Security & Strategic Intelligence, B.S.

Saint Louis University's Security and Strategic Intelligence (SSI) major provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills of security, intelligence and computer information systems necessary to pursue a career in this growing market.

Students will gain a competitive edge while studying relevant and timely intelligence topics including terrorism, homeland security and cybercrime.

Curriculum Overview

This program requires 120 credits and allows students to specialize in one of three concentrations:

• Business Continuity
• Global Corporate Security
• Strategic Intelligence

Careers

Careers for graduates with a business continuity degree in security and strategic intelligence include business continuity planners, business intelligence analysts, business operations specialists and emergency/risk managers.

Careers for graduates with a strategic intelligence degree in security and strategic intelligence include business intelligence analysts, private detectives and investigators, computer and information systems managers and criminal investigators.

Careers for graduates with a global corporate security degree in security and strategic intelligence include security and asset managers, security management specialists, transportation security screeners, retail loss prevention specialists, loss prevention managers, and criminal investigators and special agents.

Admission Requirements

• Age: 22 years or older
• Work Experience: at least 3 years or the equivalent 
• Education: high school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
• Interview: successful completion of an admission meeting with an admissions counselor. This can be done over the phone or on campus
• Grade Point Average: min transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)

Admission Procedures

Step 1 — Complete Application

Complete the application for admission online at https://www.slu.edu/online. Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply for admission at least one month before the term in which they wish to enroll.

Step 2 – Request official Transcripts

Have official transcripts mailed directly from all previously attended colleges to:

School for Professional Studies
Attention: Admissions
3840 Lindell Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108

Applicants seeking a degree or certificate who have not earned a bachelor’s degree must obtain official transcripts for all previous college course work. If students have never attended college or have less than 15 credits of transferable college credits they will need to provide official high school or GED transcripts.

Applicants seeking a certificate who have a bachelor’s degree need only provide an official transcript from their primary higher education institution or evidence of a high school diploma or GED.

Non-degree applicants only need to provide unofficial copies as needed for prerequisites.

Step 3 — Meet with Admissions Counselor

Contact an admissions counselor to discuss the status of the application and educational and career goals. Students may schedule an appointment to speak with an admissions counselor at the St. Louis campus or over the phone in certain instances. Appointments are available during business hours and weekday evenings.

A writing and/or math assessment test may be necessary during or shortly after the admissions meeting.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.   The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specially for new students.
• Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Active Military and Veterans

Students may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate of $410 per credit for this program.  In addition, Saint Louis University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible students.

1. Graduates will be able to describe the cycle of intelligence and components of global security.
2. Graduates will be able to use analytics to inform risk management decisions.
3. Graduates will be able to integrate computer information systems with security and intelligence domains.
4. Graduates will be able to analyze the global factors that impact security and strategic intelligence.
5. Graduates will be able to distinguish between the professional, ethical, legal, security and social dimensions of a strategic intelligence plan.

Business Continuity Concentration

Strategic Intelligence Concentration

Global Corporate Security Concentration

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.

SPS Core Curriculum Requirements

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.