Oxford, MS — The University of South Florida’s School of Information recently took part in a national intelligence and security recruitment event at the University of Mississippi, introducing undergraduate students to advanced educational pathways in intelligence and cybersecurity.
The Intelligence and National Security Recruitment Fair, organized by the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies at Ole Miss, brought together students interested in careers across the intelligence, security, and law enforcement sectors. Representing USF was Dr. “Scuba” Steve Gary, Professor of Instruction in the university’s Strategic & Cyber Intelligence Programs.
Showcasing Graduate Pathways in Intelligence and Cybersecurity
During the event, Dr. Gary spoke with nearly 20 Ole Miss undergraduates about two specialized graduate programs offered by USF: the Master of Science in Intelligence Studies and the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security. Students had the opportunity to discuss how these programs align with careers in national security, cyber intelligence, investigative analysis, and related fields.
Dr. Gary noted the strong interest and preparedness of the students he met, emphasizing the value of engaging with emerging talent early in their academic journeys.
“The students were highly motivated and eager to learn about how graduate education can prepare them for real-world intelligence roles,” he said. “Events like this create meaningful connections and open doors for future collaboration.”
Connecting Education With National Security Careers
The recruitment fair is part of Ole Miss’s broader initiative to expose students to professional and academic opportunities within the intelligence community. For many attendees, the event served as their first exposure to USF’s approach, which combines rigorous academics with practical, mission-oriented training.
USF’s intelligence-focused graduate programs are designed to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of modern intelligence work. Coursework spans areas such as threat assessment, open-source intelligence, data-driven analysis, cyber operations, and investigative methodologies.
Preparing Students for Real-World Impact
Students in USF’s intelligence and cybersecurity programs benefit from instruction led by faculty with extensive professional experience. In addition to classroom learning, the programs emphasize applied skills, professional networking, and career readiness, helping graduates transition into roles across government, private industry, and security organizations.
The School of Information continues to strengthen its national presence by participating in recruitment events and building relationships with institutions across the country.
Expanding Outreach Nationwide
By engaging directly with students beyond Florida, USF aims to broaden access to its graduate programs and support the development of the next generation of intelligence professionals. The university remains committed to equipping students with the analytical tools, ethical foundations, and practical expertise needed to address complex security challenges.
