
Bachelor of Science in
Global Security & Intelligence Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Global Security & Intelligence Studies equips students to become future leaders in intelligence, security and law enforcement.
About the Bachelor of Science in Global Security & Intelligence Studies
With persistent global security threats and instability, there is an increasingly high demand for security and intelligence specialists to protect citizens, critical infrastructure and private assets. The Bachelor of Science in Global Security & Intelligence Studies (GSIS) prepares students for both the public and private sectors in many roles, including intelligence analysts, security and emergency managers, federal law enforcement agents, homeland security specialists, and state or local law enforcement officers.
All of the GSIS faculty have real-world experience, and students learn from former intelligence analysts, federal law enforcement agents, corporate security managers and international relations experts. Through hands-on, real-world projects, students acquire skills in writing intelligence briefs and learning about national and global security issues, including terrorism, asymmetric warfare, physical and cyber security, criminal investigations, crisis response, risk assessment, and security and emergency operations management.
Student Learning Outcomes
While focusing on security and intelligence studies, you will have the opportunity to:
- Write intelligence briefs and analyze global security issues
- Conduct threat, vulnerability and risk assessments
- Develop investigation and interviewing techniques and tactics
- Learn project management skills, earning a specialized professional certification
- Design security systems incorporating barriers, alarms, access control and cameras
Global Security and Intelligence Studies Career Opportunities
Careers and Employers
Embry-Riddle graduates are prepared to enter the intelligence and security industries with a of 95.8% within a year of graduation. Students often find global security careers as executive security analysts, public sector analysts, intelligence operations specialists, security specialists, corporate investigators, physical security specialists and security managers.
Students earning an intelligence degree have successfully pursued careers with top employers, including the FBI, NSA, DIA, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Intel Corp, Amazon, Boeing and the U.S. Military.
Global Security and Intelligence Studies Salary Information
Students earning their intelligence degree from Embry-Riddle often receive , averaging $59,000 annually in the year post graduation, as of 2022.
DETAILS
About Global Security & Intelligence Studies at the Prescott, AZ Campus
Housed in the Department of Global Security & Intelligence Studies within the College of Business, Security and Intelligence, the program provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful careers in intelligence, security and law enforcement.
The GSIS Operations Center was designed by experienced faculty to provide training for real-world emergency response, mission readiness, and operational planning and to simulate the environment graduates will find in their careers.
Tracks/Specialties and/or Certificates
Students pursuing an intelligence degree must complete one of three different tracks:
- Intelligence Track
- Chinese and Asian Studies Track
- Security Management Track
Global Security and Intelligence Studies Information
- Credits: 120
- Online or In-Person: In-Person
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Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Analyze written and oral information and synthesize it with context, differing perspectives, and discipline-specific knowledge.
- Work competently in structured team-based environments to deliver high-quality projects.
- Competently present information to audiences in various contexts, using clear, concise, and appropriate materials.
- Deliver professional-level presentations based on their own research.
- Apply risk assessment management in decision-making across government and private sectors.
Chinese and Asian Studies Track Requirements
The Chinese and Asian Studies Track is geared towards those interested in entering the intelligence or security community with a working proficiency in the national strategic language of Mandarin Chinese and knowledge and experience of Asia. Course requirements for this track includes 36 hours of general education courses—some taught in Chinese, 36 hours of core global security and intelligence studies courses, 42 hours of some Chinese language courses, as well as choices of security or intelligence courses, and 6 hours of open electives. In addition, all Chinese and Asian Studies Track students are required to study abroad in Taiwan or China at much reduced tuition, in the summer after the sophomore academic year.
Students who take the Chinese and Asian Studies Track will reach higher levels of language proficiency and regional expertise. They take the same subject area courses and the same number of credits as those in the other tracks. The overall difference is that Chinese and Asian Studies Track students take 45 credits in courses that will be taught entirely in Chinese or have a significant Chinese component with supplementary reading and writing assignments in English. Study abroad to Taiwan or China at much reduced tuition in the summer after the sophomore year is required. This Track's content courses are open to native and heritage speakers of Chinese.
Program Requirements
General Education (36 Credits)
Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see thesection of this catalog.
Students may choose other classes outside of their requirements, but doing so can result in the student having to complete more than the degree's 120 credit hours. This will result in additionaltime and costto the student.
Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
Computer Science/Information Technology | 3 | |
Mathematics | 6 | |
Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Sciences) | 6 | |
Humanities and Social Sciences | 12 | |
3 hours of Lower-Level Humanities | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level Social Science | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
3 hours of Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
Total Credits | 36 |
Global Security and Intelligence Studies Core (72 Credits)
The following course of study outlines the quickest and most cost-efficient route for students to earn their B.S. in Global Security and Intelligence Studies-Chinese and Asian Studies Track. Students are encouraged to follow the course of study to ensure they complete all program required courses and their prerequisites within four years.
Courses in the core with a # will satisfy your general education requirements.
General Education - Communication Electives # | 9 | |
General Education - Computer Science/Information Technology Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Mathematics Electives # | 6 | |
General Education - Natural Science Elective (One must include a lab) # | 6 | |
General Education - Humanities Lower-Level Elective #^ | 3 | |
General Education - Social Science Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Humanities or Social Sciences Upper or Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
ҷ210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems + | 3 |
100 | Introduction to Global Security | 3 |
200 | Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
205 | Assessing and Managing Risk | 3 |
210 | Security Fundamentals | 3 |
315 | Studies in Global Intelligence I | 3 |
335 | Counter-Intelligence | 3 |
350 | Open Source Research Methods and Analysis | 3 |
340 | Modern U.S. Foreign Policy | 3 |
Designated Elective - Business (Choose One) | 3 | |
329 | Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination | |
201 | Principles of Management | |
317 | Global Economics, Politics and Culture | |
Designated Elective - Computer Security (Choose One) | 3 | |
310 | Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance | |
䳧118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | |
䳧304 | Introduction to Computer Forensics | |
Designated Elective - Psychology (Choose One) | 3 | |
ʳ306 | Psychology of Deception Detection | |
ʳ313 | Personality and Profiling | |
ʳ337 | Criminality |
Chinese and Asian Studies Track (42 Credits)
103 | Chinese I and II | 6 |
203 | Chinese III and IV | 6 |
205 | Modern Chinese Media | 3 |
209 | Computer Communication and Applications in Chinese | 3 |
303 | Intermediate Chinese I and II | 6 |
400 | Eastern and Western Civilization | 3 |
402 | Applied Cross-Cultural Communications | 3 |
420 | Senior Review | 3 |
Designated Elective - Intelligence (Choose One) | 3 | |
323 | Intelligence and Technology | |
328 | Intelligence Analysis, Writing, and Briefing | |
Designated Elective - Security (Choose One) | 3 | |
352 | White Collar Crime | |
414 | Government and Corporate Security Management | |
428 | Supply Chain Security | |
Designated Elective - Capstone (Choose One) | 3 | |
415 | GSIS Senior Capstone Course | |
440 | Security Operations Management Practicum | |
470 | Senior Cooperative Internship |
Open Electives (6 Credits)
Open Elective | 6 |
- #
General Education Course
- ^
The following courses that are taught in Chinese are considered Humanities courses: LCH 206, LCH 208, LCH 306
- +
LCH 309 is the equivalent of GEO 210
Chinese Language and Asian Studies Track - Suggested Plan of Study
Students who take the CLAS Track will reach higher levels of language proficiency and regional expertise. They take the same subject area courses and the same number of credits as those in the other tracks. The overall difference is that CLAS Track students take 45 credits in courses that will be taught entirely in Chinese or have a significant Chinese component with supplementary reading and writing assignments in English. Study abroad in the summer after the sophomore year is required. This Track is not open to native speakers of Chinese.
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
Communication Elective (COM 122) | 3 | |
103 | Chinese I and II | 6 |
100 | Introduction to Global Security | 3 |
UNIV101 | College Success | (1) |
Credits Subtotal | 12.0 | |
Spring | ||
203 | Chinese III and IV | 6 |
Math Elective | 3 | |
210 | Security Fundamentals | 3 |
Social Science Lower-Level Elective (PSY 101) | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
Fall | ||
Communication Elective (COM 223) | 3 | |
Natural Science Elective | 3 | |
303 | Intermediate Chinese I and II | 6 |
Math Elective | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Humanities Lower-Level Elective (LCH 206) | 3 | |
209 | Computer Communication and Applications in Chinese | 3 |
Natural Science Elective with Lab | 3 | |
200 | Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
Open Elective | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Summer | ||
Communication Elective (LCH 310) | 3 | |
ҷ210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
or LCH309
|
Introduction to Geography and It's Information Systems. | |
402 | Applied Cross-Cultural Communications | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 9.0 | |
Junior Year | ||
Fall | ||
Computer Science/Information Technology Elective | 3 | |
Designated Elective - Business | 3 | |
Designated Elective - Psychology | 3 | |
205 | Modern Chinese Media | 3 |
315 | Studies in Global Intelligence I | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
400 | Eastern and Western Civilization | 3 |
Open Elective | 3 | |
205 | Assessing and Managing Risk | 3 |
335 | Counter-Intelligence | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Senior Year | ||
Fall | ||
Designated Elective - Computer Secuirty | 3 | |
Designated Elective - Intelligence | 3 | |
340 | Modern U.S. Foreign Policy | 3 |
Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level or Upper-Level Elective (LCH 306) | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 12.0 | |
Spring | ||
Designated Elective - Capstone | 3 | |
Designated Elective - Security | 3 | |
420 | Senior Review | 3 |
350 | OSINT Research and Analysis | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 12.0 | |
Credits Total: | 120.0 |
Intelligence Track
The Intelligence Track is geared towards those interested in a career collecting and analyzing information, whether in the public or private sector, to provide decision advantage to senior policymakers about the capabilities, plans, and intentions of foreign nations and transnational actors. Course requirements for this track includes 36 hours of general education courses, 36 hours of core global security and intelligence studies courses, 42 hours of the intelligence track courses, including 12 hours of foreign language, and 6 hours of open electives.
Program Requirements
General Education
Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see thesection of this catalog.
Students may choose other classes outside of their requirements, but doing so can result in the student having to complete more than the degree's 120 credit hours. This will result in additionaltime and costto the student.
Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
Computer Science/Information Technology | 3 | |
Mathematics | 6 | |
Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Sciences) | 6 | |
Humanities and Social Sciences | 12 | |
3 hours of Lower-Level Humanities | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level Social Science | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
3 hours of Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
Total Credits | 36 |
Global Security and Intelligence Studies Core (72 Credits)
The following course of study outlines the quickest and most cost-efficient route for students to earn their B.S. in Global Security and Intelligence Studies-Intelligence Track. Students are encouraged to follow the course of study to ensure they complete all program required courses and their prerequisites within four years.
Courses in the core with a # will satisfy your general education requirements.
General Education - Communication Electives # | 9 | |
General Education - Computer Science/Information Technology Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Mathematics Electives # | 6 | |
General Education - Natural Science Elective (One must include a lab) # | 6 | |
General Education - Humanities Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Social Science Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Humanities or Social Science Upper or Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Humanities or Social Sciences Upper-Level Elective # | 3 | |
ҷ210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
100 | Introduction to Global Security | 3 |
200 | Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
205 | Assessing and Managing Risk | 3 |
210 | Security Fundamentals | 3 |
315 | Studies in Global Intelligence I | 3 |
335 | Counter-Intelligence | 3 |
350 | Open Source Research Methods and Analysis | 3 |
340 | Modern U.S. Foreign Policy | 3 |
Designated Elective - Business (Choose One) | 3 | |
329 | Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination | |
201 | Principles of Management | |
317 | Global Economics, Politics and Culture | |
Designated Elective - Computer Security (Choose One) | 3 | |
310 | Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance | |
䳧118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | |
䳧304 | Introduction to Computer Forensics | |
Designated Elective - Psychology (Choose One) | 3 | |
ʳ306 | Psychology of Deception Detection | |
ʳ313 | Personality and Profiling | |
ʳ337 | Criminality |
Intelligence Track (42 Credits)
BA222 | Business Analytics Tools | 3 |
Foreign Language + | 12 | |
323 | Intelligence and Technology | 3 |
SIS325 | Foundations of Terrorism | 3 |
328 | Intelligence Analysis, Writing, and Briefing | 3 |
SIS342 | Interview Techniques and Tactics | 3 |
SIS422 | Homeland Security and Technology | 3 |
SIS430 | Emergency Management and Contingency Planning | 3 |
SS320 | Government of the U.S. | 3 |
Designated Elective - International Relations (Choose One) | 3 | |
SIS317 | Political Change, Revolution, and War | |
SIS406 | American National Security Policy: Theory and Practice | |
Designated Elective - Capstone (Choose One) | 3 | |
415 | GSIS Senior Capstone Course | |
470 | Senior Cooperative Internship |
Open Electives (6 Credits)
Open Electives | 6 |
Total Credits | 120 |
- #
General Education Course
- +
All 12 credits must be in the same foreign language
All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.
Intelligence Studies Track - Suggested Plan of Study
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
BA222 | Business Analytics Tools | 3 |
Communication Elective (COM 122) | 3 | |
Computer Science/Information Technology Elective | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 3 | |
100 | Introduction to Global Security | 3 |
UNIV101 | College Success | (1) |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Communication Elective | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 3 | |
200 | Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
210 | Security Fundamentals | 3 |
Social Science Lower-Level Elective (PSY 101) | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
Fall | ||
Communication Elective (COM 223) | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 3 | |
Math Elective | 3 | |
SIS325 | Foundations of Terrorism | 3 |
SS320 | Government of the U.S. | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Foreign Language | 3 | |
Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
Natural Science Elective with Lab | 3 | |
315 | Studies in Global Intelligence I | 3 |
328 | Intelligence Analysis, Writing, and Briefing | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Junior Year | ||
Fall | ||
Designated Elective - Psychology | 3 | |
ҷ210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
Natural Science Elective | 3 | |
SIS422 | Homeland Security and Technology | 3 |
340 | Modern U.S. Foreign Policy | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level or Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
Math Elective | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
205 | Assessing and Managing Risk | 3 |
SIS430 | Emergency Management and Contingency Planning | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Senior Year | ||
Fall | ||
Designated Elective - Computer Secuirty | 3 | |
Designated Elective - International Relations | 3 | |
Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
335 | Counter-Intelligence | 3 |
SIS342 | Interview Techniques and Tactics | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Designated Elective - Business | 3 | |
Designated Elective - Capstone | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
323 | Intelligence and Technology | 3 |
350 | OSINT Research and Analysis | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Credits Total: | 120.0 |
Security Management Track
The Security Management Track is geared towards those interested in a career in security and protection, in either private industry or government.Course requirements for this track include 36 hours of general education courses, 36 hours of core global security and intelligence studies courses, 42 hours of the security management track courses, including 12 hours of foreign language, and 6 hours of open electives.
Program Requirements
General Education
Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see thesection of this catalog.
Students may choose other classes outside of their requirements, but doing so can result in the student having to complete more than the degree's 120 credit hours. This will result in additionaltime and costto the student.
Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
Computer Science/Information Technology | 3 | |
Mathematics | 6 | |
Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Sciences) | 6 | |
Humanities and Social Sciences | 12 | |
3 hours of Lower-Level Humanities | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level Social Science | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
3 hours of Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
Total Credits | 36 |
Global Security and Intelligence Studies Core (72 Credits)
The following course of study outlines the quickest and most cost-efficient route for students to earn their B.S. in Global Security and Intelligence Studies-Security Management Track. Students are encouraged to follow the course of study to ensure they complete all program required courses and their prerequisites within four years.
Courses in the core with a # will satisfy your general education requirements.
General Education - Communication Electives # | 9 | |
General Education - Computer Science/Information Technology Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Mathematics Electives # | 6 | |
General Education - Natural Science Elective (One must include a lab) # | 6 | |
General Education - Humanities Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Social Science Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Humanities or Social Science Upper or Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
General Education - Humanities or Social Sciences Upper-Level Elective # | 3 | |
ҷ210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
100 | Introduction to Global Security | 3 |
200 | Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
205 | Assessing and Managing Risk | 3 |
210 | Security Fundamentals | 3 |
315 | Studies in Global Intelligence I | 3 |
335 | Counter-Intelligence | 3 |
350 | Open Source Research Methods and Analysis | 3 |
340 | Modern U.S. Foreign Policy | 3 |
Designated Elective - Business (Choose One) | 3 | |
329 | Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination | |
201 | Principles of Management | |
317 | Global Economics, Politics and Culture | |
Designated Elective - Computer Security (Choose One) | 3 | |
310 | Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance | |
䳧118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | |
䳧304 | Introduction to Computer Forensics | |
Designated Elective - Psychology (Choose One) | 3 | |
ʳ306 | Psychology of Deception Detection | |
ʳ313 | Personality and Profiling | |
ʳ337 | Criminality |
Security Management Track (42 Credits)
BA222 | Business Analytics Tools | 3 |
Foreign Language + | 12 | |
SIS340 | Security Investigations and Interview | 3 |
352 | White Collar Crime | 3 |
SIS365 | Project Management | 3 |
414 | Government and Corporate Security Management | 3 |
SIS425 | Information Protection and Computer Security | 3 |
SIS426 | Physical Security and Facility Design | 3 |
Designated Elective - Business (Choose One) | 3 | |
BA328 | Professional Consulting | |
428 | Supply Chain Security | |
Designated Elective - Crisis Management (Choose One) | 3 | |
SIS355 | Disaster Resilience and Recovery | |
SIS430 | Emergency Management and Contingency Planning | |
Designated Elective - Capstone (Choose One) | 3 | |
440 | Security Operations Management Practicum | |
470 | Senior Cooperative Internship |
Open Electives (6 Credits)
Open Electives | 6 |
Total Credits | 120 |
- #
General Education Course
- +
All 12 credits must be in the same foreign language
All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.
Security Operations ManagementTrack - Suggested Plan of Study
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
BA222 | Business Analytics Tools | 3 |
Communication Elective (COM 122) | 3 | |
Computer Science/Information Technology Elective (CI 119) | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 3 | |
100 | Introduction to Global Security | 3 |
UNIV101 | College Success | (1) |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Communication Elective (COM 223) | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 3 | |
200 | Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
210 | Security Fundamentals | 3 |
Social Science Lower-Level Elective (PSY 101) | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
Fall | ||
Communication Elective | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 3 | |
Math Elective | 3 | |
SIS340 | Security Investigations and Interview | 3 |
352 | White Collar Crime | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Foreign Language | 3 | |
Natural Science Elective with Lab | 3 | |
315 | Studies in Global Intelligence I | 3 |
414 | Government and Corporate Security Management | 3 |
Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Junior Year | ||
Fall | ||
ҷ210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
Designated Elective - Psychology | 3 | |
Natural Science Elective | 3 | |
SIS365 | Project Management | 3 |
SIS425 | Information Protection and Computer Security | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Designated Elective - Crisis Management | 3 | |
Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level or Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
Math Elective | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
205 | Assessing and Managing Risk | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Senior Year | ||
Fall | ||
Designated Elective - Computer Security | 3 | |
Designated Elective - Security Management - Business | 3 | |
Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
SIS426 | Physical Security and Facility Design | 3 |
340 | Modern U.S. Foreign Policy | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Spring | ||
Designated Elective - Business | 3 | |
Designated Elective - Capstone | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
335 | Counter-Intelligence | 3 |
350 | OSINT Research and Analysis | 3 |
Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
Credits Total: | 120.0 |
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