Institute’s MS program in Biosecurity begins on a strong note

The MS in Biosecurity program officially began on Monday, September 12th.

This first semester offered four courses: (a) Terrorism Overview and Response, (b) Fundamentals of Infectious Diseases, (c) Bioterrorism: The Public Health Response, and (d) Epidemics and Their Social Consequences. There are currently 23 students from 11 different states enrolled in the program. Of these 23 students, one is full-time and the rest are part-time. Most students continue to work in the field as they advance in the program, providing practical experience and information that is shared among classmates and with the instructors. Students’ backgrounds are varied and range from law enforcement and art education to medicine and nursing. We are excited to include in our student roster employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Strategic National Stockpile division, military personnel, and a variety of science, public health, and healthcare professionals. The diverse backgrounds of the students have provided unique and interesting perspectives to online discussions and assignments covering a broad range of infectious disease emergency issues. Instructors and students have commented on the rich discussions and the depth of information covered and generated by the courses.

This is a very exciting time for the Institute for Biosecurity as we embark on this innovative program. We look forward to the spring semester with a new list of courses and hope to welcome new students to the program. The program will offer the following courses in the spring semester: (a) Emergency Response Planning, (b) Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance, (c) Crisis Communication, and (d) Mental Health Consequences of Terrorism. Like the other courses provided by the Institute for Biosecurity, these classes are provided in a completely distance learning format; there is never a need to come to the Saint Louis University campus. We have many students from out-of-state. Students have stated that the distance learning feature is very attractive to them because it allows them to work at their own pace at the time of their choosing; program flexibility is considered a major advantageous feature of the program. All courses are available for college credit through Saint Louis University, School of Public Health or as continuing education.

For more information on the MS in Biosecurity program or continuing education credit from the Institute for Biosecurity, please see our website at: http://www.bioterrorism.slu.edu/

Enrollment of new students for the spring semester ends Friday, December 2nd, so sign up now!