ALLIANCE, Ohio, and ERIE, Pennsylvania—The University of Mount Union and Mercyhurst University have announced a new academic partnership that will enable students to earn both a Bachelor of Science Degree in national security and a Master of Science degree in applied intelligence in five years of full-time study, rather than the traditional six.

Under the 3+2 program, students complete three years of undergraduate study at Mount Union before transitioning to Mercyhurst for two years of graduate coursework. During the fourth year, students are enrolled simultaneously as finishing undergraduates and first-year graduate students, allowing them to satisfy the requirements of both degrees before the end of year five.

In addition to the benefits of saving a year of tuition and living expenses, graduates enter the workforce with credentials that reflect both a strong disciplinary foundation and advanced professional training.

Mount Union’s national security and intelligence analysis program offers a curriculum that provides a strong foundation across a variety of disciplines, with deeper study in areas such as foreign policy and intelligence gathering.

Mercyhurst’s Master of Science degree in applied intelligence is among the most established programs of its kind, credited as the first intelligence studies program offered at the university level. The curriculum centers on applied analytical work, including real intelligence casework completed prior to graduation. Students learn to work with open-source data and develop skills that prepare them for a career in government agencies, law enforcement, the military, and the private sector.

Students in the program will have access to alumni networks at both institutions, providing professional connections across the national security field.

Students interested in the program can learn more at mountunion.edu/national-security or email grossmmo@mountunion.edu for advising and enrollment information.