Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis: Program Overview

Program Overview

Increase the Effectiveness of Law Enforcement with Data.

Leverage the latest practices in intelligence to promote safety and security across all levels of government with the Michigan State University (MSU) Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis.

Leverage the latest practices in intelligence to promote safety and security across all levels of government with the Michigan State University (MSU) Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis.

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          Get Cold Case Experience

          Students taking the CJ 894 Practicum Internship course will work directly with detectives in the Michigan State Police First District Cold Case Unit to assist in their investigation of cold case homicides. This involves working in the cold case library and networking with criminal justice professionals.
          Students will also hear from expert guest speakers and receive training in case analysis, investigation, cultural and societal crime factors and more. Work in this cold case unit is designed to support the survivors affected by various crimes, and students will learn to approach cases through a compassionate lens. Upon completion, students will be familiar with law enforcement reports, case files, and the investigative process. 

          Cold Case Unit Experience

          Employ Intelligence to Advance Justice

          This program uniquely positions graduates as subject-matter specialists in the practical aspects of law enforcement intelligence, rather than national security intelligence. This distinction gives you the tactical skills to drive law enforcement operations using intelligence data on the local, state or national levels.

          Immerse yourself in a curriculum informed by the Department of Justice, and learn from world-renowned faculty who played an instrumental role in the origin and development of the field. Furthermore, you can take advantage of MSU’s wide criminal justice network to connect with internships, job opportunities, and more.

          In as little as two years, graduate with the knowledge and skills to better protect your communities and accelerate your career.

          Career Outlook

          Graduate with the skills to help law enforcement agencies effectively utilize data to fight crime as an intelligence analyst. Employment opportunities for intelligence analysts are expected to grow between 2 and 4 percent by 2032, resulting in more than 8,000 new jobs.1

          A master's degree in law enforcement can open doors to a wide range of opportunities. You’ll also be prepared to pursue positions like crime analyst, corrections intelligence analyst, police supervisor, special agent and more.

          DISCOVER CAREER OPTIONS

          Curriculum Informed by the Department of Justice (DOJ)

          At MSU, you won’t just explore theoretical concepts of law enforcement. You’ll complete coursework informed by the DOJ that results in the acquisition of practical skills, that give you a competitive edge in the field.

          Through this 30-credit, 10-course program in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis, you’ll learn to conduct ethical field research, utilize intelligence software and leverage the intelligence cycle to make a visible impact.

          EXPLORE COURSES

          Curriculum Informed by the Department of Justice (DOJ)

          At MSU, you won’t just explore theoretical concepts of law enforcement. You’ll complete coursework informed by the DOJ that results in the acquisition of practical skills, that give you a competitive edge in the field.

          Through this 30-credit, 10-course program in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis, you’ll learn to conduct ethical field research, utilize intelligence software and leverage the intelligence cycle to make a visible impact.

          EXPLORE COURSES

          Admissions Requirements

          The MSU School of Criminal Justice reviews applications multiple times a year. Your application must include:

          • Completed application form
          • 3.0 minimum GPA
          • Bachelor’s degree in any field (or international equivalent)
          • No work experience required
          • Personal statement
          • Three letters of recommendation
          • All official transcripts

          Apply now to further your understanding of law enforcement intelligence and learn directly from an esteemed faculty of experts.

          To see key dates and admissions deadlines visit our admissions page.

          APPLY NOW

          Tuition and Financial Aid

          This 30-credit program costs $832 per credit hour (excludes course materials and other university-imposed taxes and fees). Learn more about your many options for financial aid and support.

          LEARN MORE

          Faculty: Learn from the Authority on Law Enforcement Intelligence

          Work with Experts Who Wrote the Foundational Text on Law Enforcement Intelligence.

          The program is home to criminal justice professionals including Dr. David Carter, a nationally and internationally recognized expert known for his seminal work in the field and author of countless books and articles that are central to the continued instruction and development of law enforcement intelligence.

          You will also learn from faculty who have served as antiterrorism and physical security experts, led terrorism response investigations and facilitated SWAT operations.

          MEET YOUR FACULTY

          Why Choose MSU School of
          Criminal Justice Online?

          Flexibility, Community and Support

          As an online student with MSU, you can build strong connections with your instructors and fellow students. Benefit from high-quality curriculum and faculty support while maintaining your personal and professional commitments.

          ONLINE EXPERIENCE

          Ease and Affordability

          At MSU, we strive to make our online degrees accessible and affordable. We can connect you with many forms of financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and military benefits.

          FINANCIAL AID

          Frequently Asked Questions

          Questions may arise as you consider pursuing an online education. See our list of frequently asked questions about this degree, or call 1-833-725-1354 toll-free to speak with an MSU program manager directly.

          MORE FAQs

          The shortest time to completion is two years. The typical student completes the MS LEIA in just under two and a half years.

          According to O*NET Online, Intelligence Analysts earn a median salary of $86,280 and can expect 2–4 percent growth in job opportunities through 2032. To learn more about what you can do with an MS in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis.

          Our MS in LEIA curriculum is informed by the Department of Justice and taught by world-renowned faculty like Dr. David Carter. Dr. Carter helped to build this discipline of criminal justice and wrote the foundational text on the subject.

          Combined with our more than 80-year history of educating criminal justice professionals, MSU’s network of alumni, faculty and within criminal justice agency partnerships gives graduates a competitive edge when seeking new opportunities.

          Though a criminal justice degree is preferred, you can join the MS LEIA program after having completed a bachelor’s degree in any field. While we welcome those already employed in the field, you do not have to have prior field experience to be accepted.

          This 30-credit program costs $832 per credit, for an estimated total of $24,960. Cost is subject to change without notice. To learn about additional costs to consider, visit the tuition and financial aid page.

          Most students who maintain full-time employment take two classes per semester.

           

          SOURCES:

          1. O*NET Online. "33-3021.06 - Intelligence Analysts." Retrieved Jan. 25, 2024 from https://www.onetonline.org/.