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Security and Strategic Intelligence, B.S.

Study trends in intelligence gathering surrounding such critical and timely topics as terrorism, homeland security and cybercrime with a Bachelor of Science in Security and Strategic Intelligence offered through Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies. 

Program Highlights

  • Our robust curriculum includes the option to specialize in business continuity or global corporate security.
  • Learn industry best practices and the critical thinking skills needed for securing data and facilities against external threats.
  • Graduate with the security, intelligence and computer information systems skills needed to compete for highly coveted positions in a burgeoning strategic intelligence market.

As part of the School for Professional Studies, this 120-credit degree program offers future and current leaders like you a flexible option to meet your personal career goals. With six accelerated, eight-week terms offered each year through SLU online, you can begin working toward your degree at any time, making advanced education more accessible for working professionals. 

Faculty

As a student in the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University, you’ll learn from exceptional faculty who are leading experts in their fields. They bring real-world knowledge to the classroom and are dedicated to your professional success. Learn more about the SPS faculty.

Careers

Business Continuity Concentration

Careers for graduates with a degree in security and strategic intelligence with a business continuity certificate include business continuity planners, business intelligence analysts, business operations specialists and emergency/risk managers.

Global Corporate Security Concentration

Careers for graduates with a degree in security and strategic intelligence with a global corporate security certificate include security and asset managers, security management specialists, transportation security screeners, retail loss prevention specialists, loss prevention managers, and criminal investigators and special agents.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
Undergraduate Tuition
Standard Tuition $650
Active Duty/Veteran (TA eligible or GI Bill); First Responders $295
BJC Partnership $333

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

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specifically for new students.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is 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 https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at Office of Student Financial Services.

Active Military and Veterans and First Responders

Honorably discharged veterans, active-duty military members, reserve members and first responders qualify for a reduced tuition rate of $295 per credit hour for any undergraduate program offered through the School for Professional Studies.

  1. Graduates will be able to describe the cycle of intelligence and components of global security.
  2. Graduates will be able to use analytics to inform risk management decisions.
  3. Graduates will be able to integrate computer information systems with security and intelligence domains.
  4. Graduates will be able to analyze the global factors that impact security and strategic intelligence.
  5. Graduates will be able to distinguish between the professional, ethical, legal, security and social dimensions of a strategic intelligence plan.

Admission Requirements

  • Completed application
  • High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
  • Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
  • Official transcript from the most recent institution attended
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first-term coursework.
 
The School for Professional Studies welcomes adult learners seeking an undergraduate education after life circumstances have interrupted their educational journeys. Adult life circumstances, for the purposes of admission, would include individuals with at least one of the following characteristics:
 
  • Delayed enrollment in post-secondary education
  • Attends part time for at least part of the academic year
  • Works full time (35 hours or more/week) while enrolled
  • Is financially independent
  • Has dependents other than a spouse
  • Is a single parent
  • Has other demands that make traditional education less feasible
 

Program Requirements 

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
SSI 1500Foundations of Security and Strategic Intelligence3
SSI 2000Threat and Risk Assessment3
SSI 3000Coordination across Agencies, Organizations, and Departments3
SSI 3100Analytics in Security and Intelligence3
SSI 3800Trends in Strategic Security and Intelligence3
SSI 4900Security and Strategic Intelligence Capstone3
CIS 1375Information Systems and Technology3
CIS 3150Workplace Ethics3
CIS 3250Cybersecurity Principles3
CIS 3300Database Analysis and Design3
Major electives6
Select 6 credits in CIS or SSI
Concentrations (select one of the following)12
General electives37-40
Total Credits120

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA and receive a C or better in all major classes.

Business Continuity Concentration

Required Courses
SSI 3010Business Continuity and Impact Analysis3
SSI 3300Integrated Risk Planning, Strategy and Compliance3
SSI 4090Resilience, Recovery and Contingency3
SSI 4500Financial & Regulatory Considerations in Risk Planning3
Total Credits12

Global Corporate Security Concentration

Required Courses
SSI 3010Business Continuity and Impact Analysis3
SSI 3030Global Security Management3
SSI 3200Terrorism: Causes, Tactics, and Mitigation3
SSI 3600Tangible Asset Security3
Total Credits12

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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
Fall 1  
SSI 1500 Foundations of Security and Strategic Intelligence 3
CORE Requirement 3
Fall 2  
SSI 3200 Terrorism: Causes, Tactics, and Mitigation 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Spring
Spring 1  
SSI 4010 Diplomacy and Foreign Policy 3
CORE Requirement 3
Spring 2  
SSI 4200 Collection Assets and Capabilities 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Summer
CORE Requirement 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits6
Year Two
Fall
Fall 1  
SSI 2000 Threat and Risk Assessment 3
CORE Requirement 3
Fall 2  
SSI 3000 Coordination across Agencies, Organizations, and Departments 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Spring
Spring 1  
SSI Courses/Electives 3
CORE Requirement 3
Spring 2  
SSI Courses/Electives 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Summer
CIS 3150 Workplace Ethics 3
Humanities Elective 3
 Credits6
Year Three
Fall
Fall 1  
SSI 3800 Trends in Strategic Security and Intelligence 3
CORE Requirement 3
Fall 2  
SSI 3100 Analytics in Security and Intelligence 3
CORE Requirement 3
 Credits12
Spring
Spring 1  
SSI Courses/Electives 3
General Elective 3
Spring 2  
SSI Courses/Electives 3
CIS or SSI Elective 3
 Credits12
Summer
CIS or SSI Elective 3
General Elective 3
 Credits6
Year Four
Fall
Fall 1  
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
Fall 2  
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
 Credits12
Spring
Spring 1  
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
Spring 2  
SSI 4800 Security and Strategic Intelligence Capstone 3
General Elective 3
 Credits12
Summer
General Elective 3
General Elective 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits120

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.