On a white disc, edged gold, bearing a light blue polestar, the top of the sphere slanted to the left, atop a compass rose with silver and steel facets detailed and outlined dark blue, displayed in the center, a blue terrestrial globe outlined white with dark blue land masses, bearing a shield blazoned as follows: Or, a wreath of oaks Proper surmounted by an armillary sphere Sable fimbriated and gridlined of the first; above, on a chief Celeste (Bluebird), three arrows, one fesswise surmounted by two in saltire, points towards dexter, of the first.
From a wreath of the colors Or and Celeste (Bluebird), a scroll unfurled arraswise, surmounted by the lamp of knowledge, all of the first. A silver and steel scroll, lined white and doubled blue, superimposed on the bottom facet and inscribed in Latin SCIENTIA EST LUX LUCIS in blue; all within a circle of sixteen blue stars with white fimbriated detail. All enclosed within a blue ribbon designation edged gold with the inscription, NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE UNIVERSITY, at top and in base, 1962 in white.
The polestar denotes the Universitys international reach and the worldwide scope of intelligence. The compass rose is symbolic of the convergence of all types of intelligence from multiple sources, emphasizing the basic mission to collect, check and make available information about a present or possible enemy; each cardinal direction signifies revealing light, security and wisdom, conveying authority and control. The coat of arms recalls the Universitys history and commitment to the education of the Intelligence Community. Gold indicates the worth of reliable intelligence. The black armillary sphere surrounded by an oak wreath with acorns signifies thoroughness, tenacity of purpose and success in accomplishments. Black refers to authority, secrecy, wardenship and to the basic mission of the organizational requirement of reliable intelligence. Bluebird is the color associated with military intelligence in the Department of Defense. The three arrows reflect the Armed Services participation in Joint Intelligence education. The lamp with flame embodies the eternal enlightenment and knowledge that supports lifelong learning, teaching and research missions. The scroll upon the torse alludes to the primary intelligence functions: collection, analysis, production and dissemination of information. The sixteen stars represent the members of the Intelligence Community. The motto, SCIENTIAEST LUX LUCIS, translates to Knowledge is Enlightenment, in English.