Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis, Master of Science

Program Overview

Immerse yourself in a curriculum informed by the Department of Justice with Michigan State University's online Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis (LEIA) program.

Throughout the 10-course program, you will work alongside subject matter experts learning to conduct ethical field research, use cutting-edge surveillance software, and leverage the intelligence cycle and critical data to make a visible impact in criminal justice.

The LEIA program was founded by Dr. David L. Carter, an internationally recognized author, expert and pioneer in the field of law enforcement intelligence. Faculty are comprised of working professionals in such areas as policing, counterterrorism, intelligence and other related fields.

Program Outcomes

By the time you graduate from the LEIA program, you will be prepared to:

Understand how to maximize the unique relationship between law enforcement and the intelligence community
Use contemporary information-sharing practices and the intelligence cycle
Conduct research in the field legally and ethically
Collect, query and manage data using applicable computer software
Report on results of intelligence analysis to stakeholders and other audiences

Career Outlook

In a minimum of two years, you will gain up-to-date analytical skills that are readily applicable to service in the public or private sector. As you prepare to graduate, you'll be able to explore field placement opportunities and partnerships with such organizations as the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center, the MSU Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security and more. You will also benefit from Michigan State University's wide-ranging alumni network.

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
#8 in Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#7 in Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
#9 in Graduate Criminal Justice Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition	Out-of-State Tuition	Additional Fees
$919	$919	$20 Software fee per semester

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

Course Information

Core Courses

CJ 802 Proseminar in Law Enforcement Intelligence Operations (3 Credits)
CJ 811 Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research (3 Credits)
CJ 837 Intelligence Process and Counterterrorism (3 Credits)
CJ 870 Introduction to Crime Analysis (3 Credits)
CJ 897 Comprehensive Threat Assessment (3 Credits)

Electives

CJ 801 Crime Causation Prevention and Control (3 Credits)
CJ 803 Foundations in Homeland Security (3 Credits)
CJ 810 Proseminar in Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
CJ 822 Comparative Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
CJ 823 Globalization of Crime (3 Credits)
CJ 838 Issues in Terrorism (3 Credits)
CJ 839 Analytic Thinking and Intelligence (3 Credits)
CJ 871 Advanced Crime Analysis (3 Credits)
CJ 872 Open Source Information Analysis (3 Credits)
GEO 802 Geospatial Technology (3 Credits)

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

A bachelor's degree
3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
A written personal statement
Previous work experience
Taken the IELTS/TOEFL (Only required if English is not your native language)
Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

Visit your program’s webpage to explore its application requirements: Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis. Then, collect your documents and information.
Start your online application by choosing the program you’re interested in.
1. Remember to save your progress as you complete the form.
Pay a non-refundable $75 application fee, which is necessary for all online graduate criminal justice programs with MSU.
Order and submit official transcripts from each school you have attended
International applicants should submit transcripts from any non-U.S. colleges or universities. Please submit copies of diplomas and degrees via standard mail (not electronic mail) directly to:
Graduate Secretary of the School of Criminal Justice
557 Baker Hall
655 Auditorium Road
East Lansing, Michigan 48824

Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis

Master of Science

Online

Course Delivery

30

Total Credits

$919

Credit Hour

2 Years

Minimum Duration

Allison Rojek

Director of Online Programs

Program Overview

Program Outcomes

Career Outlook

A Top-Ranked Education

Key Dates

Fall

Application Deadline

Spring

Application Deadline

Summer

Application Deadline

Tuition & Fees per credit

Cost of Attendance

The MSU Value Promise

Next Steps

Course Information

Core Courses

Electives

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

To apply to this program: