Security and Strategic Intelligence, Certificate
Gain a competitive edge while studying relevant and timely intelligence topics including terrorism, homeland security, and cybercrime by earning a certificate in security and strategic intelligence through Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies. Specialize in one of three concentrations: business continuity, global corporate security, or strategic intelligence.
As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 18-credit program offers forward-thinking students like you a flexible option to meet your personal career goals. With six start terms each year through SLU online, you can begin working toward your degree at any time. All courses are offered entirely online in eight-week terms, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals.
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 (exceptions may be made)
- Work Experience: At least three years or the equivalent
- Education: High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
- Interview: Successful completion of a meeting with an academic coach (this can be done over the phone or on campus)
- Grade Point Average: Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended
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: Eric Miller
3840 Lindell Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108
Official transcripts may also be emailed directly to Eric Miller at eric.miller@slu.edu.
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 Academic Coach
Contact an academic coach to discuss the status of the application and educational and career goals. Students may schedule an appointment to speak with an academic coach on campus or over the phone/Zoom by calling 314-977-2330 or emailing sps@slu.edu.
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.
- Graduates will be able to describe the cycle of intelligence and components of global security.
- Graduates will be able to use analytics to inform risk management decisions.
- Graduates will be able to integrate computer information systems with security and intelligence domains.
- Graduates will be able to analyze the global factors that impact security and strategic intelligence.
- Graduates will be able to distinguish between the professional, ethical, legal, security and social dimensions of a strategic intelligence plan.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SSI 1500 | Foundations of Security and Strategic Intelligence | 3 |
| SSI 3010 | Business Continuity and Impact Analysis | 3 |
| SSI 3300 | Integrated Risk Planning, Strategy and Compliance | 3 |
| Security & Strategic Intelligence Course | ||
| SSI 2000 | Threat and Risk Assessment | 3 |
| or SSI 3000 | Coordination across Agencies, Organizations, and Departments | |
| or SSI 3100 | Analytics in Security and Intelligence | |
| Computer Information Systems Course | ||
| CIS 3250 | Cybersecurity Principles | 3 |
| or CIS 4300 | The Fundamentals of Computer Forensics | |
| or CIS 4550 | Social and Organizational Computing | |
| Specializations | ||
| Select one of the following specializations: | 3 | |
Business Continuity Specialization | ||
| Integrated Risk Planning, Strategy and Compliance | ||
or SSI 4090 | Resilience, Recovery and Contingency | |
or SSI 4500 | Financial & Regulatory Considerations in Risk Planning | |
Global Corporate Security Specialization | ||
| Strategic Communication Across Professional Settings | ||
or SSI 3600 | Tangible Asset Security | |
or SSI 4500 | Financial & Regulatory Considerations in Risk Planning | |
Strategic Intelligence Specialization | ||
| Terrorism: Causes, Tactics, and Mitigation | ||
or SSI 4010 | Diplomacy and Foreign Policy | |
or SSI 4200 | Collection Assets and Capabilities | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA.
For additional admission questions please call (314) 526-2825 or email sps@slu.edu.