Business and Competitive Intelligence

Bachelor of Arts

Support our economic prosperity and businesses’ interests using advanced analytic techniques and artificial intelligence.

Our national security and economic landscapes are changing at a rapid pace. New technology and intensifying geopolitical competition require education that anticipates and recognizes these changes and prepares graduates to succeed in a dynamic future.

We graduate in-demand research analysts skilled in data extraction, analysis, and interpretation, as well as in presenting findings to decision-makers in businesses and industries. With a curriculum rooted in the functional areas of business and data analytics, Business and Competitive Intelligence graduates are prepared to identify competitive advantages, discover future growth opportunities for organizations, and predict industry trends and market demands. Graduates will gain experience preparing assessments based on the collection, correlation, and analysis of intelligence data for employers in both government and private sectors.

We graduate in-demand, entry-level analysts skilled in using advanced analytic tools to support the continually evolving intelligence profession. Graduates will gain experience preparing assessments based on the collection, correlation, and analysis of intelligence data for employers in both government and private sectors.

This unique and academically challenging multidisciplinary program combines a liberal arts core with a foreign language or computer requirement, as well as national and international studies, internship opportunities, and intelligence courses. These elements prepare graduates to meet the growing demands of national and global security, while proactively addressing emerging concerns in cybersecurity, economic security, health security, environmental security, and related domains.

The Ridge Department of Intelligence Studies trains students to analyze publicly available, or “open-source,” data, and apply those skills in classified environments. Worldwide demand for skilled analysts will continue to grow—the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for market research analysts will grow by 7% from 2024 to 2034—you will stand out with a degree from our internationally recognized Intelligence program. Our newly launched Intelligence Studies Advisory Board (ISAB) connects the university’s academic community to the evolving intelligence profession.

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 passed with a C or better. An overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to graduate.
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.
Types of Jobs

Graduates of the program have accepted employment in a wide range of positions, including intelligence analysts, intelligence officers, criminal investigators, special agents, market research analysts, business intelligence analysts, business systems analysts, and social media analysts.
Veteran Resources

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

Learn More

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 is not 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

Rooted in Mercyhurst University’s mission to educate and inspire individuals through faith, reason, and values-based leadership, the Intelligence Studies Advisory Board (ISAB) connects the university’s academic community to the evolving intelligence profession. The ISAB strengthens Mercyhurst’s leadership in applied intelligence by championing ethical practice, innovative problem-solving, and cutting-edge analysis across intelligence, cybersecurity, and global security fields.

Learn More About the ISAB

Join the ISAB

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.

Competitive Intelligence Club

Mercyhurst Competitive Intelligence Club provides education and networking opportunities for students and business professionals working in the rapidly growing field of competitive intelligence. Our mission is to enhance the skills and knowledge of students and professionals so that they may help their companies achieve and maintain a competitive advantage.

Law Enforcement Intelligence Club (LEIC)

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.

Military & Operational Intelligence Club (MOIC)

The purpose of the Military & Operational Intelligence Club (MOIC) is to introduce students to the intelligence that is required for planning and conducting military campaigns and major operations to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or operational areas.

National Security Club (NSC)

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.

Women in National Security Club (WINS)

The Women in Intelligence and National Security Club is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for individuals of all backgrounds who are passionate about intelligence, national security, and related fields. While we center the experiences and advancement of women in these industries, we welcome and encourage the participation of all allies who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and professional growth.

Our mission is to empower individuals—regardless of gender—to promote the inclusion, leadership, and success of women in intelligence and national security. Through mentorship, networking, professional development, and advocacy, we strive to create a more diverse and equitable field where all voices are valued, and the next generation of security professionals can thrive.

The club plans to host a variety of different events. One of the biggest events will be the speaker series. The speakers will consist of female professionals within the intelligence, cybersecurity, national security, and related career fields. We also want to host service projects within Erie. These service projects will either be hands-on or donation-oriented for a specific organization within Erie. We also want to host professional workshops in which we discuss professional skills (resume building, interview skills, etc).