2013-2014

Interdisciplinary Studies - Intelligence Studies 90-30, Bachelor of Science

Public Administration and Justice Studies

Extended Campuses

With almost daily news reports of terrorist activity around the globe, new and emerging cyber security threats, and calls for reform in the US intelligence community, the need for professionals with a background in Intelligence Studies is more apparent now than ever before. The program is designed to develop intelligence collectors, analysts, operators and policy informers who are conversant in international affairs; practiced in critical thinking and analysis; knowledgeable of intelligence means to political ends; and capable of linking events to policy and operational plans for reducing threats, vulnerabilities and risks.

Throughout the program learners will be exposed to an expansive body of reading materials including research papers, legal cases, commission reports and position papers in order to develop the skills to write, prepare complex data and findings in meaningful ways and brief in the intelligence style reflecting critical thinking, digital literacy, collaboration and operational adaptability.

This program is designed for individuals who have an academic background or professional work experience in law enforcement, security, homeland security, business or other relevant fields related to intelligence studies. If you have questions about whether you would be a good candidate for this program, please consult with an NAU staff member who will assist you in understanding your options.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2014

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • To avoid any deficiencies or risk having to take more than 120 units of credit to complete this degree a completed associate's degree from a community college AND an Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) from a regionally accredited community college in Arizona are highly recommended.
  • Students with a completed associate's degree and an AGEC will have met the 35 units of liberal studies requirements; however, students without an AGEC certification will need to meet the Northern Arizona University liberal studies requirements.
  • Students may transfer up to a maximum of 90 units of community-college and/or university credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
  • Students must complete at least 30 upper-division units of coursework. All coursework in the Specialization Area must be upper-division and from Northern Arizona University. Substitutions and use of credit from other institutions are not allowed in the Specialization.
  • Students must have a grade of "C" or better in all courses used in the major, which includes the Specialization and the Interdisciplinary Studies Requirements areas.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA C
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required Required
Foreign Language Optional
Study Abroad Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available

Major Requirements
Interdisciplinary Studies Requirements

  • Computer Literacy (6 units)
    This coursework must help you to understand, in general, the technical components of computers and information systems, how to solve problems using information systems technology, word processing, spreadsheet use, database management, graphic information software, website development, graphic design and use of statistical analysis software. Course(s) must have been taken within 10 years of admission to Northern Arizona University.

  • Communication Courses (6 units)
    You must choose 6 units in the following two categories. At least 3 units of the 6 units must be upper-division.
    • Performance-based courses, select one from the following (3 units):
    • Theory-based courses, select one from the following (3 units):

  • Please note that you cannot use CLEP or locally prepared exams to satisfy this requirement. Transfer credit used to satisfy this requirement must be approved by the Interdisciplinary Studies/BAS Advisory Council.

  • Science Requirement
    • Select at least 12 units from courses with Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economic, Environmental Sciences, Finance, Geographic Science & Community Planning, Geography, Geology, Health and Human Services, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Marketing, Nutrition Science, Physics, Politics and International Affairs, Project Management. Statistics prefixes, or Forensics. (12 units):
General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.