Texas Intelligence Academy

The Intelligence Studies Project (ISP) was established in 2013 as a joint venture of the Strauss Center for International Security and Law and the Clements Center for National Security out of a conviction that the activities of the U.S. intelligence community were increasingly critical to safeguarding our national security and yet were understudied at American universities. The ISP is building at The University of Texas at Austin a premier center for the study of U.S. intelligence through a variety of programs, including new course offerings and research projects, as well as periodic conferences and other public events focused on intelligence topics.

Completed TIA applications will be reviewed by the ISP staff. Semifinalists will be invited to participate in a 20-minute in-person or phone interview. The final list of students selected to participate in TIA will be approved by the ISP Director.

Successful applicants will present strong academic records, leadership, positive personal qualities, and a demonstrated interest in national security, intelligence and/or public service. Appropriate consideration will also be given to applicants who have overcome obstacles in pursuing their academic goals.

No. Only undergraduate students scheduled to graduate in December 2026 or later are eligible.

The TIA program will likely include activities hosted by U.S. Government agencies that require U.S. citizenship to gain access to their facilities. To provide proof, agencies may require information such as social security numbers, a copy of your U.S. passport, and/or a copy of your birth certificate.

Dual citizenship is accepted but agencies may require you to show both your passports upon arrival.

Yes. Students will receive 3 hours of UT Austin course credit through the LBJ School of Public Affairs (PA 365W), the College of Liberal Arts - Government Department (GOV 355M), or the McComb's School of Business' - Business, Government, and Society Department (BGS 372T) upon successful completion of the course. The course is pending approval for the IRG Track II: International Security concentration, the Certificate in Security Studies, and the National Security and International Business Minor.

Students who complete the Texas Intelligence Academy should include the experience on their professional resumes. This is a signature intelligence program and is widely recognized by officials in the U.S. federal government.

Instruction will be led by professors Dr. Alexandra Sukalo, Dr. Michele Malvesti, and Steve Slick.

ISP staff will coordinate TIA activities in Washington, D.C.

The program fee is $2,000 and covers all TIA program expenses including airfare, lodging, site visits, and formal meals. To cover other meal and local transportation expenses, ISP will provide students with a travel stipend. Any additional costs incurred for entertainment, souvenirs, or other purposes will be the responsibility of the student.

If selected for the TIA, ISP will require a $300 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot which will then be deducted from the overall $2,000 program fee. The payment will appear on your UT "What I Owe" page. Be sure to pay your deposit by December 19, 2025. **Deposits will be refunded only if the trip is cancelled by ISP due to unforeseen circumstances.** 

The remaining program fee of $1,700 will be split into two non-refundable installments, both of which will be paid through your UT "What I Owe" page. The first installment will be due on January 30, 2026. The second installment will be due on February 27, 2026. 

Scholarships of up to $2,000 to cover program fees are available to students based on financial need. To request financial aid, students should write a 1-page statement describing their financial situation and email it to in*****************@***********as.edu.

ISP staff will book flights and lodging for all TIA students. Students will depart from a major Texas city on a round-trip ticket for Washington, DC (Reagan National Airport). Students will return to the same city on the last day of the program. Anyone who requires a different arrangement should request an exception with ISP staff at in*****************@***********as.edu. Lodging will be double occupancy at a hotel in downtown DC.

Business professional attire will be required for visits to government facilities and for formal dinners.

Business casual attire is recommended for classroom lectures.

Casual attire is acceptable for travel, personal activities, and/or TIA outdoor events.