EDUCATION PROGRAMS

CSRE supports Penn State students through a variety of activities and programs designed to help them:

  1. Prepare for security-related careers through mentoring, training, and events;
  2. Identify internal and external internship opportunities in the national security field; and
  3. Enrich the academic experience by enhancing practical knowledge of national security.
A Penn State student speaking during a global crisis simulation event

Intelligence Community Academic Center of Excellence (IC CAE)

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) designates Penn State as a legacy Academic Center of Excellence (ACE). As part of this ongoing relationship with ODNI, CSRE supports several initiatives to help students deepen their understanding of national security.

Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence

Strategic Analysis and Intelligence Leadership (SAIL) Program

The SAIL program is a collaboration between CSRE, the Applied Research Laboratory, College of EngineeringCollege of Information Sciences and Technology, and other Penn State colleges and departments.

SAIL supports students who aspire to careers in the U.S. intelligence and defense communities, as well as the companies and organizations that make up the national security enterprise. Students deepen their academic studies by augmenting them through:

  • Guest speakers that include former senior intelligence community and Department of Defense officials and early career professionals—many who are Penn State alumni—to discuss the changing nature of the security environment and offer insights about professional development and leadership;
  • Student research and analysis projects;
  • Information and guidance regarding internship, employment, and career opportunities;
  • Individualized career mentoring and academic advising; and
  • Special training on the Intelligence Community, to include topics such as the security clearance process, legal and ethical issues, and more.

Students may participate as an extracurricular activity, or as an internship or for academic credit when approved by the student’s college or department.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. John Hodgson, associate director, Center for Security Research and Education
Dr. Darryl Farber, assistant professor, College of Engineering

Resources

CSRE Internships

CSRE relaunched its internship program in spring 2023. Interns work on special projects that involve research, writing, and critical thinking. Check our Newsroom or subscribe to our mailing list for announcements related to internship openings and applications.

External Internships

CSRE has compiled several internship opportunities to help Penn State students on their national security journey.

Students interacting with employers at IST Career Days

Recruiting Events

CSRE periodically hosts recruitment events with various agencies in the Intelligence Community (IC), as well as companies that support the IC and the defense community. Check our Newsroom for announcements.