Strategic Intelligence, M.S.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Policy and National Security

Saint Louis University’s Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence equips professionals to lead at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data analytics and global security policy. Offered through SLU’s School for Professional Studies, this flexible 100% online program prepares you to analyze complex intelligence data, apply AI-driven tools, and develop actionable strategies for decision-makers in government, defense and private industry.

Designated as an Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (IC CAE) by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, SLU provides access to exclusive learning opportunities, internships and networking across the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. 

You’ll learn to harness emerging technologies, evaluate intelligence sources and craft policies informed by advanced analytics and human insight. The program’s eight-week courses allow you to progress quickly while balancing career demands.

Advance your expertise. Shape the future of intelligence. Lead with AI-informed strategy and global vision through SLU’s M.S. in Strategic Intelligence.

Program Highlights

• Develop advanced skills to evaluate, synthesize and manage multiple data sources — integrating human intelligence with AI-driven analytics to generate strategic insight and actionable outcomes.
• Explore how machine learning, automation and data visualization are transforming intelligence operations and policy analysis.
• Earn a graduate certificate that complements your master’s degree, often without additional credits, allowing you to tailor your studies to your professional interests in areas such as cybersecurity, AI, leadership, or decision-making.
• Learn alongside a global community of academics and practitioners, merging technological innovation with human and organizational expertise to advance the discovery, management and dissemination of mission-critical intelligence.

Along the way, you’ll learn from a network of diverse peers from around the world, merging technology with human and organizational structures as you engage in knowledge discovery, management and dissemination of industry-critical knowledge. 

You can also earn a graduate certificate that complements a master’s degree, often without taking additional credits, allowing you to tailor the program to your specific interests.

As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 30-credit master's program offers data-driven professionals like you a flexible option to meet your career goals. With multiple start terms, you can begin the master's program in the fall or spring. You will join a community of academics and practitioners from a wide range of subjects and professional backgrounds, providing the opportunity to learn from a network of peers. 

The 100% online program offers flexible courses in eight-week terms, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals. 

Some SPS programs are also offered in on-campus versions, created so that international students can meet their visa requirements.

Faculty

As a student in the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University, you’ll learn from exceptional faculty who are leading experts in their fields. They bring real-world knowledge to the classroom and are dedicated to your professional success. Learn more about the SPS faculty.

Careers

Graduates of SLU's Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence program have the educational foundation necessary to succeed as intelligence analysts and analytical leaders/managers within defense and intelligence industries, criminal justice fields and federal, state and local agencies, such as the FBI, CIA, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency. 

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to apply program-specific knowledge to address practical problems using an ethical, evidence-based framework.
2. Graduates will be able to utilize argumentation skills appropriate for a given problem or context.
3. Graduates will be able to evaluate and manage various information sources and their relevance to strategic intelligence, and translate that information into actionable outcomes.
4. Graduates will be able to perform sophisticated analyses and evaluations of possible threats through demonstrated technical expertise and the application of conceptual skills.

Admission Requirements

• Completed application​
• Undergraduate degree (most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better)
• Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
• Statement of purpose (about 500 words)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• External reference recommendations (encouraged but not required)

Upon admission, a new online student* must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first term coursework.

* This is for 100% online students only. International on-campus graduate students will meet their academic coach at on-campus orientation.

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Some examples of demonstrated English language proficiency include minimum score requirements for the following standardized tests:
  • ​Paper-based TOEFL: 550
  • Internet-based TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE: 54

• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

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Program Requirements 

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please call 314-977-2330 or email sps@slu.edu.