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 Master of Science in Cybersecurity

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.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
Online Graduate Degrees and Post-Baccalaureate Certificates $790

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

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.

  1. Graduates will be able to utilize argumentation skills appropriate for a given problem or context.
  2. 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 enroll 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 ProficiencySome 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. 

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Program Requirements 

AA 5221Applied Analytics & Methods I3
ORLD 5050Ethical, Evidence-Based Decision Making3
ORLD 5700Advanced Evidence-Based Decision Making3
Select one course from the following:3
Applied Analytics & Methods II: Survey Approaches
Applied Analytics & Methods II: Experimental Approaches
Cybersecurity Principles
Structured Analytical Techniques for Intelligence
Ethical and Societal Implications of Technology
Future-Focused Leadership
Project Selection and Initiation
Total Credits12

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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
Fall 1  
AA 5221 Applied Analytics & Methods I 3
Fall 2  
ORLD 5050 Ethical, Evidence-Based Decision Making 3
 Credits6
Spring
Spring 1 or 2  
AA 5222 Applied Analytics & Methods II: Survey Approaches 3
OR  
Applied Analytics & Methods II: Experimental Approaches  
Future-Focused Leadership  
Structured Analytical Techniques for Intelligence  
Cybersecurity Principles  
Project Selection and Initiation  
Ethical and Societal Implications of Technology  
 Credits3
Summer
ORLD 5700 Advanced Evidence-Based Decision Making 3
 Credits3
 Total Credits12