Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations, Other.

Degree Overview

Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations, Other (CIP 29.0299) is an advanced digital and tactical frontier for specialists who manage the "flow of truth" in high-conflict or high-stakes environments. While standard intelligence degrees focus on traditional analysis, professionals in this "Other" category are "Information Warfare Architects." They study signal intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare, psychological operations (PSYOP), and the synchronization of data across multi-domain battlefields. It is a path for "technical strategists" who want to master how information is captured, protected, and used to influence outcomes in the physical world.

This field is ideal for "high-bandwidth thinkers"—individuals who are fascinated by how data becomes power and want to apply that knowledge to cybersecurity, military command, or the defense of national information systems.

What Is an "Other" Intelligence and Information Operations Degree?

A degree in this category is a high-tech STEM-integrated path that emphasizes network-centric warfare, cognitive security, and electromagnetic spectrum operations. You will study the "Operational Core"—intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance—but your focus will be on integrated digital dominance. Because this code houses niche programs, your studies might focus on Cyber-Electronic Warfare (disrupting enemy comms), Influence Operations (countering digital propaganda), or Space-Based Intelligence (managing satellite data streams). It prepares you to be an "Information Dominance Lead" capable of navigating the "gray zone" between peace and conflict.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Train "Information Operations Officers" who can coordinate complex digital and physical attacks to achieve a specific mission goal
• Develop experts in Cryptologic Warfare, focusing on the math and technology used to break codes and secure one's own transmissions
• Prepare professionals for Joint Command and Control (C2), studying how to link thousands of sensors (drones, satellites, soldiers) into a single "picture" for a commander
• Study Cognitive Security, exploring how to protect the human mind from mass digital deception and psychological manipulation

What Will You Learn?

Students learn that "in modern conflict, the side that sees, understands, and acts first wins." You focus on the technical logic and tactical synchronization required to manage information in real-time.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Master Signal Intelligence (SIGINT)—intercepting and identifying electronic signals from radars, radios, and cell networks
• Use "Data Fusion Tools"—merging satellite imagery, human reports, and digital signals into one clear, actionable map
• Design Information Campaigns—learning how to spread truthful information to counter an adversary’s narrative
• Perform Electromagnetic Spectrum Mapping—understanding how to "hide" one's own signals while finding those of an opponent
• Utilize Advanced Cryptography—the science of protecting sensitive data from the world’s most powerful supercomputers
• Understand C4ISR Systems—Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance architectures

Topics You May Explore

Coursework is a blend of computer engineering, psychology, and tactical strategy:

• Electronic Warfare Principles: The study of jamming, spoofing, and protecting the "invisible" battlefield of radio frequencies.
• Cyber-Psychology: Exploring how people process information online and why certain "information strikes" are effective at changing behavior.
• Unmanned Systems Operations: How to manage fleets of drones and robots that act as the "eyes and ears" of a command center.
• The Law of Cyber-Conflict: Navigating the international rules on what constitutes an "act of war" in the digital domain.
• Artificial Intelligence in Command: Using AI to filter through millions of data points to highlight the most important threats to a leader.
• Strategic Deception: The history and math of "maskirovka"—the art of making an adversary see what you want them to see.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Graduates find roles as specialized officers, technical analysts, and security leads in the military, intelligence agencies, and private tech firms.

Common job roles include:

• Information Operations (IO) Officer: Planning and leading missions that integrate cyber, electronic, and psychological tactics.
• Cryptologic Analyst: Working for the NSA or private firms to decode complex signals and protect sensitive networks.
• Targeting Specialist: Using intelligence data to determine the "high-value targets" in an adversary’s network or infrastructure.
• Counter-Disinformation Lead: Working for governments or social media giants to identify and stop coordinated foreign influence attacks.
• C2 Systems Architect: Designing the software and hardware that allow a president or general to communicate with forces globally.
• Technical Intelligence Lead: Analyzing "captured" foreign technology to understand its weaknesses and how it was built.

Where Can You Work?

These specialists are the "digital vanguard" of national and corporate security:

• U.S. Cyber Command and NSA: Operating at the highest levels of national digital defense and intelligence.
• The Space Force: Managing the satellites and signals that provide the foundation for all modern military operations.
• Defense Tech Companies (Palantir, Northrop Grumman): Building the "Big Data" tools used by the modern military.
• Financial Security Hubs: Protecting the world's money systems from state-sponsored electronic attacks.
• Crisis Management Centers: Leading the information flow during natural disasters or national emergencies.

How Much Can You Earn?

Because of the extreme technical skill and high-level security clearances required, salaries in this field are among the highest in the government and defense sectors.

• Specialized Intelligence Officers (O-3 to O-5): Total compensation including allowances can range from $95,000 to $160,000+.
• Senior Cryptologic/Cyber Analysts: Salaries typically range from $110,000 to $170,000.
• Information Operations Managers: Median annual salary of around $120,000–$180,000.
• Entry-Level Technical Analysts: Often start between $75,000 and $95,000.

Is This Degree Hard?

The difficulty is in the information density and the need for constant learning. The technology changes every six months; you must be a "perpetual student" of code, hardware, and human behavior. It requires a brilliantly logical, calm, and skeptical mindset—you must be able to spot a "fake" signal in a sea of millions. It is a major that rewards those who are "Digital Guardians" and who find purpose in being the invisible shield that ensures their team always has the advantage of the truth.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Are fascinated by spy movies but want to know the actual science of how signals and codes work
• Love the idea of a high-stakes "chess game" played on a global digital scale
• Are interested in how people's minds are influenced by the information they see on screens
• Want to be a leader who works at the intersection of technology, psychology, and national defense
• Believe that the most important battles of the future will be fought with "bits" rather than "bullets"

How to Prepare in High School

• Take AP Computer Science and AP Physics; understanding "logic gates" and "radio waves" is essential
• Take AP Psychology; half of information operations is understanding how people think and react
• Learn Coding (Python, C++, or Bash scripting); you need to be able to automate your data analysis
• Join a CyberPatriot team or participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions to practice digital defense
• Read about "The Imitation Game" (Alan Turing) and modern cyber warfare to understand the history and future of the field

The ability to apply technical logic and information mastery to the complexities of a contested digital world is the hallmark of a successful professional in this field.