The Marine Corps is accepting applications for the National Intelligence University (NIU) Monthly Executive Program (MEP) cohort starting fall 2026. NIU offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence (MSSI) and a Master of Science and Technology Intelligence (MSTI). The part-time program is designed for reservists, one weekend a month for 22 months plus two two-week AT periods at NIU's campus in Bethesda, MD. This is a real, accredited master's degree.
Heads up: NIU acceptance comes first. You apply to NIU directly, and only after acceptance do you apply to join the IMA detachment. Don't reverse the order.
Who it affects
IMA, SMCR, and IRR Marines. Active-duty Marines pending reserve affiliation may also apply if their timeline allows.
Grade: 1stLt to Maj, CWO2 to CWO3, SSgt to GySgt.
MOS: Any MOS is eligible, but preference goes to Marines in this order: Intelligence, Cyberspace, Space, and Communications.
Other requirements to join the IMA detachment:
- At least 5 years of intelligence, cyber, space, or communications experience (military or civilian)
- Four satisfactory years (50+ points each) in the last five years
- Officers: no failed promotion board, and Majs must have less than 4 years' time-in-grade
- SNCOs: eligible for reenlistment with at least 2 years remaining on contract after graduation
- Officers and SNCOs must agree to serve in an intelligence billet (IMA or SMCR) for 3 years after graduation
- Height and weight standards per MCO 6110.3A
NIU requirements (you must already have these):
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Active TS/SCI clearance at time of application. Being in the application process is not grounds to initiate a new TS/SCI
What you need to do
This is a two-track application. Both must happen.
- Apply directly to NIU for the MSSI or MSTI Monthly Executive program at
https://www.niu.edu/admissions-aid/index.shtml. Direct NIU admissions questions toNIU_Admissions@niu.odni.gov. - Once NIU accepts you, send the following package to the DCI POCs (Lt Col R. Wong:
raymond.wong@usmc.mil/ Maj D. Heywood:daniel.heywood@usmc.mil) via DOD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil):- Copy of NIU acceptance notification
- Copy of your NIU essay submission
- Current Reserve Qualification Summary (RQS)
- Current civilian resume
- Favorable endorsement from your command (IMA detachment or SMCR unit). IRR Marines get this from Marine Corps Individual Reserve Support Activity (MCIRSA). A copy of the NIU nomination memorandum (template at
https://www.ni-u.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NIU-Nomination-Memorandum-Template.docx) from your command counts as this endorsement.
If selected, you'll be transferred to the DCI IMA Detachment (RUC 88600) no later than 1 August 2026. Transfer won't happen until NIU confirms admission and your clearance is verified.
One thing to know about drill and AT: Once enrolled, 12 weekends per academic year count as normal drill periods. Each summer requires 12 days of active-duty training at NIU for two consecutive years. All standard Marine Corps annual training requirements still apply. If you're outside the National Capital Region, check what travel is reimbursable for IMA, IDT, and AT before you commit.
Note: This program does not currently count as an Intermediate Level School (ILS) equivalent.
Key dates
- Fall 2026: Program start for MEP Cohort 2026-2028
- NLT 1 August 2026: Transfer deadline to DCI IMA Detachment for selectees
- 31 December 2026: This MARADMIN is cancelled
NIU's own application deadlines are not specified in this MARADMIN. Check directly with NIU admissions.
The official version
This guidance comes from MARADMIN 145/26. Referenced standard: MCO 6110.3A (height and weight).
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.