In crises, intelligence typically "goes to ground" in the field, withdrawing front-line officers and agents, and transferring much effort to home offices.  In a similar way, the Intelligence Studies Program of the Politics Department has adapted to the COVID-19 threat by quickly moving its courses and student communications online.  

Prof. Nicholas Dujmovic, a former CIA officer who directs the intelligence program, currently teaches two courses online, Introduction to American Intelligence and Issues in Contemporary U.S. Intelligence, to a total of 45 students.  Dujmovic provided the assigned readings electronically, since many students were stranded at home without textbooks, records video lectures that students can access when most convenient for them, and interacts with students on their written assignments.  "Intelligence values face-to-face relationships," Dujmovic says, "but in this emergency I think students are getting substantially the same education about intelligence that they would in the classroom.  Intelligence also values self-reliance and technology." Dujmovic believes that the challenges of COVID-19 test of how adaptable our students are and their ability to work independently in unknown circumstances. 

A former senior NSA official, Dr. William Nolte, confirmed the quality of our students as he adapted his ongoing course on cyber intelligence by switching to Google Meet and discussion boards.  "I'm very impressed by how my students have handled this," he says, "they have been great."   

Currently there are 74 students enrolled in the undergraduate certificate in intelligence studies.  The coronavirus, Dujmovic reports, is not affecting the dedication of the students. Their commitment to maintaining the high standards of the program is commendable, including for the 16 seniors expected to complete the certificate next month.

Dr. Dujmovic and the other professors of intelligence courses are looking forward to "coming in from the cold" after this crisis passes with students who have truly demonstrated that they are self-reliant and technologically inclined--among the advanced skills needed to work in the intelligence field.