Open Source Intelligence
MS in Open Source Intelligence
Our Master of Science in Open Source Intelligence program is designed to equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the intelligence and security fields.
With our accelerated, self-paced learning model, you can complete your MS in OSINT in as little as one year, allowing you to quickly acquire the technical expertise and analytical skills needed to effectively gather, analyze, and utilize publicly available information for intelligence purposes.
For experienced professionals who don’t yet have a Bachelor’s degree, we offer a unique pathway to graduate studies.
Our MS in OSINT program is exclusively designed for adult learners, recognizing the valuable work and life experience you bring to the table.
This allows us to deliver an executive-level education that builds upon your existing knowledge and skills, providing you with the advanced techniques and practical experience needed to thrive in the field of open source intelligence.
Key information
eligibility
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Alternative entry modes may also be recognised.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency.
Requirements
Master of Science in OSINT – 36 semester credit hours (12-18 months)
Graduate Certificate in OSINT – 12 semester credit hours (4-6 months)
Professional Certificate – 3 semester credit hours (1 term part-time)
MBA students require a Grade Point Average of 3.0 (“B” average) to graduate.
A minimum of 33% of courses must be specialty courses (600 series) and 15% must be capstone courses (700 series).
Course structure
Core courses
Core courses must be completed as a requirement of the degree.
- Open Source Intelligence
- Open Data Mining
- Open Data Analysis
- Operational Security and Counterintelligence
Elective courses
Elective courses of up to 18 semester credit hours can be taken from any of the following disciplines.
- Business Administration
- Artifical Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Project Management
- Sports Management
Capstone courses
Capstone courses are six (6) semester credit hours each, double the typical course-load.
- Industry Project
- Executive Internship
- Conference Presentation
Prior learning assessment
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that enables you to earn college credit for the knowledge and skills you have gained outside of the traditional classroom setting.
This learning may come from work experience, professional training, military service, independent study, or other life experiences.
PLA recognizes and validates this learning, awarding college credit when it is equivalent to what would be taught in a college course, ultimately helping you save time and money by reducing the number of courses you need to take to earn your degree.
Up to 18 semester credit hours toward the MS in OSINT (50%) can be earned through Cedar Mountains University’s prior learning assessment.
Contact a student concierge to learn more.
What you’ll learn
Our MS in Open Source Intelligence program isn’t just another sequence of lectures, assignments, and exams.
It’s about taking your real-world observations, knowledge, and skills and refining them through focused mentorship with leading OSINT professionals who have a proven track record of success in the field.
You’ll begin by mastering the foundational concepts of open source intelligence, including open data mining, data analysis, and operational security.
You’ll then immerse yourself in specialized areas such as counterintelligence, social media analysis, dark web investigations, or geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), depending on your career goals.
Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with a team of mentors to develop the high-level skills essential for success in OSINT leadership roles.
The culmination of your MS in OSINT journey is a real-world capstone project.
You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a professional organization to tackle a challenging intelligence problem using open source techniques.
This hands-on experience allows you to apply your learning in a practical setting, demonstrating your ability to gather, analyze, and utilize open source information to generate actionable intelligence.
Our MS in OSINT program is designed to be transformative, not just in terms of the knowledge you gain, but also in the way you approach challenges and opportunities in your career.
You’ll graduate with a powerful combination of technical OSINT expertise, analytical thinking skills, and practical experience that sets you apart in the job market and positions you for success in the intelligence and security fields.
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, transition to a new OSINT-focused career, or contribute to the intelligence community, our MS in OSINT program provides the tools, insights, and network you need to achieve your ambitions.
How you’ll learn
At Cedar Mountains University, we believe in the power of the 70:20:10 rule of learning, which states that 70% of learning comes from hands-on experience, 20% from social interaction and feedback, and 10% from formal training.
10% – Each course in our Bachelor of Business program starts with a solid foundation of business theory in lectures and readings.
20% – Then, you’ll discuss the concepts and how they apply to real businesses in one-on-one sessions with your professor, similar to the famous Oxford and Cambridge tutorial system.
70% – Finally, you’ll put your knowledge to work on a real project, where you’ll research and prepare a report, give a presentation, and defend your ideas.
This powerful combination of theory, discussion, and real-world application ensures that you not only grasp the concepts but also develop the practical skills and confidence needed to excel in your future business career.
How we’ll help
At Cedar Mountains University, we’ve reimagined the assessment process.
Unlike traditional assessment methods, where students receive a one-time grade with limited feedback and no chance to improve, our approach is designed to enable continuous learning and improvement.
With no set course deadlines, you can submit draft assignments as soon as you’re ready to receive detailed feedback from your professors, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
You’ll then have the chance to revise and resubmit your work an unlimited number of times in the term, allowing you to learn from your mistakes, refine your understanding of the material, and ultimately produce higher-quality work.
This iterative process is invaluable for all students, regardless of their background or prior knowledge.
By providing ongoing feedback and the opportunity to revise, we create a supportive environment that promotes deep learning, skill mastery, and the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued by employers.
Our revolutionary approach to assessment ensures every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
Who will teach you
At Cedar Mountains University, our faculty bring a unique blend of academic expertise and real-world experience to the classroom.
Each professor holds advanced degrees in their field and has a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in the subjects they teach.
What sets our faculty apart is that many of them continue to work in high-level positions within their industries while teaching part-time.
This means you’ll be learning from professionals who are actively engaged in the business world, bringing fresh insights and practical knowledge to every lesson.
They’ll share real-life case studies, industry best practices, and personal experiences to enrich your learning and help you understand how the theories you learn in class apply to actual business situations.
With our faculty’s unique combination of academic credentials and professional accomplishments, you’ll receive a well-rounded education that prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of the modern business landscape.
How WE grade you
Traditional universities often rely on grading curves, which compare students’ performance against their peers.
At Cedar Mountains University, we take a different approach.
We focus on your individual growth and mastery of the subject matter, providing personalized support to help you achieve your full potential.
Our iterative learning model allows you to improve your work and raise your grade throughout the term.
If you start with a C, you’ll have multiple opportunities to revise and resubmit your assignments, gradually progressing to a B or even an A.
We expect our professors to be invested in your success, working closely with you to provide feedback and guidance.
If a class ends with most students receiving B’s and C’s, we see that as a sign that the professor hasn’t done enough to support each student’s learning journey.
At Cedar Mountains University, our goal is to help every student maximize their potential and achieve the highest level of mastery they’re capable of.
When you’ll study
At Cedar Mountains University, we offer 12-week terms, and you get access to all the course materials on the first day.
There are no set due dates for assignments, and you can submit your work and finish the course whenever you’re ready in that span.
We also prioritize your convenience by eliminating set class times, allowing you to learn whenever it suits you best and access support when you need it most.
With a new term starting every Monday, you can maximize your study time and progress through the material at a pace that works for you.
Where you’ll study
We understand that finding time to study can be challenging amidst the demands of a busy life.
That’s why we’ve designed our courses with your lifestyle in mind, prioritizing mobile-first learning and bite-sized content.
Our agile micro-learning approach allows you to fit learning into your day whenever you have a few spare moments.
Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee, taking a lunch break at work, or winding down before bed, you can easily access engaging and interactive course materials right from your smartphone.
By breaking down complex topics into manageable, bite-sized lessons, we make it easy for you to learn at your own pace and make the most of every study session.
Our mobile-first design ensures that you can enjoy a seamless learning experience no matter where you are or what device you’re using.
What you’ll gain
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, success in open source intelligence requires more than just technical knowledge.
Employers are seeking candidates who possess a diverse set of skills that go beyond traditional information gathering.
The modern OSINT field demands professionals who can think critically and creatively, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and adapt to change.
These 21st-century skills are essential for navigating the ever-growing challenges and opportunities in this critical domain.
At Cedar Mountains University, our MS in Open Source Intelligence program is designed to equip you with the employability outcomes that will set you apart in the job market.
Through our innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and focus on personal and professional development, you’ll graduate with a well-rounded skill set that includes:
Critical and creative thinking: You’ll learn to analyze complex open source data, evaluate different investigative approaches, and generate innovative solutions to gather actionable intelligence.
Problem-solving: You’ll develop the ability to break down complex intelligence problems, identify key information gaps, and develop effective strategies for utilizing open source information to address them.
Communication and collaboration: You’ll learn to articulate technical OSINT findings clearly, listen actively, and work effectively in diverse teams to support intelligence gathering and analysis.
OSINT ethics and responsibility: You’ll explore the ethical implications of open source intelligence practices, learn to identify potential biases in information sources, and develop responsible solutions that prioritize privacy and legality.
Adaptability and resilience: You’ll learn to embrace change, persevere through challenges in online investigations and data analysis, and continuously learn and grow throughout your career in this dynamic field.
By focusing on these 21st-century skills and employability outcomes, our MS in Open Source Intelligence program prepares you not just for your first job, but for a lifetime of success in the ever-evolving world of intelligence.
You’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take on any challenge and thrive in your chosen career, as employers seek candidates who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table.
How much it costs
Cost per credit
- US$750
Cost per course (3 semester credit hours)
- US$2,250
Typical cost per degree
- Master of Science in OSINT – $27,000
- Graduate Certificate in OSINT – $9,000
- Professional Certificate – $2,250
Interest free payment plans are available as an alternative to student loans.
Contact us for more information.
Have a question?
We’re here to help. We can answer your questions, help you understand your options and support you throughout the application process.
