University of South Florida

Master in Intelligence Studies

Tampa, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, founded in 1956, is a large, urban public research university with a dynamic and diverse student body of nearly 50,000. USF’s location in a vibrant metropolitan area blends academic life with internship and employment possibilities across finance, healthcare, technology, and the creative industries. The campus is known for its research intensity and community partnerships that connect students to real-world challenges.

USF provides an extensive range of academic programs—about 460 offerings—across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, enabling students to pursue interdisciplinary pathways and specialized study. The international community of nearly 4,700 students benefits from comprehensive services including dedicated international advising, language support, orientation, and cultural programming. Strong co-op and internship networks help translate academic learning into career outcomes.

Prospective international students will find a supportive environment with scholarship options, career development centers, and resources for housing and health services. Tampa’s diverse economy offers numerous experiential learning and employment opportunities, while USF’s emphasis on research and innovation supports students aiming for graduate study or industry roles. USF is well suited for students who want a metropolitan university experience with extensive academic and professional resources.

About the Program

The Master in Intelligence Studies at the University of South Florida is for students who want to learn about intelligence and security. This 2-year master's degree helps students develop skills in critical thinking and analysis. The program is taught in English and students need a bachelor's degree to apply.

The curriculum includes subjects like intelligence operations, security studies, and research methods. Students will learn how to collect and analyze data, and use this information to make informed decisions. The program also includes hands-on components, such as case studies and group projects, to help students develop practical skills.

Graduates of this program can work as Intelligence Analysts, Security Consultants, Policy Analysts, Counterterrorism Specialists, or Cyber Intelligence Analysts. They can find jobs in government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. The skills they develop in this program, such as critical thinking and data analysis, are valuable in many different industries.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is 25% above the typical master's in the United States.

Median tuition for that cohort is 28,087 USD, across 10,215 programs in our catalog.

Compare United States master's programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
Duolingo
85–95
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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