Our deep gratitude to our late colleague Bonnie Hohhof, who began compiling this list. We are pleased to continue her effort.
Intelligence Degrees, Courses, and Certificates
Many accredited intelligence degrees, courses, and certificates are offered by universities and other educational organizations. Many of them are offered online.
The degrees are primarily an outgrowth of government funding for intelligence and national security program development in universities, but the ones included in the list have content that has been extended to apply to both the public and private sectors. Many of their courses deal directly with acquiring analysis and information skills, so their content can be particularly valuable to those individuals working in organizations and corporations.
The certificates are more directly oriented to developing private sector skills.
The courses section includes stand-alone offerings that institutions developed in several different departments. The list contained a diverse set of ‘home’ disciplines: Business/Management, Technology, Knowledge Management, International Studies, Marketing, Library and Information Science, and Communication and Information. This diversity may reflect the continuing diffusion of intelligence into other disciplines.
One encouraging note can be found by the inclusion of a competitive intelligence elective in the business/MBA schools of Acadia University, Idaho State University, Kent State University, Northeastern University, University of California Irvine, University of Hartford, Utah Valley University, Wilfrid Laurier, and York University. Having individuals enter into management-level positions already familiar with the basic concepts of competitive intelligence will make it substantially easier to develop that process in their corporations.
Note: All of the organizations in the list meet this standard definition of accredited: “Higher education accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which services and operations of post-secondary educational institutions or programs are evaluated by an external body to determine if applicable standards are met. If standards are met, accredited status is granted by the agency.”
Several organizations have produced reports concerning the standards that intelligence programs should follow. The International Association for Intelligence Education has created a Standards for Intelligence Education programs. The Association of Former Intelligence Officers has a Guide to the Study of Intelligence.
A wide variety of accredited intelligence-related courses are offered by universities and private organizations. This list references those identified as of May 2018. One major shortcoming of this list is its emphasis on English-language educational institutions. Please send us your contributions to update or expand our coverage.
DEGREES/MAJORS
Amity Institute of Competitive Intelligence and Strategic Management (India). MBA Competitive Intelligence
Today’s business environment requires focus to gain sustainable competitive advantage by actively managing the external environment, side by side with internal resources. During this course students are fully instructed in the art and science of Competitive Intelligence and Strategic Management. They are also given training in general management subjects and in self-development and inter-personal skills.
Coastal Carolina University (US). Intelligence and National Security Studies.
The field of intelligence analysis has taken on an increasingly important role in a variety of areas of foreign and domestic security policy. The advent of globalization and the information revolution have made those who can research, analyze, and evaluate information even more important to society. As a result, the program is designed to enable students to develop an understanding of the intelligence process, its effect on policy-making, and the legal and ethical considerations that are involved in the endeavor. With its focus on analyzing information, developing effective communication skills, and understanding other cultures
École Internationale des Sciences du Traitement de l’Information (EISTI) (France). Mastère Spècialisè® Anlyses Stratègique et Intelligence Économique (Specialized Masters in Strategic Analysis and Economic Intelligence.)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (US). Masters of Science in Security and Intelligence Studies.
The Master of Science in Security and Intelligence Studies degree program provides the knowledge and skills professionals need to excel in intelligence analysis, operations, military-political studies, law enforcement, corporate security and cyber-intelligence and security. The program combines science and high technology with advanced intelligence and security courses. Students receive advanced instruction in the research skills and analytical methods required by the security and intelligence fields along with the ability to communicate their findings clearly.
Henley-Putnam University (US). Masters of Science in Intelligence Management.
The program emphasizes the most important advanced intelligence skills by requiring intelligence management courses, intelligence strategy study, and intelligence analysis writing styles. The Program provides for high-level development of proficiency in intelligence techniques, counterintelligence, collection management, and intelligence briefings.
Institute of World Politics (US). Masters of Arts in Strategic Intelligence Studies.
The Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence Studies is designed for students who seek careers in the intelligence field, as well as professionals whose agencies or clientele are charged with the acquisition and interpretation of intelligence. This 52 credit hour/two-year degree program features courses in fundamental intelligence disciplines, such as analysis and epistemology, intelligence collection, and deception. The program equips the student with all of the requisite tools and knowledge, required and anticipated, that are necessary for professional success in the field.
James Madison University, Department of Integrated Science and Technology (US). Intelligence Analysis.
Introduction to Global Competitive intelligence: This course will focus on global competitive intelligence (CI): the tools and methods that enhance strategic and tactical decision making in the analysis and interpretation of business data related to current and emerging competitors. The course is team-oriented, project-based and grounded in the relevant legal and ethical context. Also, Hypothesis Testing, Selected Project, Causal Analysis, Conterfactual Reasoning, Strategy Assessment, Knowledge Discovery, Visualization Methods, Cognitive Science, Ethics Law and Intelligence Analysis, Capstone Project.
Mercyhurst University, Business School (US). Business Competitive Intelligence.
Success in business depends on understanding both the competition and the business’ environment. Students in the Business Competitive Intelligence Major learn research and analysis, combining them with an understanding of business models vital to an organization’s strategy and growth. The Mercyhurst Business Competitive Intelligence program prepares students for careers as research analysts for business and industry. The business competitive intelligence analyst will be the person business executives turn to in order to uncover future growth opportunities, to identify advantages over competitors, and to predict industry trends and market demand.
Mercyhurst University, Department of Intelligence Studies (US). Master of Science in Applied Intelligence (online).
The Online Master of Science in Applied Intelligence emphasizes the application of intelligence theory across the disciplines of national security, military, law enforcement, and competitive intelligence. The Mercyhurst program focuses on intelligence as a process, using (primarily unstructured) information from all sources and focused externally, that is designed to reduce the level of uncertainty for a decision-maker. Given this focus, the coursework concentrates on developing deep researching abilities, proficient use of analytic techniques and methodologies, concise analytic writing, and effective briefing. The advancement of these analytic skills, in addition to an appreciation of the theory and history of the intelligence field, produce program graduates capable of leading in the knowledge-centric work environments of the future.
National Intelligence University (US). Bachelor of Science in Intelligence, Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence.
BSI degree focuses on core intelligence concepts, issues and methods. This fourth-year program enables students to become a true professional on issues of national-level intelligence and its consumer. The MSSI degree is designed to prepare students for the complexity of intelligence work in the 21st century. The 43-credit curriculum focuses on three main themes: Globalization, Future-focused Intelligence, and Intelligence for National Security.
Robert Morris University (US). Competitive Intelligence Systems Degree (onsite and online).
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Competitive Intelligence Systems online degree program is designed to educate business and information systems professionals in the concepts, activities and issues related to business intelligence systems. Modern business organizations must leverage the vast quantities of collected information to make effective decisions and achieve a strategic competitive advantage. Competitive intelligence embodies a systematic and ethical program for gathering, analyzing and managing internal and external information that can affect an organization’s plans, decisions, and operations. Graduates of this online program can expect to support data warehousing, data mining, and geographic information systems to aid in marketing research and segmentation, corporate strategic planning, facility location, and product design and distribution.
University of Maryland, University College (US). Masters of Science in Management: Intelligence Management (online).
The intelligence management specialization is designed for early- to mid-career intelligence professionals who want to assume management roles of increasing responsibility within the intelligence community in both private and public settings. Students will learn and have opportunities to apply solid management theories, while also learning to engage in basic intelligence-related research and to interpret intelligence-related data and literature. The curriculum is designed to provide an essential understanding of the entire intelligence community, with an emphasis on leadership, management, and cross-agency collaboration
University of Mississippi, Center for Intelligence and Security Studies (US).Intelligence and Security Studies.
Educate and prepare students for entry-level positions in the Intelligence Community. Develop relevant research programs by identifying funding sources, by encourage and assist UM faculty and others in carrying out this research, and disseminate findings to the IC through traditional and innovative channels (e.g., online journal, research wiki, conferences, speakers’ bureau). Conduct outreach efforts by sponsoring a consortium of organizations with an interest in analytical matters and national security (e.g. academic institutions, Intelligence Community training academies).
York College of Pennsylvania, History and Political Science (US). Intelligence Analysis: regional and Global Studies Major.
The Major in Intelligence Analysis: Regional and Global Studies serves its students by developing their critical thinking skills and mindset in preparation for successful careers in the field. It builds the students’ expertise in understanding the nature of various regions of the globe and ultimately how each of those regions plays their respective role in the overarching and unfolding global picture.
CERTIFICATES
Academy of Competitive Intelligence (US). CIP®-I and Master of CI CIP®-II Certificate.
The eight-course CIP®-I and Master of CI CIP®-II Certificate Program is a complete intelligence education program covering theory and leading edge practices from the basic collection to advanced analysis, from running the CI function to a sophisticated industry risk management framework. ACI’s courses are designed for CI professionals as well as managers and executives in functional areas such as strategic planning, marketing, sales, finance, R&D, manufacturing and operations, among others.
American Military University (US). Graduate Certificate in Competitive Intelligence.
The online Graduate Certificate in Competitive Intelligence will help students in assessing the application of intelligence studies processes and procedures to the commercial business environment. Courses in this certificate are: threat analysis, counterintelligence, computer crime, and intelligence profiling.
Eastern Kentucky University (US). Certificate in Intelligence Studies.
Eastern Kentucky University’s Intelligence Studies Certificate prepares you to support the United States’ national security, homeland security, law enforcement or business communities by collecting and analyzing intelligence. The interdisciplinary undergraduate Certificate in Intelligence Studies provides you instruction on the intelligence community, intelligence collection, intelligence analysis and threats facing the United States in the public and private sectors.
Institute for Competitive Intelligence (Germany). Various certificates, below .
The Institute for Competitive Intelligence was founded in 2004 to provide postgraduate professionals with a solid and flexible competitive intelligence training program to become a certified CI Professional. We offer 7 certificates: Certificate of Proficiency in CI (28 days), CI Fundamentals (10 days), CI Analysis (4 days), CI Research (4 days), CI Management (5 days), CI Strategy (5 days), and Strategic CI for Executives (3 days). All certificates are available in English and German.
Institute of World Politics (US). Certificate in intelligence.
The Intelligence Certificate provides a comprehensive study of the various issues of intelligence policy, process, epistemology, analysis, and history. Students in the program learn how American political and cultural values affect the role and practice of intelligence in the United States and how intelligence fits into the national strategic context.
Justice Institute of British Columbia (Canada). Graduate Certificate in Intelligence Analysis.
The graduate certificate in Intelligence Analysis is a 15 credit program (five 3-credit courses delivered online) which will provide advanced theoretical and practical framework for the study of intelligence and its application in a wide variety of contexts. The program is designed to provide specialized theoretical foundation and applied skills to function successfully as an analyst. This is accomplished through a rigorous curriculum that includes a core of three courses, which exposes students to the fundamental and advanced concepts and analytic techniques.
Notre Dame College (US). Certificate in Competitive (Business) Intelligence (online).
Offers a B.A. in Intelligence Studies. an M.A. in National Security and Intelligence Studies and graduate certificates. Location: South Euclid, Ohio
University of Maryland, University College (US). Intelligence management Certificate (0nline).
University of Utah, Department of Geography (US). Geospatial Intelligence Certificate.
The term geospatial intelligence refers to “the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced human activities on the Earth. GEOINT information consists of maps, imagery intelligence, and geospatially-referenced information.” The primary use of GEOINT is in military and security operations, but it has application to business locational analysis, environmental monitoring and relevant policy formulation.
COURSES
Acadia University (Canada). Online Competitive Intelligence for Business Strategy.BUSI 4913.
This course offers a selection of theoretical frameworks and online information sources useful for understanding some of the important concerns facing senior managers. Strategic Management is a discipline concerned with helping us to understand the decision-making practices of senior managers of corporations as they strive to formulate and implement strategy. The knowledge base of this discipline is broad. Competitive intelligence is a practice concerned with using freely available and legal sources of information to help learn about the activities and organization of corporations and other entities
Champlain College (US). Global Competitive Intelligence INT362.
This course introduces the process and practice of conducting and using competitive intelligence which is a systematic program for gathering and analyzing information about competitors’ activities and business and industry trends to further business goals. The student will learn how to frame competitive intelligence questions, gather the requisite information from domestic and international data sources, and analyze and report on the information for relevant actions by strategic decision makers in the organization.
Idaho State University (US). Competitive intelligence MKTG 5575.
How to use competitive intelligence to gain strategic advantage. Includes understanding of information gathering techniques, the conversion of information into intelligence, various analysis methodologies, and intelligence dissemination processes
Indiana University, School of Informatics and Computing (US). Competitive Intelligence for Informatics INFO i445.
This course will focus on the basic principles, techniques and methods of competitive analysis, the types of competitive analysis systems and their applications, traditional and new sources of information about competitors and industries, the nature of business information and its lifecycle, the ethical issues of competitive analysis and the application of competitive intelligence to real-world scenarios.
Kent State University (US). Business Intelligence – Competitive Intelligence IAKM 60312.
An introduction to strategic intelligence consisting of competitive and business intelligence. Strategic intelligence is an art, science and craft. Businesses and governments require effective intelligence programs, processes and tools to track businesses competitors, markets and trends by acquiring, creating, managing and disseminating intelligence knowledge.
New York University, School of Professional Studies (US). Business Intelligence Concepts and Techniques (online).
This course provides a critical overview of methodologies and technologies that enable companies to transform raw data into meaningful and useful information for business purposes. Learn how to use and manage data, to apply techniques for converting data into valuable information, and to analyze data for making data-driven recommendations.
Northeastern University, College of Professional Studies (US). Competitive Intelligence MKT6040.
Offers students an opportunity to learn to use competitive intelligence frameworks to help them insure that strategic and operational decisions are grounded in the realities of the market in which the organization operates and how to use technology to gather and analyze intelligence information from public and private databases, securities analysts, regulatory agencies, and customers. Marketers today compete in a volatile environment, with constant change and aggressive rivalry the norms. Anticipating major change and assessing the intentions of competitors is critical.
Rutgers University. School of Communication and Information (US). Competitive Intelligence.
Competitive and strategic intelligence can support various corporate and organizational objectives and functions. Systematic programs for gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information for decision making. Special attention to the information audit; to tailored selection and analysis of information for given user groups; and assessment of quality and value of information services.
Ryerson University, The Chang School (US). Competitive Intelligence CMKT20731.
This course presents a comprehensive framework for analyzing competition and developing successful marketing strategies. Students develop advanced skills in quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques in order to analyse, predict and understand a company’s relative position, the general market situation, the future of the industry, and the opportunities, threats and environmental forces that may impact the future success of an industry, a company, a product or a service.
Simmons College, School of Library and Information Science (SLIS). Competitive Intelligence LIS474. (online and available to students of schools that are a part of the WISE Consortium)
Organizations and organizational units increasingly employ competitive intelligence (CI) to support decision-making, management, and to build and sustain competitive advantages. As the formal practice of CI has grown in adoption and sophistication, information professionals are often charged with intelligence-related responsibilities. This course examines competitive intelligence models, functions, and practices; the roles of information professionals in CI, and the management of CI. Discussion and practice topics include: intelligence ethical and legal considerations; identifying intelligence needs; intelligence project management, research methods, analysis, production, and dissemination; the uses of intelligence; intelligence sources and tools; managing the intelligence function; and the evolution of CI.
St. Catherine University (US). Competitive intelligence LIS8840.
A study of the functions and activities of corporate competitive intelligence (CI) and analysis. Topics include the intelligence process; key intelligence topics (KITs); early warning intelligence; intelligence gathering and elicitation; financial, industry, and company analysis; scenario planning and war-gaming; strategy; designing a CI function, legal and ethical considerations, technical CI and professional development.
University of California Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business (US). Competitive Intelligence 290.
An effective competitive intelligence program (CIP) is a core foundation upon which competitive strategies and execution tactics are developed, assessed and modified. The heart of the course is developing a CIP. The CIP is a continuous process that integrates both formal and informal intelligence gathering processes by which managers in the organization assess, disseminate and use key trends, emerging discontinuities, the evolution of industry structure and the capabilities and behaviors of current and potential competitors to assist in formulating and implementing strategy and tactics. The course focuses on how to design a CIP and produce actionable intelligence based on a framework that provides answers to three critical questions.
University of Colorado Denver, Business School (US). Masters: Marketing Intelligence & Strategy in the 21st Century
Pursue the specialization in Marketing Intelligence & Strategy in the 21st Century. Do you want to spend your career in Marketing Strategy running the show? Program balances marketing intelligence & analytics with Marketing Strategy.
University of Derby (UK). Strategic Marketing and Competitive Intelligence.
This module explores the critical role of strategic marketing and competitive intelligence for organisations operating in both domestic and international markets. It explores how market and customer analysis, environmental analysis and competitive intelligence provide the foundation upon which marketing objectives and strategies are developed.
University of Hartford (US). Market and Competitive Intelligence MKT755.
Regardless of size or industry, companies require a keen awareness of their market environment to gain the competitive edge. Understanding the needs, goals, and objectives of customers, suppliers, and competitors, as well as being able to identify emerging technology developments and political and regulatory issues, is critical for success in today’s dynamic business environment. This course focuses on the tools necessary for companies to effectively collect, process, and analyze these market forces in an ethical manner.
University of Illinois, School of Information Sciences (US).Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management LIS538.
Researchers must be capable of not only identifying and locating relevant information but also synthesizing and communicating their research in various forms of deliverables to clients. The course introduces the basics and practices of Competitive Intelligence (CI) and Knowledge Management (KM), which are widely accepted business practices and techniques. Students will learn various ways to translate their research skills and knowledge in information searching into providing solutions to complex business needs. Students will be introduced to the development and current state of CI and KM in diverse organizational settings
University of Kentucky, Library and Information Science (US). Competitive Intelligence IS 402.
This course examines competitive intelligence models, functions, and practices; the roles of information professionals in CI, and the management of CI. Discussion and practice topics include: intelligence ethical and legal considerations; identifying intelligence needs; intelligence project management, research methods, analysis, production, and dissemination; the uses of intelligence; intelligence sources and tools; managing the intelligence function; and the evolution of CI
University of Oklahoma (US). Competitive Intelligence LIS5553.
An introduction to competitive intelligence in various contexts, appropriate for non-profit and for-profit environments. Topics will include developing and implementing the competitive intelligence process, accessing and validating sources, information gathering, auditing, and decision making with special emphasis on strategies, systems, and ethics in competitive intelligence.
University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies (Canada). Foundations of Competitive Intelligence.
Aimed at optimizing a company’s market opportunities, competitive intelligence (CI) is the process of gathering and analyzing strategic information about competitors and the competitive environment. In this course, you will learn how to: identify CI needs; accumulate, analyze and synthesize different kinds of information; understand your ethical responsibilities with respect to intelligence gathering; and communicate your findings.
Utah Valley University, Woodbury School of Business (US) Competitive Intelligence and analysis MKTG6610.
Teaches Competitive Intelligence (CI), the study of processes and techniques leading to business analysis applied to industry and company investigation. Overviews the Competitive Intelligence process including information collection, intelligence analysis, and intelligence process assessment.
Wayne State University, School of Library and Information Science (US).Competitive Intelligence and Data Mining LS6080.
LIS students will be employed by organizations competing in the Information Age which is characterized by rapid change, voluminous data, and complex dynamics. LIS 7490 introduces the graduate student to the use of social media tools and techniques to advance the use of the organization’s website for communication and information dissemination and focuses on the investigation and creation of analytics to assess website performance.
Wilfrid Laurier MBA Program (Canada). Managing Competitive Intelligence BU621.
Introduction to decision-making contexts, processes, tools and techniques of managing competitive intelligence (CI). Contexts addressed include the practical application of CI to ethical, functional organizational, industry-specific, international and technological domains. CI processes covered include planning, data gathering, analysis, dissemination and evaluation.