˻ֱ

Skip to main content
MenuSearch & Directory

Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Students who pursue Saint ˻ֱ University's post-baccalaureate certificate in biosecurity and disasterpreparedness learn how to help prevent biological terrorism and build effective rapid-response capabilities for organizations throughout the public and private sectors.

The post-baccalaureate certificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness canbe completed concurrently with any of SLU'sMaster of Public Health (M.P.H.) degrees other than those concentrating in biosecurity and disaster preparedness or any joint concentration that includes biosecurity and disaster preparedness.

Coursework can be applied towards a Master of Public Health with a concentration in biosecurity and disaster preparedness if students matriculate into SLU's M.P.H. program within two years of completing the certificate and assuming that the certificate courses were not part of a prior degree.

Curriculum Overview

Saint ˻ֱ University's post-baccalaureate certificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness is a completely online program. Learn more in the program roadmap and requirements tabs.

Careers

Driven by globalization, emerging infectious diseases, the threat of terrorism and more, the field of biosecurity is rapidly expanding. Acertificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness benefits those who want to work in the military, law enforcement, public health, or 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 Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree, preferably with at least a 3.00 grade point average. Experience in a health-related field is preferred, but not required. Applications are reviewed on a holistic and rolling basis. To apply, applicants will need to submit their transcripts, CV, personal statement and two letters of recommendation through , the common application system for public health schools and programs.

ճܾپDz

Tuition Cost Per Credit
Graduate Tuition $1,310

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For more information about Saint ˻ֱ University scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Services online at www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

徱ٲپDz

Saint ˻ֱ University's College for Public Health and Social Justice is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). To see our most recent accreditation documentation, please visit theCollege for Public Health and Social Justice website.

CEPH-Seal
  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 policymakers. 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.
ٱ5100Public Health and Disasters3
ٱ5101Fundamentals of Disaster Planning3
ٱ5206Disaster Management and Risk Analysis3
Focus Area6
Students must complete two courses in one of the following focus areas or one course from each focus area:
Health/Infectious Diseases
ٱ5103
Communicable Diseases and Infection Control
ٱ5203
Disaster Planning for Infectious Disease Disasters
ٱ5104
Public Health Ecology
ٱ5209
Emerging Infections: Epidemiology and Public Health Importance
ٱ5211
Business Continuity and Pandemic Planning
Terrorism/Security
ٱ5201
Terrorist Organizations and Their Motivations
ٱ5208
Facing the Challenge of International Bioterrorism
ٱ5106
Disaster Communications and Media Relations
Total Credits15

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 enrollmentunless 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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
ٱ5100 Public Health and Disasters 3
ElectiveElective 3
Credits6
Spring
ElectiveElective 3
Credits3
Summer
ٱ5206 Disaster Management and Risk Analysis 3
ٱ5101 Fundamentals of Disaster Planning 3
Credits6
Total Credits15

BSDP Certificate electives should be chosen from one of the two focus areas: Health/Infectious Diseasesor Terrorism/Security.

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Bernie Backer
Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
bernard.backer@slu.edu
314-977-8144