Originally I was unsure about where I wanted to work but after some research I decided I want to work as a lawyer for the CIA. I know that the CIA General Counsel receives hundreds of resumes every month. One way to stand out would be to have a joint J.D./Master of Arts in Security Studies. The two concentrations I am interested in are "Intelligence" and "Terrorism and Substate Violence."
Intelligence:
In this concentration, students acquire an understanding of the practical dimensions of intelligence, including the intelligence cycle, the intelligence disciplines, problems of intelligence collection and analysis, covert action, and the intelligence-policy nexus. Attention is also focused on domestic intelligence, military intelligence, and the intelligence operations and cultures of other countries. Students also consider major conceptual issues such as the appropriate role of intelligence in a democracy, issues of oversight and accountability, the intelligence budget as part of the overall defense budget, and the complexities of secrecy. In addition to helping students prepare for careers in the intelligence community, this concentration also addresses intelligence issues in the military, government agencies, or in government-related industries.
Which concentration would be best for working as a lawyer for the CIA in the field of counterterrorism?Terrorism and Substate Violence: Students in this concentration study the motivations and operations of terrorist and insurgent groups, the dynamics of civil wars, and the policies required to effectively counter these threats. Courses examine sources of terrorism, terrorist tactics, key terrorist groups like al-Qa'ida and the Lebanese Hizballah; counterinsurgency, ethnic conflict, and post-conflict stabilization missions, among other issues. Students learn to analyze the spectrum of conflicts short of war, their internal dynamics and the measures and practical responses required to resolve them. Most students pursue careers in U.S. intelligence and defense communities, those of other governments, and in international relief organizations, and consulting firms.
Also, I would have to apply to the J.D. and the Master of Arts in Security Studies at the same time. What if I am accepted in one program but not the other? Has anyone applied to both programs before?
For reference, I am currently a junior. I plan on taking the LSAT in June. For applying to the Master of Arts in Security Studies, I would need to take the GRE test around the same time. Should I just focus on applying to law school first and when in law school take national security law courses instead of doing the work of two degrees?
