Article by Victoria Piccoli, ODNI Strategic Communications

NIU is accepting applications for the full-time (one year), part-time (two year), and certificate (one year) programs that begin in the fall of 2023.

NIU has multiple programs available to students like the Certificate of Intelligence Studies for regional or topical focuses, Bachelor of Science in Intelligence completion program for applicants with 80 or more undergraduate semester hours already earned, a Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence, and Master of Science and Technology Intelligence.

“I am excited to be here, there is a lot of talent and experience with the students here, and the faculty has a diverse background and experiences,” said Edin Olano-Pimienta, a U.S. Space Force student in NIU’s Master of Science and Technology Intelligence program. “(NIU) is a break from the operational world, and often times in the field you don’t get to think, but you are able to focus on a specific problem here and think deeply about it.”

Recently, the National Intelligence University kicked off the 2022-2023 academic year and officially welcomed new students to the university during a convocation ceremony, Sept. 1.

“NIU has gone through many changes over the past five years, we are stronger and more resilient due to those,” said Dr. Scott Cameron, NIU president. “Those changes reflect the strong institutional partnership NIU has had with the student body.”

He added that he looks forward to seeing the students grow and encouraged them to publish their work, expand their knowledge, and grow their network.

NIU is the Intelligence Community’s leading institution for intelligence and national security education, in-depth research, and interagency engagement that offers classified courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“I am really excited for the ability to do classified research at NIU, this makes it really different than any other university,” said Nancy Berkowitz, a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency student in NIU’s Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence program.

During the convocation, new students were welcomed and the institution honored the legacy of Dr. Anthony "Tony" G. Oettinger, whose leadership and vision shaped the future of intelligence education during his 25-year tenure on the University’s Board of Visitors from 1986-2010. Finally, the leadership of NIU’s chapter of the national honor society Phi Kappa Phi presented their charter to the NIU president.

“Congratulations to the NIU community for your work over the past few years, and welcome to the newest class,” said Cameron. “We can’t wait to see where you take us this next academic year.”

If you are interested in applying to NIU or exploring the academic opportunities, visit: https://ni-u.edu/wp/apply-now-for-academic-programs-that-begin-in-fall-2023/