Evidence-Based Decision Making, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
In a media landscape where fake news, pseudoscience and alternative facts can sway public opinion—and important decisions—there has never been a greater need for evidence-based decision making. In pursuing a graduate certificate in evidence-based decision making through Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies, you’ll focus on identifying quality evidence and using it as the basis to form sound conclusions, critically evaluating arguments for and against a particular choice, and applying sound, systematic processes for making ethical decisions.
As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 12-credit, fully online program offers technology-driven professionals like you a flexible option to meet your personal career goals. If you have obtained an undergraduate degree or higher, you may pursue a stand-alone certificate. All courses are offered in eight-week terms through SLU Online, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals.
Faculty
As a student in the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University, you’ll learn from exceptional faculty who are leading experts in their fields. They bring real-world knowledge to the classroom and are dedicated to your professional success. Learn more on our faculty page.
You could be halfway to a master’s degree.
Make yourself more marketable by diversifying your expertise and earning a master’s degree. All coursework completed successfully toward a post-baccalaureate certificate may count toward a School for Professional Studies master's degree.
Master of Professional Studies
Careers
The evidence-based decision making graduate certificate can be applied to a wide variety of careers. Competencies gained through the certificate are focused on augmenting decision-making skills that can be tailored to your specific career path.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1.
For more information, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/index.php.
- Graduates will be able to utilize argumentation skills appropriate for a given problem or context.
- Graduates will be able to apply program-specific knowledge to address practical problems using an ethical, evidence-based framework.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- Undergraduate degree (most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better)
- Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
- Statement of purpose (about 500 words)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- External reference recommendations (encouraged but not required)
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first term coursework.
Requirements for International Students
Along with the general admission requirements above, the following must be provided by prospective international students:
- Demonstration of English Language Proficiency. Some examples of demonstrated English language proficiency include minimum score requirements for the following standardized tests:
- Paper-based TOEFL: 550
- Internet-based TOEFL: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE: 54
- Academic records, in English translation, for postsecondary studies outside the United States. These must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Program Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
AA 5221 | Applied Analytics & Methods I | 3 |
ORLD 5050 | Ethical, Evidence-Based Decision Making | 3 |
ORLD 5700 | Advanced Evidence-Based Decision Making | 3 |
Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
AA 5222 | Applied Analytics & Methods II: Survey Approaches | |
or AA 5223 | Applied Analytics & Methods II: Experimental Approaches | |
or CYBR 5000 | Cybersecurity Principles | |
or INTL 5250 | Structured Analytical Techniques for Intelligence | |
or IS 5300 | Ethical and Societal Implications of Technology | |
or ORLD 5650 | Future-Focused Leadership | |
or PMGT 5010 | Project Selection and Initiation | |
Total Credits | 12 |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
Fall 1 | ||
AA 5221 | Applied Analytics & Methods I | 3 |
Fall 2 | ||
ORLD 5050 | Ethical, Evidence-Based Decision Making | 3 |
Credits | 6 | |
Spring | ||
Spring 1 or 2 | ||
AA 5222 | Applied Analytics & Methods II: Survey Approaches | 3 |
OR | ||
AA 5223 |
Applied Analytics & Methods II: Experimental Approaches | |
ORLD 5650 |
Future-Focused Leadership | |
INTL 5250 |
Structured Analytical Techniques for Intelligence | |
CYBR 5000 |
Cybersecurity Principles | |
PMGT 5010 |
Project Selection and Initiation | |
IS 5300 |
Ethical and Societal Implications of Technology | |
Credits | 3 | |
Summer | ||
ORLD 5700 | Advanced Evidence-Based Decision Making | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Total Credits | 12 |