Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Training in biosecurity and disaster preparedness trains you to help prevent biological terrorism and build effective rapid response capabilities for organizations throughout the public and private sectors.

Curriculum Overview

The certificate is a completely online program.

Careers

Driven by globalization, emerging infectious diseases, the threat of terrorism, and more, the field of biosecurity is rapidly expanding. You will be able to work in the military, law enforcement, public health, and state and local governments.

There are also a variety of private-sector or nonprofit employers that require emergency management specialists for situations where emergencies are prone to happen or could be potentially devastating. Examples of these employers include: hospitals and health systems, large companies, colleges and universities and various community relief organizations such as the Red Cross.

Admission

Admission Requirements

A bachelor's degree in any discipline. Experience in health-related fields is preferred but is not required. Certificate may be completed concurrently with any M.P.H. degree other than the M.P.H.BSDP or a joint concentration degree that includes BSDP. Certificate coursework can be applied towards an M.S. in BSDP if students matriculate into the M.S. program within 2 years of completing the Certificate and assuming that the Certificate courses were not part of a prior degree (such as an M.P.H.).

Students apply through SOPHAS Express.
 

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. Use an evidence-based approach to develop and analyze human, animal, and environmental hazard control strategies, programs, and policies, taking into account legal and ethical considerations.  Specifically:
   1. Identify and cite relevant sources.
   2. Apply information from relevant sources appropriately
   3. Apply/use biosecurity nomenclature and terminology (such as “isolation” and “quarantine”) related to infectious diseases accurately
2. Analyze and apply the scientific characteristics, such as transmission routes and control measures, of major biological hazards to develop interventions that minimize human and animal disease.  Specifically:
   1. Develop appropriate interventions that minimize human and animal disease
   2. Integrate appropriate scientific characteristics of an infectious disease into a scenario or case study
3. Create and disseminate tailored messages regarding biosecurity hazards and risks to responders, the public, the media, and policy makers.  Specifically:
   1. Communicate the biosecurity hazards and risks related to a scenario or case study
   2. Develop a health communication message that is appropriate for the intended audience

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions please contact:
Bernie Backer
Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
(314) 977-8144