This summer, the Advanced Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) and Ashland University have joined forces to offer a new program to students. Geared towards individuals interested in the intelligence field, this agreement provides students the opportunity of enrolling in ATIC’s residency program.

With its main complex in Dayton, OH, ATIC programs are held each semester. The center offers a 10 week summer term and a 15 week fall and spring term.

During this time span, individuals attend courses and gain extensive knowledge about the intelligence field. They also have the ability to network and develop connections with those in the industry and apply the skills gained in classes to real world situations. By studying at ATIC for one semester, students will earn 12 Ashland University credit hours towards their degree.

Since the program is not limited to one area of study, students with different majors can take advantage of the program.

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dawn Weber explained the diversity of options for interested individuals.

“Students from a wide variety of disciplines are needed in the intelligence community, such as foreign languages, sciences, math, computer science, philosophy, English, history, political science, accounting, psychology, and criminal justice,” Weber said. “Thus, students have a great deal of flexibility in their choice of undergraduate major and minor.”

Weber also discussed the future job possibilities and potential for growth in the field.

“Many analysts in our nation’s intelligence community are baby boomers. As a result, there is a great need for young people to become intelligence analysts to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and the nation,” Weber said.

Specifically, enrollment in ATIC will offer a competitive edge for students seeking to pursue a career in this area.

“Individuals with a baccalaureate degree and a certificate from the Advanced Technical Intelligence Center have an 85% placement rate in the intelligence community,” Weber said.

AU Senior Frank Whitaker has studied at ATIC and noted the advantages of the program.

“ATIC has benefitted me in a number of ways. I think the most important aspect is the networking that goes on here,” Whitaker said. “We meet and are instructed by people who currently work and are active in the Intelligence Community. Instructors come in from various agencies such as NASIC, the Air Force, NSA.”

In addition to these valuable connections and insight, another benefit entails the knowledge about the industry acquired through the program.

“This experience has really helped me to learn about the intelligence community: its history and about the agencies that make up the community itself. I have specifically learned how to write, think and brief like an intelligence analyst,” Whitaker said.

The classes are also beneficial in informing students who can later apply this insight in their future careers.

“We have completed activities and assignments to hone our skills in each of those categories,” Whitaker said. “We have also completed courses that have taught us about radar and its specific types, imagery analysis, how to construct maps, and the military order of battle for certain countries.”

Ultimately, the program helps familiarize students with the industry while still in college.

“I have enjoyed the atmosphere the most. This program gives me the real feel of what the intelligence community is truly like,” Whitaker said.