurity?
© 2025 - Bellevue University