The Graduate Certificate in Intelligence and National Security provides students with a foundational understanding of intelligence, national security, foreign policy, and international affairs. Drawing on perspectives from political science and security studies, the Certificate examines the institutions, processes, and strategic challenges that shape contemporary security environments. Students explore key concepts and theoretical approaches relevant to intelligence and national security, including the role of intelligence in policymaking, international conflict and cooperation, security institutions, and emerging global threats.
In addition, students will be introduced to various analytic approaches including game theory, network analysis, nonintrusive measurement, geospatial approaches and quantitative analysis.
The certificate in Intelligence and National Security consists of 18 credit hours at the graduate level, including two required core courses and four electives.
Total Credit Hours Required: 18 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree
Program Prerequisites
Students who have been admitted to a degree-seeking graduate program at UCF may apply for admission to the certificate program. Other interested applicants may also apply, but must first contact the certificate advisor to inquire about admission to the certificate program prior to applying.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
6 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- POS6736 - Conduct of Political Inquiry (3)
- POS6746 - Quantitative Methods in Political Research (3)
- POS7745 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in Political Research (3)
- CCJ6704 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice (3)
- CCJ7708 - Advanced Quantitative Methods for Criminal Justice Research (3)
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- INR6365 - Seminar on Intelligence (3)
- INR6366 - The Intelligence Community (3)
Restricted Electives
12 Total Credits
- Complete at least 4 of the following:
- POS6686 - National Security Law (3)
- POS6743 - Geographic Tools for Political Science Research (3)
- CPO6058 - Revolution and Political Violence (3)
- CPO6206 - Comparative Politics of Africa (3)
- CPO6307 - Issues in Latin American Politics (3)
- CPO6407 - Comparative Politics of the Middle East (3)
- CPO6729 - Global Security in the Age of Migration (3)
- INR6062 - Peace Studies (3)
- INR6065 - Seminar on War (3)
- INR6068 - Politics of Civil Wars (3)
- INR6108 - Seminar in American Foreign Policy (3)
- INR6136 - Seminar in American Security Policy (3)
- INR6137 - Terrorism and Politics (3)
- INR6257 - International Relations of Africa (3)
- INR6275 - International Politics of the Middle East (3)
- INR6339 - Strategic Warning Analysis (3)
- INR6346 - Politics of International Terrorism (3)
- INR6356 - Environmental Security (3)
- INR6726 - Political Behavior in International Conflict (3)
- CCJ6027 - Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism (3)
- CCJ6067 - Perspectives on Genocide (3)
- CCJ6074 - Investigative and Intelligence Analysis: Theory and Methods (3)
- CJE6688 - Cyber Crime and Criminal Justice (3)
Grand Total Credits: 18
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines