NEWS

National Intelligence University Recognizes First Class of Science and Technology Degrees

August 3, 2012

Integration was the theme as the National Intelligence University (NIU) awarded degrees to its largest graduating class on record at its 2012 commencement ceremony, held July 27 at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College, Fairfax, Va. The university awarded 297 master's degrees and 21 bachelor's degrees at the ceremony.

"Today is a milestone event as we celebrate with you the first graduating class of the National Intelligence University," said Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as he welcomed the school's graduates, their families and guests at the first graduation since the school's renaming to NIU on Aug. 27, 2011. "Our vision that NIU becomes the center of academic life for the intelligence community will help shape graduates who address the range of mission challenges as a fully integrated community, and encourage life-long learning as they continue to serve this nation."

To illustrate the increasing importance of the role of science and technology in intelligence, NIU recognized the first class of graduates with a new master's degree in science and technology intelligence (MSTI). The MSTI degree is a one- to two-year program that continues to hone the expertise of mid-career professionals in science, technology and intelligence. The program aids professionals in recognizing important technological advancements and their impact to national and global events.

"Intelligence professionals must be able to address any threat and avoid surprises," said NIU President David Ellison, Ph.D. "With our adversaries' increased emphasis on technology, it is imperative that institutions like ours better equip experts to deal with these ever-evolving challenges. There is no equivalent degree today in the private or state education sectors for science and technology intelligence officers to advance their professional knowledge. This new degree will help the nation remain at the forefront of science and technology."

Through dynamic teaching and learning, original research and worldwide engagement, NIU offers relevant, accessible and career-long intelligence that provides members of the intelligence and national security communities with knowledge, analytical skills and a strategic awareness of the critical role intelligence plays in the security of the nation.

Serving as commencement speaker was Rep. Michael J. Rogers, U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 8th District and chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, who emphasized national service and leadership in his remarks.

"Each of you demonstrates a commitment to something greater than all of us," said Rogers. "When you look at the challenges of this nation, it is the critical intelligence you provide each day that maintains the integrity of the decision-making process. As future leaders of the intelligence community, I am encouraged by your dedication. Thank you for your continued service."

The university has awarded more than 4,000 graduate degrees since its inception in 1962. For additional information about the school, please visit www.ni-u.edu.

DIA is the nation’s premier all-source military intelligence organization.

It provides the nation’s most authoritative assessments of foreign military intentions and capabilities. The agency’s four core competencies -- human intelligence, all-source analysis, counterintelligence and technical intelligence -- enable military operations while also informing policy-makers at the defense and national levels.

DIA’s mission is unique and no other agency matches its military expertise across such a broad range of intelligence disciplines.