The Criminal Justice program at NECC plans to introduce a Certificate in Intelligence Studies as a pilot project during the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative aims to evaluate the demand and requirements for the National Security Intelligence Certificate.
Help Harden National Security
NECC is launching a pilot project in partnership with The Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) Program to train students interested in careers in intelligence for government or private sector jobs. IC Scholars are students who have demonstrated academic, professional, and/or research strengths.
Serve Your Country with the Intelligence Community
What You’ll Get from Our IC Scholar Program
Specialized Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Education
IC Scholars are required to complete two virtual conferences in a single calendar year and also complete NECC courses CRJ 204 (Criminal Investigation and/or CRJ 205 (Response to Terrorism).
Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking interactive classes, workshops where you actually get to practice your skills in real-life scenarios, and projects that connect you with your community.
Intelligence Community Scholars Program
Northern Essex Community College is proud to be a part of the North Eastern Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence (NE IC CAE). Together, we partner with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to prepare a diverse and skilled cadre of professionals ready to address national security challenges.
Learn More About the IC Scholars Program
Program Costs
For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.
Courses and Requirements
Skip Required Courses and Program Notes
Gear Up for a Great Career
We’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as an interpreter helping people connect, a teacher spreading knowledge, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered.
Your Schedule, Your Rules
Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, you can fit your study into your life, not the other way around.
This certificate is stackable into NECC’s associate degree in criminal justice.
Where This Journey Can Take You
Imagine yourself as:
- An Intelligence Analyst within the Intelligence Community, including the CIA, NSA, or FBI
- A cybersecurity analyst developing strategies to defend against cyber attacks
- A law enforcement or military official with a specialization in intelligence
- A language analyst translating, interpreting, and analyzing foreign language communications
Why Us? Here’s the Real Talk:
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers; they’re experienced pros who live and breathe accountancy.
Beyond the Classroom
It’s not just about getting a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and getting the tools you need to chase your dreams.
We’ve Got Your Back
From the day you start until you land your first gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
Career Services
Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.
NECC Connect
Networking and mentoring opportunities for NECC students and alumni.
What Can I Do With This Major?
Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Accommodations at NECC
As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.
Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.
Get Started
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Get all the deets on applying, or hit us up to chat more about why this could be the best choice you’ll ever make.
Career Paths & Job Market
Job Opportunities
Job Opportunities
Members of the Intelligence Community (IC) have ongoing needs to employ analysts in their agencies. IC organizations are interested in applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds and experiences, including:
- Acquisitions & Contracting
- Business & Mission Reports
- Computer Science
- Communications & Public Affairs
- Cyber & Cyber Security
- Data Science Education & Training
- Foreign Languages
- Infrastructure & Logistics
Career Paths
Career Paths
Graduates of the Intelligence Studies Certificate may find work as:
- Air Force Intelligence
- Army Intelligence
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Coast Guard Intelligence
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Department of Energy
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of State
- Department of the Treasury
- Drug Enforcement Agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Marine Corps Intelligence
- National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
- National Reconnaissance Office
- National Security Agency
- Navy Intelligence
- Space Force Intelligence
Courts, probation and most federal law enforcement positions usually require a bachelor’s degree. Some students have continued their education in Paralegal Studies and Law, as well.
External Online Resources
External Online Resources
Transferring to a 4 year College or University
Transferring to a 4 year College or University
Approximately 75% of NECC’s Criminal Justice graduates transfer to four-year colleges or universities for bachelor’s degrees. The largest percentile of transfer students continue their education at the following institutions:
Program Pathway
A pathway is the most efficient sequence of courses semester-to-semester recommended for students to complete their degree. View the suggested pathway for Intelligence Studies.
Contact & Faculty
FAQs
How much does an associate degree cost?
Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!
For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made.
Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC
What types of financial aid are available?
There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.
Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.
Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC
How do I apply for financial aid?
At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.
While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.
Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.
Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC
How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?
Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!
Transfer to NECC
How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?
At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.
Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.
Does the school assist with job placement?
At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.
Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.
How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?
NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.
What learning options are available if I work full-time?
At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.
Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.
What is the average class size?
At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.
Does NECC have a study abroad program?
Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.
Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.
International Studies at NECC
Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.
