Intelligence and Information Operations: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Intelligence and Information Operations is a specialized academic field focused on the strategic collection, analysis, and application of intelligence data within complex operational environments. This program equips students with advanced capabilities in managing information flows, supporting decision-making, and executing coordinated operations across military, government, and security domains.
- Intelligence Analysis: The systematic evaluation of raw data to produce actionable insights, enabling informed strategic and tactical decisions in dynamic, high-stakes environments.
- Command and Control (C2): The framework for directing, coordinating, and overseeing operations, ensuring effective communication and mission execution across multi-agency or multi-domain settings.
- Information Operations (IO): The integrated use of capabilities to influence adversary decision-making, shape operational environments, and protect friendly information systems.
- Operational Security (OPSEC): The process of identifying and protecting critical information to deny adversaries insight into planning and execution of operations.
- Cyber Intelligence: The acquisition and analysis of digital data to support threat assessment, vulnerability identification, and proactive defense strategies in networked environments.
- Strategic Decision Support: The development of analytical models and frameworks to guide leadership in complex, uncertain, or rapidly evolving scenarios.
Intelligence and Information Operations Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Intelligence and Information Operations Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Intelligence and Information Operations degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Intelligence and Information Operations by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Intelligence and Information Operations programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Intelligence and Information Operations is found at University of Arizona (65 graduates), and Wayland Baptist University (WBU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 66 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
65 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Wayland Baptist University (WBU) |
Associate's
|
1 | Plainview, Texas | Private | wbu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Intelligence and Information Operations programs
Which universities have the largest Intelligence and Information Operations programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Intelligence and Information Operations degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Arizona (65 graduates), Wayland Baptist University (WBU) (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Intelligence and Information Operations growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4 in 2010 to 66 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,550% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
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