Security & Strategic Intelligence, Certificate

If you have already obtained a master's degree or higher, or if you meet the program prerequisites, Saint Louis University offers a stand-alone certificate in security and strategic intelligence that can be completed entirely online.

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

This program allows students to specialize in one of three concentrations:

• Business Continuity
• Global Corporate Security
• Strategic Intelligence

Students may choose this 18-credit program as a stand-alone certificate.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Security and Strategic Intelligence (SSI) program designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills of security, intelligence and computer information systems necessary to pursue a career in this growing market.

 The graduate certificate in strategic intelligence arms students with the increasingly sought-after skills and expertise they need to think strategically, derive meaningful insights from data, and inform organizational policies and action plans—all while meeting the needs of clients and stakeholders. Designed for working professionals, this program is offered in eight-week terms with online classes. It can be completed in two semesters (four eight-week terms) if you take one course at a time. 

Careers

Competencies gained through the certificate are focused on developing a portable set of knowledge and skills that include how to be a leader in your current job, your future job and all areas of your life. Graduates of the certificate program will be prepared to pursue positions such as:

• Intelligence Officer/Intelligence Specialist
• Special Agent
• Social Networking Link Analyst
• Command Information Officer/Interagency Coordination Officer

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.

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 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

Global Corporate Security

Strategic Intelligence

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.