Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness

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

Saint Louis University's post-baccalaureate certificate in biosecurity and disaster preparedness can be completed concurrently with any of our Master 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.

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.

Send transcripts of all secondary work.

Find out from your admission counselor what secondary credentials are required. We’ll evaluate how you’ve done in school up to this point, so please send all transcripts for secondary work, along with their English language translations.

Submit proof of your English language proficiency.

These are scores from any standardized test you may have taken to prepare for college — TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT or Duolingo score. All of our international applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency, and these tests can help us make that determination.

If you do not meet SLU’s direct entry requirements, we encourage you to apply to the Pathway or English Language programs offered by INTO Saint Louis University.

Recommended items.

Though not required for admission, submission of a resume of activities and letters of recommendation is encouraged. All undergraduate applicants are also encouraged to complete an admission interview.

Driven by globalization, emerging infectious diseases, the threat of terrorism and more, the field of biosecurity is rapidly expanding. A certificate 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.