Business and Competitive Intelligence
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
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.
National and International Government Agencies and Organizations
Central Intelligence Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bureau of Customs & Border Protection
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
Central FL High Intensity Drug Trafficking
Defense Intelligence Agency
Department of Defense
Department of Homeland Security
FINCEN
Holland Criminal Investigation
INTERPOL
Jamestown, NY Police Department
National Air & Space Intelligence Center
National Crime Intelligence Service, Sweden
National Drug Intelligence Center
National Security Agency
Office of Naval intelligence
US Army, Military Intelligence
U.S. Secret Service
Washington Baltimore HIDTA
Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department
Corporations and Organizations
Accenture
American Background Information Service
Meritor, Inc
BAE Systems
Bank of America
Booz Allen Hamilton
Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Chautauqua Foundation
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Discovery Resources, Inc
Eastman Kodak Co
Exxon Mobil
Key Bank
International Property Services
Investment Data Corporation
JP Morgan Chase
Low & Associates
McManis & Monsalve Associates
Murphy Magonahe
Northrup Grumman
Philip-Morris
Proactive Worldwide
Procter & Gamble
SRA International, Inc.
Target Corporation
TradeBytes Data Corp
Wells Fargo
VISA International
Professional Associations
Below are some of the professional associations that our alumni, students, and faculty belong to:
Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals
International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts
Association of Former Intelligence Officers
International Association for Intelligence Education
International Association of Crime Analysts
Naval Intelligence Professionals
Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI
Law Enforcement Intelligence Unit
International Association of Counterterrorism and Security Professionals
National Military Intelligence Association
My Mercyhurst Minute
Meet Business and Competitive Intelligence major Jordan!
Peter Correa, M.S.
Assistant Professor
CAE 308
Meet the Faculty
Intelligence Studies
Maria Garase
Interim Dean, The School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics; Dean, The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences; Associate Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice
