Become a Future Leader in the Intelligence Community

Join UNM’s Intelligence Community Scholars Program—a dynamic, interdisciplinary pathway to careers in intelligence, national security, and global problem-solving.

Learn to Address Complex Global Challenges with a Multidisciplinary Approach

The world’s most pressing security issues—ranging from cyber threats to environmental sustainability—require innovative thinkers with diverse skills.

Technical Expertise

Combine technical expertise with analytical and critical thinking skills

Intelligence Analysis

Learn how together and analyze intel like a professional

All Majors Welcome

UNM students with any major can apply

Benefits of Becoming an Intelligence Community Scholar

Study Abroad

Expenses paid study abroad for cultural immersion and security challenges

Travel to Washington, DC

Expenses paid travel to DC to engage with national security agencies like the CIA, DIA, and NGA

Paid Research Opportunities

Earn $2000 to research in your field of STEM, national security studies, and area studies

Your Path to a High-Impact Career Starts Here

IC Scholars gain the skills and experience to thrive in diverse, impactful careers in many intelligence and national security agencies, including

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

An independent agency specializing in human intelligence (HUMINT)

Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)

A DoD agency specializing in measurements and signatures intelligence (MASINT) for info on foreign militaries

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

An intelligence and law enforcement agency responsible for understanding and mitigating threats to US national security

National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)

A DoD agency that specializes in imagery intelligence (IMINT)

Military Intelligence

Each US Armed Forces service (i.e., US Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Space Force) has their own intelligence branch to support planners and warfighters

The IC Scholars program is supported by funding from the Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE), an initiative that prepares students for impactful careers in national security and intelligence. This partnership gives UNM students access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and a curriculum designed to meet the evolving demands of the intelligence community.