Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Students who pursue Saint Louis University's post-baccalaureate certificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness learn how to help prevent biological terrorism and build effective rapid-response capabilities for organizations throughout the public and private sectors.
The post-baccalaureate certificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness can be completed concurrently with any of SLU's 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.
Tuition
Tuition/Fee | Cost Per Credit |
---|---|
Graduate Tuition | $1,310 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
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
Saint Louis University's College for Public Health and Social Justice is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To see our most recent accreditation documentation, please visit the College for Public Health and Social Justice website.

- 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:
- Identify and cite relevant sources.
- Apply information from relevant sources appropriately.
- Apply/use biosecurity nomenclature and terminology (such as “isolation” and “quarantine”) related to infectious diseases accurately.
- 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:
- Develop appropriate interventions that minimize human and animal disease.
- Integrate appropriate scientific characteristics of an infectious disease into a scenario or case study.
- Create and disseminate tailored messages regarding biosecurity hazards and risks to responders, the public, the media and policymakers. Specifically:
- Communicate the biosecurity hazards and risks related to a scenario or case study.
- Develop a health communication message that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BSDP 5100 | Public Health and Disasters | 3 |
BSDP 5101 | Fundamentals of Disaster Planning | 3 |
BSDP 5206 | Disaster Management and Risk Analysis | 3 |
Focus Area | 6 | |
Students must complete two courses in one of the following focus areas or one course from each focus area: | ||
Health/Infectious Diseases | ||
BSDP 5103 | Communicable Diseases and Infection Control | |
BSDP 5203 | Disaster Planning for Infectious Disease Disasters | |
BSDP 5104 | Public Health Ecology | |
BSDP 5209 | Emerging Infections: Epidemiology and Public Health Importance | |
BSDP 5211 | Business Continuity and Pandemic Planning | |
Terrorism/Security | ||
BSDP 5201 | Terrorist Organizations and Their Motivations | |
BSDP 5208 | Facing the Challenge of International Bioterrorism | |
BSDP 5106 | Disaster Communications and Media Relations | |
Total Credits | 15 |
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 | |
BSDP 5100 | Public Health and Disasters | 3 |
Elective | Elective † | 3 |
Credits | 6 | |
Spring | ||
Elective | Elective † | 3 |
Credits | 3 | |
Summer | ||
BSDP 5206 | Disaster Management and Risk Analysis | 3 |
BSDP 5101 | Fundamentals of Disaster Planning | 3 |
Credits | 6 | |
Total Credits | 15 |
- †
BSDP Certificate electives should be chosen from one of the two focus areas: Health/Infectious Diseases or Terrorism/Security.
For additional admission questions, please contact:
Bernie Backer
Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
bernard.backer@slu.edu
314-977-8144