Evidence-Based Decision Making, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

In a media landscape where fake news, pseudoscience, and alternative facts can sway public opinion—and large-scale decisions—never has there been a greater need for evidence-based decision making. In pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Evidence-Based Decisions 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 program offers working 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 in Evidence-Based Decision Making. All courses are offered entirely online in 8-week terms through SLU online, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals. 

If you complete the certificate, you also have the option of applying to any SPS master's program and, if accepted, have all of the certificate credits count toward the master's degree.

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.

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) (Students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.)
• Three years of full-time work experience or its equivalent (recommended)
• Knowledge of computer technologies involved in day-to-day business operations (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Résumé
• A 500-word statement of professional goals articulating why a graduate certificate is needed within the student's present or future career and how the program will help meet that need

Requirements for International Students 

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following: 

• Students must demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States 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. 

Note: The online nature of the program precludes us from offering documentation needed for obtaining student visas. 

Application and Assistantship Deadlines

The priority deadline for fall admission is April 1. Students may be admitted until July 1, as space permits. For spring admission, applications are considered on a case-by-case basis until Nov. 1.

Students seeking assistantships should apply by Feb. 1.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by a committee of School for Professional Studies faculty members.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by February 1. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.  

Gainful Employment Disclosure

The U.S. Department of Education requires (per 34 CRF Part 668) that all institutions participating in the federal Title IV student financial assistance programs (Pell Grants, federal student loans, etc.) publicly disclose certain data regarding all academic programs designated as "Gainful Employment" programs per DOE definitions.  

Gainful Employment Disclosure

1. Graduates will be able to apply program-specific knowledge to address practical problems using an ethical, evidence-based framework.

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.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions please call (314) 526-2825 or email sps@slu.edu.