Mercyhurst was one of the first places in the world to teach intelligence analysis as an undergraduate degree, and that programme still draws students from far away. The Catholic university, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1926, sits on a hill in Erie, Pennsylvania, near Lake Erie. Forensic anthropology, hospitality and dance are other strengths.
Erie, Pennsylvania, United States
Official website: mercyhurst.edu
1926 by the Sisters of Mercy
Private Catholic university
Intelligence studies
Hilltop campus in Erie
$30,000 – $45,000
International students, graduate to undergraduate tuition
$12,000 – $15,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on mercyhurst.edu before you apply.
BA Intelligence Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MS Applied Intelligence
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Forensic Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BS Hospitality Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BS Data Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
An intelligence studies degree that dates back to 1992.
Forensic anthropology with field research.
A small campus overlooking Erie.
Intelligence graduates work as analysts for companies, banks, security firms and government agencies.
Forensic science graduates move into labs and graduate study.
Hospitality graduates join hotels and resorts.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Erie is a small city on Lake Erie, with Presque Isle State Park's beaches and trails a short drive from campus.
Winters are long and snowy thanks to lake-effect storms. Living costs are low, and Cleveland, Buffalo and Pittsburgh are within about two hours.
Form I-20 issued by Mercyhurst University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Mercyhurst reviews applications on a rolling basis. International students should apply by spring for fall to allow time for the I-20 and visa interview.
Most students start in August. Many programmes, including the MS in Applied Intelligence, also admit in January.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Mercyhurst University after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Intelligence studies, applied intelligence, forensic science and hospitality are popular. Undergraduate entry is based on high school grades; graduate programmes need a bachelor's degree. IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent.
Mercyhurst offers merit scholarships to most undergraduates, including international students. Graduate awards are limited.
