Skip to main content

Summer and Fall 2025 Registration window opens March 17.
Metropolitan State University (Home)

North Star Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence

Welcome to the North Star Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (ICCAE).

At Metro State University, we are proud to establish the first ICCAE in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, a prestigious initiative sponsored by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The North Star ICCAE (NICCAE) is dedicated to preparing the next generation of intelligence professionals through academic excellence, hands-on experiences, and career development opportunities within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).

Whether you are a student seeking career pathways in intelligence, a faculty member interested in research collaborations, or an industry partner looking to engage with future intelligence professionals, the North Star ICCAE is here to support you.

We invite you to explore our programs, attend our events, and become part of a growing community dedicated to advancing intelligence education and national security.

Mission Statement: NICCAE is committed to developing a community of skilled and dedicated intelligence professionals and leaders. Our mission is to deepen students' understanding of the Intelligence Community, equip them with essential national security skills, and prepare a trusted, agile workforce. We emphasize critical thinking and ethical decision-making through advanced STEM and emerging technology programs, all within a supportive educational environment that fosters academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Vision Statement: NICCAE vision is synchronized with the Intelligence Community's mission of collecting, analyzing, and delivering critical intelligence, thereby empowering America's decision-makers to protect our nation. This aligns seamlessly with our overarching goal to lead the Intelligence Community by driving integration, collaboration, and innovation under a shared vision that advances national security priorities and embodies our nation's democratic principles and values. Through this approach, we commit to providing an educational framework that not only prepares future leaders for the complexities of global threats but also respects and promotes the ethical and democratic standards that define our society. We are dedicated to:

  1. Advanced Educational Offerings: MSU will offer innovative curricula that integrate theoretical foundations with practical experience, preparing students to proficiently analyze and interpret intelligence.
  2. Research Excellence: The institution encourages a vibrant culture of research, promoting collaboration between students and faculty on projects that address pressing real-world intelligence challenges.
  3. Strategic Partnerships: The University actively builds and maintains strong connections with key stakeholders in industry, government, and academia, facilitating a rich exchange of knowledge and opening pathways for student careers in the intelligence community.
  4. Ethical Standards: Commitment to the highest ethical standards is foundational, embedding integrity and the values of the Intelligence Community within all program aspects.
  5. Commitment to Innovation: The university embraces innovative practices in STEM education and workforce development to maintain its edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
  6. Technological Advancements: MSU leads in the development of technologies critical to enhancing the Intelligence Community’s operational capabilities, with a particular focus on data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
  7. Community Engagement: MSU is proactive in outreach and recruitment to ensure a diverse and talented student body. It also extends its collaborative efforts through active participation with other IC-CAE institutions, sharing knowledge and best practices to enhance collective capabilities.