What Does an Intelligence Analyst Do?

From true crime occupying social media feeds to a greater-than-ever interest in global politics, home-trained investigators take on some of today’s most pressing issues. They scour databases, read through transcripts of old interviews and explore internet rabbit holes in search of the answer — the piece that will complete the puzzle.

In the government, organizations and three-letter agencies like the FBI and CIA, a need for advanced professionals in security and intelligence grows. Intelligence analysts are academically and professionally trained to make sense of complex information and use their findings practically, ensuring safety, security and success for their organization.

What is Intelligence?

Intelligence is defined as information on potential threats, criminal activities, emergencies, national security and more. It can be gathered through intercepted signals, reports from eyewitnesses, publicly available information or surveillance.

Intelligence.gov lists the six types of intelligence collection as:

• Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)
• Human-Source Intelligence (HUMINT)
• Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)
• Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT)
• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
• Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)

How Do We Use Intelligence?

Intelligence analysts take this information and analyze it so that it can be used to prevent, assess or respond to threats.

Work as an intelligence analyst can span from counterterrorism efforts to organized crime and plays a crucial role in our understanding of potential threats. Analysts provide the context that makes intelligence valuable — providing meaning and application.

Through intelligence analysis, “finished intelligence” is produced, which is then disseminated to military and political leaders, policymakers and others who make decisions that impact safety and security.

Degrees at Embry-Riddle

Thanks to strategic organizational partnerships, faculty who have real-world intelligence experience and curricula designed to make an impact, Embry-Riddle offers various security and intelligence programs that strive to produce the next generation of leaders in these fields.

On the Prescott, Arizona, campus, the College of Business, Security & Intelligence (CBSI) is the first and only college of its kind in the nation, paving the way for students to embark on a specialized career journey that will set them apart from their peers after graduation.

Our Daytona Beach and Worldwide campuses offer degrees in Homeland Security — providing advanced educational opportunities in an ever-evolving field.

B.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security (Prescott)

• Use intelligence analysis to anticipate cyber threats and learn what it takes to defend against them, through a blend of courses in computer science, engineering, intelligence gathering, security and management. 

B.S. in Global Security & Intelligence Studies (Prescott)

• Explore global security issues — including terrorism, warfare, physical and cyber security, criminal investigations, crisis response, risk assessment and emergency operations — and write intelligence briefs to give meaning to it all.

B.S. in Homeland Security (Worldwide)

• Earn a degree entirely online, covering a foundation in security principles and offering a unique blend of courses in global conflict studies, military science and counterterrorism.

B.S. in Homeland Security & Intelligence (Daytona Beach)

• Keep the nation and its people safe through security and intelligence practices that protect against foreign espionage, mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and prevent terrorism.

M.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security (Prescott)

• Continue on to build an advanced background in practices like cyber threat hunting, cyber intelligence analysis and the Internet of Things, as well as foundational network security and information assurance arenas.

Your Mission as an Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts turn complex information into actionable insights. Through knowledge of the political climate, environmental impacts, investigative work and international relations, you’ll provide the foundation for decisions that affect national security, safety and success.

Turn your passion for understanding the unknown into a career that makes an impact — explore Embry-Riddle's CBSI programs and take the first step toward your future today.