Business and Competitive Intelligence

Bachelor of Arts

We graduate in-demand research analysts skilled in data extraction, data analysis, and data interpretation, who are also adept at presenting findings to decision makers in business and industry. With a curriculum rooted in the functional areas of business and data analytics, Business and Competitive Intelligence graduates are prepared to discover future growth opportunities for organizations, identify competitive advantages, and predict industry trends and market demands.

As the worldwide demand for skilled analysts continues to grow—the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for market research analysts will grow by 13% by 2032—you’ll stand out with a degree from our internationally recognized intelligence program.

Learning Outcomes

Describe the theory and history of the intelligence discipline
Demonstrate critical thinking skills
Analyze collected data/information using a variety of analytic techniques and methodologies
Produce analytic products in written, oral, visual, and/or multimedia formats
Execute extensive open source research and collection management
Implement and manage intelligence processes and practices
Apply methodologies, theories, and research skills to develop an integrated cohesive strategy for an organization to achieve a common goal and/or resolve a market research problem

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Curriculum Requirements

Students must complete all REACH and program requirements and earn a minimum of 121 credits to qualify for commencement exercises. All intelligence courses (RIAP) must be taken for a grade and passed with a C or better.
Intelligence Methods and Analysis

Students work on a term-long project that incorporates data gathering, collection planning, organizational and link analysis, and structured analytic techniques.
Yellow Ribbon Program

Mercyhurst University is a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that allows veterans to attend graduate programs which cost more than the state tuition cap.

There are a variety of clubs in which our students and faculty are active members which creates opportunities for students and professors to nurture and enrich their passion for intelligence work and come together outside of the classroom setting.

Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) Club

Established in 1986, today the Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) organization has over 50 chapters around the world, with individual members in more than 50 nations. SCIP is a global nonprofit membership organization for everyone involved in creating and managing business knowledge. Their mission is to enhance the skills of knowledge professionals in order to help their members' companies achieve and maintain a competitive advantage. Specifically, SCIP provides education and networking opportunities for business professionals working in the rapidly growing field of competitive intelligence (the legal and ethical collection and analysis of information regarding the capabilities, vulnerabilities, and intentions of business competitors). Many SCIP members have backgrounds in market research, strategic analysis, or science and technology.

The Mercyhurst College SCIP chapter became the first SCIP student chapter in the world in 1997. Since then they've managed to provide numerous speakers to their members as well as send twenty-five students to annual conferences. Please visit SCIP's website for more information.

Law Enforcement Intelligence Club

The Law Enforcement Intelligence Club was the earliest student club to exist within the Intelligence Studies programs at Mercyhurst University. Building on its long tradition, the club regularly meets for special events, speakers, and seminars on the field.

Cyber Threat Research Analysis Club (CTRAC)

Cyber Threat Research Analysis Club (CTRAC) was founded in early 2012 by a small group of students which recognized the growing demand for analysts in cyber practices. With an objective of assisting students in getting internships and jobs, CTRAC provides its members with the knowledge, skills, and tools sought by employers in the public and private sector. Members participate in analysis projects for businesses and organizations, contributions to Cyberpedia, club led discussions, and guest speakers from around the country working in different practices of cyber.

Mercyhurst University National Security Club

The National Security Club (NSC) is an umbrella organization that brings together several national security related organizations/associations on the Mercyhurst campus. The NSC will promote the development of its members through organized events and functions that will educate and inform about national security issues.

Anti-Money Laundering Club

The purpose of Anti-Money Laundering Club shall be to raise awareness in the Mercyhurst community about money laundering and its social and economic impact, as well as to generate interest in the national and global efforts to combat this crime. The club aims to introduce students to potential career opportunities in the field of Anti-Money Laundering through the conduction of research, the competition of products, and the participation in various networking opportunities.

Below is a list of agencies and organizations that our alumni are employed at. With over 1,200 Intelligence Studies alumni around the world, this list isn't exhaustive, but provides a general idea of where a Mercyhurst degree can take you.