Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Training in biosecurity and disaster preparedness readies you to help prevent biological terrorism and build effective rapid-response capabilities for organizations throughout the public and private sectors.

Saint Louis University's post-baccalaureate certificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness can be completed concurrently with any of our Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degrees other than those concentrating in biosecurity and disaster preparedness or any joint concentration that includes biosecurity and disaster preparedness.

Coursework can be applied towards a Master of Public Health with a concentration in biosecurity and disaster preparedness if students matriculate into SLU's M.P.H. program within two years of completing the certificate and assuming that the certificate courses were not part of a prior degree.

Curriculum Overview

Saint Louis University's post-baccalaureate certificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness is a completely online program. Learn more in the program roadmap and requirements tabs.

Careers

Driven by globalization, emerging infectious diseases, the threat of terrorism and more, the field of biosecurity is rapidly expanding. A certificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness benefits those who want to work in the military, law enforcement, public health, or state and local governments.

There are also a variety of private-sector or nonprofit employers that require emergency management specialists for situations where emergencies are prone to happen or could be potentially devastating. Examples of these employers include hospitals and health systems, large companies, colleges and universities, and various community relief organizations, such as the Red Cross.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree, preferably with at least a 3.00 grade point average. Experience in a health-related field is preferred, but not required. Applications are reviewed on a holistic and rolling basis. To apply, applicants will need to submit their transcripts, CV, personal statement and two letters of recommendation through SOPHAS Express, the common application system for public health schools and programs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information about Saint Louis University scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services online at www.slu.edu/financial-aid.  

Accreditation 

The College for Public Health and Social Justice is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). 

View a PDF of the Most Recent CEPH Self-Study (July 2016)  

1. Use an evidence-based approach to develop and analyze human, animal, and environmental hazard control strategies, programs and policies, taking into account legal and ethical considerations.  Specifically:
   1. Identify and cite relevant sources.
   2. Apply information from relevant sources appropriately.
   3. Apply/use biosecurity nomenclature and terminology (such as “isolation” and “quarantine”) related to infectious diseases accurately.
2. Analyze and apply the scientific characteristics, such as transmission routes and control measures, of major biological hazards to develop interventions that minimize human and animal disease.  Specifically:
   1. Develop appropriate interventions that minimize human and animal disease.
   2. Integrate appropriate scientific characteristics of an infectious disease into a scenario or case study.
3. Create and disseminate tailored messages regarding biosecurity hazards and risks to responders, the public, the media and policymakers. Specifically:
   1. Communicate the biosecurity hazards and risks related to a scenario or case study.
   2. Develop a health communication message that is appropriate for the intended audience.

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.

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BSDP Certificate electives should be chosen from one of the two focus areas: Health/Infectious Diseases or Terrorism/Security.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Bernie Backer
Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions 
bernard.backer@slu.edu 
314-977-8144