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Center for Critical Intelligence Studies

Undergraduate

  • About The Critical Intelligence Studies Minor

    IMG 6100

    The Department of Political Science at the School of Arts and Sciences established the minor in Critical Intelligence Studies in December 2016.

    This interdisciplinary minor provides students with an intellectual foundation for the study of intelligence, both as it has been practiced through history and as it is currently practiced by different nations and other entities. The foundational courses in the minor are designed to provide students with the context and concepts that form the basis for the intelligence-gathering in which the United States government engages. Students will learn to examine critically the role of intelligence in the American republican democracy and explore the concepts and practices used to identify, collect, interpret, analyze, and communicate intelligence that can be used by strategists, policy makers, military, security, and the police to advance homeland security.

     

    Students in this program will be able to:

    • Explain the intelligence gathering process in various national and historical contexts;
    • Write clearly, critically, and analytically about intelligence issues;
    • Demonstrate intermediate- to advanced-level language skills and/or cultural competence skills;
    • Make strong arguments that strike a defensible balance between security and privacy in the context of the American constitutional system.


    Details
    Critical Intelligence Studies Program Flyer

    Contact
    Inquiries should be directed to Ava Majlesi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Program Director for the Rutgers IC CAE Program/Minor in Critical Intelligence Studies.

  • Advising Sessions

    Please review the website to learn more about:

    • The CIS Minor (including minor tracks and course requirements)
    • Research Opportunities 
    • Becoming an IC CAE Scholar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Job and Internship Opportunities

     

    If you still have questions regarding academic, professional, or research development please contact Director Majlesi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

  • Course Catalog

    Introduction to Critical Intelligence Studies
    (01:790:292, 3 Credits)

    This foundational course is designed to provide students with the context and concepts that form the basis for the intelligence-gathering in which the United States government engages. Beginning with an examination of the role of intelligence-gathering in world history, the course proceeds to examine critically the role of intelligence in the American republican democracy. After reviewing the evolution of the structure of the intelligence-gathering community, the course examines the concepts and practices used to identify, collect, interpret, analyze, and communicate intelligence that can be used by strategists, policy makers, military, security, and the police to advance homeland security.

    Critical Thinking & Analytic Writing in the Intelligence Community
    (01:790:483, 3 Credits)

    Students will learn the fundamental skills of a successful intelligence analyst: developing sound analysis through the use of structured analytical techniques and communicating analytical judgements effectively in both written products and oral presentations. Students will be taught how to research, develop, draft, refine and present analytic products consistent with the tradecraft currently used by Intelligence Community professionals.

    Research in Critical Intelligence Studies
    (01:790:484, 3 Credits)

    One of the most important skills an intelligence analyst can possess is the ability to properly conduct research and present that research through clear and concise writing. Through this guided independent study, students will select a topic and write a 20-25 page research paper that synthesizes knowledge of an intelligence/national security issue.

    A separate section of this course is reserved for students selected for research fellowships. Students with research fellowships report to their research teams for weekly assignments and do NOT submit a 20-25 page research paper.

    Internship in Critical Intelligence Studies
    (01:790:485, 3 Credits)

    The Internship in Critical Intelligence Studies is an experiential learning program through which students may earn 3 academic credits for interning in a field related to intelligence or national security. Your internship experience will enable you to observe professionals and process in action, which will allow you to test some of the ideas, theories, and material presented in critical intelligence studies classes. You will also witness first-hand some of the career possibilities available to CIS minors, and you will play a meaningful role in important real-world endeavors.

    National Security Policy
    (01:790:349, 3 Credits)

    This course is an introduction to the role of intelligence in National Security Policy. The course focuses on changes to laws and policies made in response to reviews and reports conducted following World War II, the Vietnam era, and the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and how those changes have been implemented in policy and practice. Students will undertake case studies of actions taken in response to national security crises, examine the legislative and judicial responses to those events, and compare intelligence policy decisions in shaping the structure of the federal intelligence community.

    Defense Policy
    (01:790:323, 3 Credits)

    This course aims to be much more than a study of organizational charts, budgets, and weapons systems, or the parsing of decisions made by famous leaders. The goal is for students to understand how U.S. defense policy emerges from a constantly evolving conceptualization of the nature of war, the nation, and vital national security interest. The emphasis is on the politics of policy.

  • IC CAE Scholar

    Rutgers IC CAE is pleased to invite you to apply for the new IC CAE Scholar program. We review applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner you get your application in, the better! (Please note: If you were previously designated an IC CAE Scholar, please review "Note to Previous IC CAE Scholars" below.)

    What's an IC CAE Scholar?

    The Intelligence Community requires a diverse, professionally competitive, and knowledgeable workforce to successfully accomplish its mission. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) established the Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) Program in 2005 to meet the nation’s demand for a diverse cadre of professionals to carry out America’s national security mission and priorities. IC CAE Scholars are students with demonstrated academic, professional, and/or research skills who are interested in pursuing a career in the federal Intelligence Community. To learn more about the IC CAE, watch this video.

    Program Benefits

    Scholars will:

    • Gain access to year-round resume reviews for IC and IC-related positions.
    • Receive a newsletter containing links to IC CAE Scholar exclusive events and programs (e.g., IC internship and career fairs), in addition to early registration for future programs.
    • Receive a unique Scholar ID. When included on any Rutgers IC CAE program application, this ID will enable scholars to receive priority review and consideration for a variety of programs (e.g., research opportunities, internships, etc.).
    • Be entered in exclusive Scholar-only raffles (e.g., Amazon gifts cards, CCIS swag).
    • Receive a certificate with their Scholar ID and membership upon acceptance into the IC CAE Scholar program.

    Eligibility

    • Program funding is from ODNI; all IC CAE Scholars must be U.S. Citizens.
    • Prospective Scholars should have a declared major or minor in one of the following areas: intelligence/national security, STEM, or language study.
    • Prospective scholars should possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above.
    • Prospective scholars must be actively enrolled students in one of the following IC CAE consortium schools: Rutgers University, Borough of Manhattan Community College, City College of New York, or New Jersey City University
    • All scholars must be active students, those who graduate will be admitted into the IC CAE Scholar Alumni community.

    Program Requirements

    • To maintain IC CAE Scholar status and membership, Scholars must complete a mandatory survey each semester that they are in the program.

    Note to Previous IC CAE Scholars

    Please note that CCIS has completely restructured the IC CAE Scholars program and its application process. As a result, if you were previously selected as an IC CAE Scholar but do not have a unique IC CAE ID number, you must resubmit an application (which will contain a field to acknowledge your previous scholar status.)

    APPLY NOW!

  • Minor Requirements

    In order to declare a minor in Critical Intelligence Studies, students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and to have completed 01:790:292 with at least a C. To fulfill the minor requirements, students must pass an additional five three-credit courses with a grade of C or higher. The Critical Intelligence Studies minor requires a minimum of 18 credits for successful completion.

    Required Courses (First 9 Required Credits)

    1. Introduction to Critical Intelligence Studies (01:790:292, 3 Credits)
    2. Critical Thinking & Analytic Writing in the Intelligence Community (01:790:483, 3 Credits)
    3. Research in Critical Intelligence Studies (01:790:484, 3 Credits) OR Internship in Critical Intelligence Studies (01:790:485, 3 Credits)

    Minor Tracks (Remaining 9 Required Credits)
    There are various course options within each of the tracks. Students should first consult degree navigator and then contact Ava Majlesi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to discuss possible paths to completion of the minor.

    Technology Track (Best suited for Computer Science majors)

    • One course in artificial intelligence or machine learning
    • One course in data science
    • One course in design/analysis of computer algorithm

    Cyber Track (Best suited for Computer Science or ITI majors)

    • One course in foundational computer science
    • One course in computer security
    • One elective course (language, area studies, or policy) to promote awareness of the international context of intelligence work

    Engineering Track

    • One course in foundational computer programming (14:440:127)
    • One policy course
    • One elective course (language or area studies) to promote awareness of the international context of intelligence work

    Policy Track

    • Two policy courses
    • One elective course (language or area studies) to promote awareness of the international context of intelligence work

    Language Track (Best suited for students majoring or minoring in a language)

    • Two language courses in the same language at a level determined in coordination with the relevant language department. AP credit can be applied to one of these courses but not both.
    • One policy course
  • Summer Session 2024 - Update for CIS Minors

    Rutgers-New Brunswick Summer Session Registration for summer session 2024 is now open. There are several courses that you can take during summer session to satisfy Critical Intelligence Studies minor requirements.

    If you need to complete the research or internship requirement (790:484 or 790:485) there are three options during summer 2023:

    1. 01:790:484 is a guided independent study. Students write a 20–25-page research paper over the course of the semester; there are assignments every few weeks that will get you to that final goal.

    • This course is asynchronous remote, but the expectation is that you will meet with the instructor by phone to discuss your topic and receive feedback throughout the semester. These phone calls will be scheduled with the instructor for a mutually convenient time. Students should have completed 01:790:292 and 01:790:483 before registering for this course.

    2. Students selected to serve on research project teams may also register for 01:790:484.

    • Applications for these research fellowships are open for the summer 2024 semester and students are accepted on a rolling basis. These are competitive positions and great resume builders. Applications are available at this HERE. Summer 2024 may seem far away, but these opportunities are limited to a select group of students, so please apply early.

    3. 01:790:485 Internship in Critical Intelligence Studies: this course is asynchronous remote.

    • You must complete a minimum of 140 hours at your internship and complete a 6-page paper at the end of the semester. Explore internship opportunities HERE. You must reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to determine whether your internship will satisfy the CIS minor requirements. ROTC students have used OCS to complete this requirement over the summer, and many private sector opportunities also satisfy the internship requirement, especially if you are a computer science or ITI major/minor. If you are unsure whether your internship will satisfy the CIS minor requirements, please reach out.

    The following courses are available during summer session and will count as a policy elective (or possibly an area studies elective) for the Critical Intelligence Studies Minor:

    • 01:790:319 Issues of American Foreign Policy
    • 01:790:323 Defense Policy
    • 01:790:327 International Political Economy
    • 01:790:328 Conflict and Change in the Caribbean
    • 01:790:361 International Organizations

    Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.with any questions.

  • Update for CIS Minors - Fall 2023

    CIS MINOR COURSEWORK UPDATES

    • We are offering three sections of Introduction to Critical Intelligence Studies(292) and three section of Writing and Briefing (483).  

     

    • If you are looking for policy electives, here are some good options: Defense Policy (790:323 – fills up quickly every semester), Politics of National Security (790:366), Strategy in International Relations (790:322 – new course so please contact me if you pursue this option). If none of these fit in your schedule, please reach out to me to discuss other possible options. For example, Political Change China (790:386) will satisfy the minor, but if you plan to pursue this course, I’ll need to make an exception in Degree Navigator.  Again, please reach out to me if you’d like to discuss other course options. 

     

    • For students who need to complete their research or internship requirement (790:484 or 790:485) there are multiple options: 
      1. Section 1 of 790:484 is a guided independent study.  Students write a 20–25-page research paper over the course of the semester; there are assignments every couple of weeks that will get you to that final goal.  This course is asynchronous remote, but the expectation is that you will meet with the instructor by phone to discuss your topic and receive feedback throughout the semester. These phone calls will be scheduled with the instructor for a mutually convenient time. I highly recommend that students complete 292 and 483 before registering for this course.
      2. Section 2 of 790:484 is also independent study, but also has reserved spots for students selected to serve on research project teams.  Applications for these research fellowships are open and students are accepted on a rolling basis.  These are competitive positions and great resume builders.  Applications are available HERE. Fall ’23 may seem far away, but these opportunities are limited to a select group of students, so please apply early.
      3. Section 3 of 790:484 is reserved for NC Lab at Rutgers: cyber-social threat identification and forecasting center; enhance your open-source intelligence gathering skills in this cutting-edge opportunity. Students provide 10-15 hours of research support per week, including work in the Lab on Douglass Campus on Wednesdays from 10:20am-1:20pm. Research outside of class time takes place virtually. Apply HERE.
      4. 790:485 Internship in Critical Intelligence Studies: this course is asynchronous remote.  You must complete a minimum of 140 hours (160 hours for an "A" grade) at your internship and complete a 6-page paper at the end of the semester. Explore possible internship opportunities HERE. Options to consider include the NYU Global Security Operations Centerand the Environmental Investigation Agency.

     Please feel free to reach out to Professor Majlesi with any questions.

  • Update for CIS Minors - Spring 2024

    CIS MINOR COURSEWORK UPDATES

    Before reaching out for an advising appointment, please review the information below AND login to Degree Navigator (and enter the CIS minor code 205) to explore course options.

    • We are offering three sections of Introduction to Critical Intelligence Studies(292) and three section of Critical Thinking and Analytic Writing for the IC (483). 
      • Special permission numbers will not be provided for closed sections of 483. Please consider enrolling in an open section, or you will need to take the course in Fall 2024.
      • Students will not be able to register for 483 unless they have taken 292 and declared the CIS minor.  If you haven't done so already, you can declare the CIS minor HERE.

     

    • If you are looking for policy electives, here are some good options: Defense Policy (790:323 – fills up quickly every semester), Politics of National Security (790:366), American Foreign Policy (790:319), and Causes of War (790:324). If none of these courses fit in your schedule, please reach out to Professor Majlesi to discuss other options. For example, Political Economy of East Asia (790:313), Israeli Politics (790:352), or Arab Politics and Society (790:385) will satisfy the minor, but if you plan to pursue any of these courses, I’ll need to make an exception in Degree Navigator.  Again, please reach out to me if you’d like to discuss other course options. 

     

    • For students who need to complete their research or internship requirement (790:484 or 790:485) there are multiple options: 
      1. Section 1 of 790:484 is a guided independent study.  Students write a 20–25-page research paper over the course of the semester; there are assignments every couple of weeks that will get you to that final goal.  This course is asynchronous remote, but the expectation is that you will meet with the instructor by phone to discuss your topic and receive feedback throughout the semester. These phone calls will be scheduled with the instructor for a mutually convenient time. I strongly recommend that students complete 292, 483, and their other electives before registering for this course.
      2. Section 1 of 790:484 also has reserved spots for students selected to serve on research project teams.  These students will report to their project team advisor for research assignments and will not complete the 20-25 research paper. Applications for these research fellowships are open and students are accepted on a rolling basis.  These are competitive positions and great resume builders.  Applications are available HERE. Spring '24 may seem far away, but these opportunities are limited to a select group of students, so please apply early.
      3. Section 3 of 790:484 is reserved for NC Lab at Rutgers: cyber-social threat identification and forecasting center; enhance your open-source intelligence gathering skills in this cutting-edge opportunity. Students provide 10-15 hours of research support per week, including work in the Lab on Douglass Campus on Wednesdays from 10:20am-1:20pm. Research outside of class time takes place virtually. Apply HERE.
      4. 790:485 Internship in Critical Intelligence Studies: this course is asynchronous remote.  You must complete a minimum of 140 hours (160 hours for an "A" grade) at your internship and complete a 6-page paper at the end of the semester. Explore possible internship opportunities HERE. Options to consider include the NYU Global Security Operations Centerand the Environmental Investigation Agency.

     Please feel free to reach out to Professor Majlesi if you need more individualized advising, but first be sure to read all of the information above and explore course options in Degree Navigator.

  • Update for CIS Minors - Summer Session 2023

    Rutgers-New Brunswick Summer Session Registration begins on February 13, 2023. There are several courses that you can take during summer session 2023 to satisfy Critical Intelligence Studies minor requirements.

     

    If you need to complete the research or internship requirement (790:484 or 790:485) there are three options during summer 2023:

     

    1. 01:790:484 is a guided independent study.  Students write a 20–25-page research paper over the course of the semester; there are assignments every couple of weeks that will get you to that final goal.
      • This course is asynchronous remote, but the expectation is that you will meet with the instructor by phone to discuss your topic and receive feedback throughout the semester. These phone calls will be scheduled with the instructor for a mutually convenient time. Students should have completed 01:790:292 and 01:790:483 before registering for this course.
    2. Students selected to serve on research project teams may also register for 01:790:484.
      • Applications for these research fellowships are open for the summer 2023 semester and students are accepted on a rolling basis. These are competitive positions and great resume builders. Applications are available at this HERE. Summer 2023 may seem far away, but these opportunities are limited to a select group of students, so please apply early.
    3. 01:790:485 Internship in Critical Intelligence Studies: this course is asynchronous remote.
      • You must complete a minimum of 140 hours at your internship and complete a 6-page paper at the end of the semester. Explore internship opportunities HERE. You must reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to determine whether your internship will satisfy the CIS minor requirements.

     The following courses are available during summer session and will count as a policy elective for the Critical Intelligence Studies Minor:

     

    • 01:790:319 Issues of American Foreign Policy
    • 01:790:323 Defense Policy
    • 01:790:327 International Political Economy
    • 01:790:328 Conflict and Change in the Caribbean
    • 01:790:343 Counterterrorism and Democracy

     

    Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.with any questions.

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