Intelligence Studies Consortium (ISC)

The Intelligence Studies Consortium (ISC) is open to all matriculated undergraduate and graduate students at Syracuse University, especially those who wish to pursue careers in the U.S. Intelligence Community. We also welcome individuals to become ISC Academic Excellence Scholars if they have an interest in national security and intelligence affairs, but are not seeking professional career opportunities in the intelligence field.

The goal of the program is to better prepare students for careers in the Intelligence Community and attract diverse candidates to careers in national intelligence and security. Students at consortium partner schools can join their institution’s affiliated programs and may also participate in activities at Syracuse University.

The requirements to become an ISC Academic Excellence Scholar are as follows:

• Complete at least six credits of academic coursework in one or more of these subject areas:
  • National Security, Intelligence analysis, and/or the Intelligence Community (highly recommended)
  • Languages
  • Cybersecurity and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Participation in at least two ISC related University sponsored events on campus each year on topics that are directly related to the intelligence community, national security and international affairs or more general subjects such as diversity and inclusion, leadership, ethics, and security clearances.
• U.S. citizenship
• Strongly recommended: Study abroad, intern with an IC agency or related organization, participate in an ISC program, or attend the annual ISC summer seminar.

Twice a year, the ISC program office will reach out to all ISC Academic Excellence Scholars asking for individuals to complete a survey that indicates they have completed the ISC Academic Excellence Scholar requirements. Those who successfully pass a review of their submission will receive an email acknowledgement of the review and an ISC Academic Excellence Scholar certificate in electronic and paper form.

At Syracuse University, we believe in the dignity and worth of all people. This belief commits us to ensure a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible campus environment for all. Each person here should be welcomed and appreciated. We value diverse identities. Cultural perspectives and worldviews matter to us. Difference should never mean devaluation, nor should it result in discrimination. We believe that diversity and inclusion enhance who we are as students, faculty, staff and alumni. A key dimension of Syracuse University’s excellence is our adherence to the core values of diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility. Syracuse University’s ISC draws from its own history of distinctive strengths.

Since its founding as a coeducational institution in 1870, Syracuse University has embraced broad notions of diversity and inclusion—in its student body (nearly half are from diverse backgrounds), faculty research and role-models, curriculum and leadership. The University’s first president, Jesse Truesdell Peck, announced at the University’s opening ceremony: “there shall be no invidious discrimination here against woman,” as “brains and heart shall have a fair chance.” Syracuse University maintains with pride a historical commitment to U.S. military service members as exemplars of national public service and is home to one of the largest student populations of military veterans in the Northeast, the nation’s longest continuous Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and the only national think tank in the area of veterans and military families, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), devoted to “serving those who have served.” Syracuse University is a national leader both in students with disabilities and national and international research on disabilities.

Syracuse University’s ISC program is an innovative academic resource for the educational value of diversity in our world today. We are enthusiastically committed to sharing and providing resources, courses and curricular content, programs, faculty expertise and mentorship on diversity and inclusion issues at the University and beyond. We see ourselves as part of a broader mosaic of academic diversity-serving programs at the University (beyond specific administrative offices, such as Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Services, LGBTQ Resource Center, Multicultural Affairs, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, etc.). We intend to offer in-depth diversity and inclusion learning opportunities for students, so that students may build substantive knowledge in this area, including in ways that advance their disciplinary degree programs.

The University’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity—in perspectives, demographics, experiences, background, languages, national service and abilities—provide a firm foundation to recruit and educate a dynamic public service-oriented student cohort with IC knowledge, technical expertise and special skills sets.

Any Syracuse University undergraduate or graduate student in any college, department or program can apply to the Syracuse University ISC.

To become an ISC Academic Excellence Scholar, students must hold U.S. citizenship, complete at least six credits of relevant academic coursework, and participate in two ISC-related events each year. For more details, please refer to the Second Step under “Become a ISC Academic Excellence Scholar.

When considering your six credits of relevant academic coursework, you can visit these related minors which show lists of acceptable classes:

• Global Security Studies Minor
• Forensic Science Minor
• AI Policy Minor

Please note: advisors must approve non-core classes to ensure flexibility for students.

• Intelligence analysis

• Intelligence collection

• Foreign languages

• Computer science

• Cybersecurity and other cyber fields

• Engineering and physical sciences

• Mathematical sciences

• Business, accounting and budget management

• Inspection, investigation and compliance

• Law and legal services

• Medical and occupational health

• Security and law enforcement

• Human resources

• Education and training

• General administrative support

• Communication and public affairs

• Infrastructure and logistics

Learn more about U.S. Intelligence Careers.

ISC Academic Excellence Scholars receive specialized education and experiences that increase their marketability for the U.S. Intelligence Community. Program members are also eligible to receive stipends to attend intelligence community-related workshops, colloquia, conferences and summer seminars and to engage collaboratively with other ISC affiliates from around the country.

ISC Academic Excellence Scholars also have opportunities for internships and co-op programs within the intelligence community. High-performing ISC Academic Excellence Scholars are eligible for induction into the voluntary ISC Distinguished Student Program, which provides access to select intelligence community programs, conferences and other exclusive opportunities.

Yes. Schools may invite recruiters to attend events on campus, or students may participate in conferences and seminars at which recruitment events are held.

ISC schools receive funding in support of curriculum development, faculty professional development, faculty research, student study abroad and colloquia. The funds also support student programs and student participation in intelligence-related conferences and seminars and provide for the delivery of on-site intelligence-related workshops, simulations and practical exercises.

ISC faculty are afforded opportunities to participate in ISC program conferences and professional development initiatives and to expand their academic research and professional network through interaction with ISC faculty from around the country.