As the IC’s Bridge to the Future, NIC offers accredited graduate and undergraduate studies to U.S. Government and military personnel in a variety of formats.
Admissions applications are tied to specific academic programs. Review NIC’s degree and certificate offerings before beginning your application so you can identify the program that best aligns with your mission, career goals, and eligibility.
All prospective National Intelligence College students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
A useful reference outlining the rules and regulations that govern the College.
NIC does not charge tuition. Textbooks are provided by the College at the start of each quarter. You will be required to return the books at the end of each quarter.
Prospective and current students must hold an active TS/SCI clearance and be indoctrinated with their agency. An interim clearance is not permitted.
Your clearance must be held by the Federal Government or the U.S. Armed Forces. Please obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI and be indoctrinated to the current accesses before applying to NIC.
You may contact the NIC Security Office at NIU_Security@odni.gov with questions about the College’s security requirements. NIC is not permitted to hold TS/SCI for students. Students must be briefed by their agency.
If you attend NIC as an in-residence or non-residence student and earn a graduate or undergraduate degree, you are eligible to receive IC civilian joint duty credit through your home agency.
No. The College offers blended learning through secure video telephone conference (VTC) capabilities at select locations.
Graduate students may transfer a maximum of six quarter hours into the MSSI or MSTI program toward the elective requirement.
Courses must have been taken within five years prior to enrolling in NIC and must have an earned grade of B or higher. Approval of transfer hours resides with the Dean of the appropriate program.
Yes. Foreign transcripts must be submitted with an official transcript evaluation from an approved foreign credential evaluation service.
The degree programs are offered in one- and two-year formats.
No. Prospective students with a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related background are highly desired; however, possession of a degree from a STEM field of study is not required.
Yes. Please see the AY 2025–2026 Academic Catalog for more information.
Please consult the nominating authority or training office for your service or agency.
Nominations are not required for individuals applying for part-time study.
Please consult your service to find out if this is possible.
Yes, but you will need to obtain a nomination from your assignment manager to attend the in-residence degree program.
Up to two certificate courses can be applied to the MSSI program as electives. Only one certificate course may apply for students pursuing the MSTI program.
Times can vary depending upon the quarter of enrollment. Most certificate courses take place in the evening between 6:00 p.m. and 10:40 p.m.