TAKE YOUR PLACE ON THE FRONT LINES OF NATIONAL SECURITY
Bachelor of Applied Science in Intelligence & Information Operations (IIO)
Take your place on the front lines of national security with the top-ranked Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Intelligence & Information Operations from the University of Arizona's College of Engineering. This career-focused program is offered at the main campus and online through the Department of Intelligence Operations.
Program Highlights
This program integrates expert-led coursework with immersive, scenario-based learning to prepare graduates for careers supporting national security, public safety and strategic decision-making across:
- Federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies
- Department of Defense and military organizations
- State and local government agencies
- Defense and aerospace contractors
- Critical infrastructure and national security partners
- Private-sector intelligence, risk and security teams
Specialized Academic Tracks
Students choose one of four emphasis areas. Each track integrates offensive and defensive content delivered via a highly advanced virtual learning environment.
OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
A defense focused intelligence collection, synchronization and analysis program that prepares graduates for immediate employment within the intelligence community.
INFORMATION WARFARE
An offensive and defensive information operations focus that equips graduates to detect threats, safeguard systems and design advanced information campaigns.
LAW ENFORCEMENT INTELLIGENCE
A track that emphasizes intelligence‑driven policing, forensic analysis and effective information sharing.
SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE & ELECTRONIC WARFARE
Delivering both foundational and advanced training that enable soldiers and civilians to build expertise and earn professional credentials.
The IIO BAS program also offers online certificates in Information Warfare and Signals Intelligence and Electronic Warfare for degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.
Skills and Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to cultivate the operational, analytical and technical skills needed for critical jobs in intelligence, covering areas such as:
- Collection operations
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) synchronization
- Analytical thinking
- Information Operations (IO) and Psychological Operations (PSYOP)
Scenario-Based Training
Students gain hands-on experience applying intelligence concepts in CyberApolis, a secure virtual learning environment designed to simulate today's complex operational landscape. Through realistic, scenario-based exercises, students:
- Analyze information and evaluate sources
- Identify patterns and connections
- Make informed, time-sensitive decisions
- Navigate challenges modeled on real-world operations
This immersive approach bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, building the technical and analytical skills needed for careers across the intelligence community.
Experiential Learning
The IIO BAS incorporates extensive educational, cultural, and experiential learning beyond the classroom, including:
- Working with intelligence, law enforcement, and business leaders
- Participating in exclusive internships
- Collaborating on capstone projects and conducting research
Career Outlook
Graduates are prepared for a variety of in-demand positions with the U.S. military, national security agencies, and companies like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, General Dynamics, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Cisco and Deloitte.
In-Demand Positions:
- Intelligence analyst
- Intelligence operations specialist
- Threat intelligence analyst
- Risk intelligence analyst
- Criminal intelligence analyst
- Corporate intelligence analyst
Job Growth & Salary
Jobs in intelligence and information security are projected to grow 30% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average salary for intelligence operations specialists is $104,000 and information security analysts $125,000.
Join the front lines of intelligence and information operations
Contact gsiqueiros4@arizona.edu or pscanlo2@arizona.edu to LEARN MORE about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Intelligence & Information Operations from the University of Arizona's College of Engineering.