The Central Intelligence Agency was created in 1947 as part of President Truman’s National Security Act. The agency collects, analyzes and coordinates foreign intelligence and counter-intelligence. The CIA is an independent agency that reports to the President and is accountable to the American people.

Undergrads can apply for the general three-month summer program (which they must combine with a semester internship or another summer at the CIA). They can also apply to the six-month co-op program, which focus on a specific regional or transnational issue division, supporting intelligence reporting operations and overseas outposts. The agency also offers a six- month graduate program, which provides similar job experience as the undergrad program at a slightly higher level. Graduates can also choose a more basic internship in the summer. Students who complete the six-month program may be eligible to apply for the professional trainee program or the clandestine service trainee program.