Public Health Preparedness and Response, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Saint Louis University is a pioneer in disaster preparedness and response training and was one of the first to offer a degree program in the field. The public health preparedness and response certificate focuses on preparing public health professionals to carry senior leadership roles in the prevention of and response to both natural and manmade disasters. 

The study of public health preparedness and response embodies the intersection of global health and emergency management. Students in this program will learn to identify the role of public health in all types of disasters from disease outbreak, hurricanes, tornadoes, security breach, biological terrorism and more. This curriculum will prepare students to prevent, plan for, analyze, and respond to disaster and lead relief efforts. 

Curriculum Overview

The public health preparedness and response certificate is designed for three distinct audiences: 

1. Students actively pursuing their M.P.H. at Saint Louis University who wish to add additional applied skills.
2. Graduate students at Saint Louis University in other programs that want skills in.
3. Professionals who wish to gain additional skills in public health preparedness and response.

This 12-credit certificate can be completed over one to two years and is offered online. This certificate can be combined with a certificate in biosecurity and infection control for a more robust understanding of the biosecurity and disaster preparedness sector.

Careers

Students awarded the public health preparedness and response certificate will be prepared to pursue or advance in positions in emergency management in military, law enforcement, public health, state and local governments, private companies and non-profit agencies. Common career titles include:

• Director of emergency management
• Disaster coordinator
• Emergency response coordinator
• Public health emergency preparedness manager

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 SOPHAS Express, the common application system for public health schools and programs.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

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

Accreditation

Saint Louis 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 the College for Public Health and Social Justice website.

1. Analyze disaster planning data and methods, such as risk assessment, syndromic surveillance and disaster plans.
2. Synthesize disaster planning data into risk communication messages regarding biosecurity hazards and risks to responders, the public, the media and policymakers.
3. Apply disaster risk management principles in program, organizational and community initiatives. 

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 enrollment unless 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.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Bernie Backer
Director of graduate recruitment and admissions 
bernard.backer@slu.edu 
314-977-8144