University launches US’s first College of Security and Intelligence

Prospective intelligence officers will now be able to enroll in the United States’ first College of Security and Intelligence (CSI) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus in Arizona.

Launched Jan. 23, the CSI is the nation’s first college to specifically focus on providing degree programs in intelligence and security.

Built upon the success of the school’s Global Security and Intelligence Studies program, the CSI will offer an undergraduate degree program in cyber intelligence and security. The school is also rolling out two new programs this fall, offering a master’s degree in security and intelligence studies and a bachelor degree in forensic biology.

“This newest college at Embry-Riddle in Prescott, Ariz., will continue to expand its role as the No. 1 collegiate educator of intelligence professionals to the government and industry, as well as providing an opportunity for expanded partnerships and research in cybersecurity, forensics and security and intelligence,” said Embry-Riddle Prescott Campus Chancellor Dr. Frank Ayers.

According to the announcement by Embry-Riddle, students will gain real-world experience in environmental threats, counterintelligence, cybersecurity, foreign policy, international law, counterterrorism, forensic sciences, and global, regional and homeland security. Upon graduation, students are expected to be prepared for employment in the federal government, security and intelligence agencies, the military and the corporate world.

The university maintains several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Computer Security and Forensic Lab, the Forensic Science Lab, and the GSIS Eagle Operations Center, providing hands-on experience in cybersecurity, investigative forensic science techniques, open-source collection and analysis, and program scenarios.

Originally built as an aviation school, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the only fully accredited, aviation-oriented university in the world.  The university now offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees and maintains a $23 million contract with the Defense Department as the sole provider of aviation-related degree programs in Europe.