Close
Close 
Search this website

Intelligence Fellowship

Florida International University was one of the first four universities in the nation designated as a United States Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence, a program funded by the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Through the ICCAE program, FIU established the ICCAE Intelligence Fellowship, which aims to increase the diversity of the U.S. Intelligence Workforce.

Led by the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, the ICCAE Intelligence Fellowship provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to prepare for a future in any of the 17 agencies of the U.S. Intelligence Community through coursework, research, and mentorship.

Joining the Intelligence Fellowship at FIU provides students with various advantages and benefits:

  • Fast track pathway to a career in the intelligence community
  • Certificates in National Security Studies or Cybersecurity Intelligence & Information Policy
  • National security and intelligence-related interdisciplinary courses
  • Intelligence community-related internships, scholarships, and access to ICCAE exclusive hiring events
  • Professional development workshops and training seminars
  • Career placement assistance
  • Mentorship from former and current intelligence professionals
  • Networking opportunities with IC recruiters and hiring managers 
  • Membership in a cohort of students committed to public service

Click here for our Intelligence Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions.

“This is my first appearance at a university [FIU]...The reason I’m here is that there is talent here. I’m interested in bringing that into the IC [Intelligence Community].”

—Honorable Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence

The Director of National Intelligence visited FIU in September 2021 as her first college visit.  Honorable Avril Haines spoke on the need for diversity in the Intelligence Community workforce. 

Read more about her visit here and in her 2021 highlights.

  • if---mentorship.png

    Grow Professionally

    Attend workshops on resume writing, interviewing, networking; meet hiring managers and agency representatives in Washington, DC.

  • if-research.png

    Conduct Research

    Build your portfolio by performing compelling research on a specific functional and geographic area. 

  • if---networking.png

    Build Relationships

    Receive guidance from mentors who have served or currently serve in the U.S. Intelligence community and private industry leaders in cybersecurity while building friendships and professional relationships with other Intelligence fellows.

  • Tracks

    This program is made up of two tracks: both similar in their mission with different academic sub-requirements and mentorship guidance.

    Intelligence Analysis Track

    Summer
    INR 3133: Intelligence & National Security
    ISS 3214: Fundamentals of Globalization

    Fall
    ISS 4364: Introduction to Structured Analytic Methods
    INR 3134: Writing for Intelligence & National Security

    Spring
    ISS 3222: Special Topics in Foreign Policy
    ISS 4930: Topics in Globalization: Ethics & Intelligence

    Cyber Threat Intelligence Track

    Summer
    INR 3133: Intelligence & National Security
    ISS 3553: Foundations of Global Cybersecurity Policy

    Fall
    IDC 3603: Introductions to Cyber Operations & Policy
    IDC 3604: Cyber Threat Intelligence I

    Spring
    INR 3134: Writing for Intelligence & National Security
    IDC 3605: Cyber Threat Intelligence II

  • Important Dates

    Priority Deadline

    Friday, February 18

    General Application

    Friday, April 29

  • Minimum Qualifications
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Must have 30 completed university undergraduate credits before the start of the program
    • Must be a U.S. Citizen
    • Must have a strong desire to work within the intelligence community
  • Application Requirements
    • Intelligence Fellowship Application Form
    • Resume
    • Cover Letter indicating why you should be considered for the Intelligence Fellowship program (500 words max).
      • Please specify your interest in national security studies, research, and/or interest in employment with the US Intelligence Community
    • 1 Letter of Recommendation from a teacher/faculty member or 3 references (2 academic and 1 professional)
    • Unofficial Transcripts
    • One Writing Sample (maximum 350 words)
      • Subject - A contemporary national security issue of your choice

    Program eligibility does not guarantee selection for the interview panel. Students selected for the interview panel will be based on an initial evaluation of a completed application.

    All applicants will be evaluated by JGI staff and mentors. Qualified candidates will be invited to a panel interview. If selected for the program, applicants will be notified via email with a formal acceptance letter.

    For questions and additional information please contact (305) 348-3474 or email Scarlett Chirino at schirino@fiu.edu.

  • Interview Preparation

    Students selected for an interview should prepare to answer questions based on the following topics:

    1. Knowledge of the Intelligence Community and their career field of interest.
    2. Understanding of contemporary national security issues.
    3. Ability to highlight their qualifications, skills, and experience.