$59
Online - self-paced
1-2 Weeks to complete
Overview
Basic Analytical Writing for National Security Professionals is a foundational, skills-based course that introduces the core principles of professional analytical writing. Designed for learners transitioning from academic to professional environments, the course focuses on improving clarity, structure and style in short-form writing formats such as reports, argumentative essays and analytical briefs.
While many university graduates are experienced in long-form research writing, this course emphasizes the faster-paced, purpose-driven writing used across government, nonprofit and private sector organizations. As the first course in a broader series, it establishes essential writing competencies that apply across a range of professional contexts, making it ideal for anyone seeking to strengthen their communication skills in national security and policy-related roles.
Key Benefits:
- Transition from academic to professional writing standards
- Master organization techniques for analytical products
- Develop self-editing skills to improve written communication
What's Included:
- Video lectures covering writing fundamentals and best practices
- Knowledge checks and writing exercises for skill reinforcement
- Guidance on structure, style and professional formatting
- Practical worksheets and resources for ongoing improvement
Perfect for those entering national security fields or professionals seeking to strengthen their analytical writing foundation.
Course Modules
Certificate program
This course is a part of the following certificate program:

Who this course is designed for
- Intelligence analysts and national security professionals seeking to improve written communication
- Recent graduates entering intelligence, defense or policy careers
- Military personnel developing analytical writing skills for staff positions
- Government employees working in security-related agencies
- Career changers transitioning into national security fields
- Anyone needing to write clear, professional analytical products
Outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Differentiate between academic and professional writing and adapt to workplace expectations
- Apply effective writing principles and replace poor habits with better practices
- Organize ideas and thoughts into well-structured written products
- Appraise and improve your own written work through self-editing
- Compose analytical essays that are compelling, well-organized and professionally formatted
Connect with our team
Complete a brief form to get program recommendations and answers to your questions.