Open Source Intelligence Center (OSIC)

The Open Source Intelligence Center (OSIC) prepares students to become skilled intelligence analysts by emphasizing advanced critical thinking, structured analytic techniques, and ethical open-source research practices. Through immersive, scenario-based training, students learn to collect, evaluate, and interpret open-source data to address a broad range of intelligence needs—including national security, strategic decision-making, risk assessments, and complex problem-solving for both public and private sector partners.

Admission to the OSIC program is competitive; students apply and are selected based on their demonstrated academic excellence, analytic aptitude, professionalism, and potential for success in intelligence careers.

Each selected student is placed with one of our partner organizations for a full academic year. During this internship, students contribute to ongoing intelligence projects, produce timely and actionable assessments, and share their expertise by training others in the analytic techniques and frameworks developed throughout the program. This hands-on experience equips graduates with the competencies required for modern intelligence roles well beyond traditional law enforcement environments.

The following are the requirements to apply. 

1. You must be a UVU student
2. Your GPA must be above 3.0
3. You must apply by emailing [email protected] with the following documents attached.
   1. Resume
   2. Unofficial school transcript
   3. Name and email of two professor references
   4. Letter of intent
   5. Writing sample
4. You must pass the interview portion and background check.

Training 

OSIC provides customized training to local, state, federal law enforcement and private organizations throughout the nation on open-source investigative techniques. Also provided are free resources, tools, and a monthly publication providing insight into new cell phone applications, websites, and trends affecting criminal communications and activities. Our goal is to provide high quality training and resources needed by analysts and investigators no matter the budget or size of the agency. 

Sample Training Topics 

• Dark Web 
• Photo and video analysis 
• Geolocation 
• Effective and ethical social media searching 
• Blogs and forums such as Discord and Telegram 
• Analytic writing 
• Google Dorks and custom search 

To request training, please contact the OSIC at [email protected].