2009-2010 University Catalog

Biodefense, MS

Banner Code: LA-MS-BIOD

The master’s degree in biodefense prepares students to become the next generation of biodefense and biosecurity professionals and scholars. Our unique program provides students with a foundation in microbiology and biotechnology combined with a broader security and organizational context.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog.

Application Requirements

Students must meet the admission standards and application requirements of the university. See the Graduate Admission Policies section of the catalog. Because of the breadth of the program, students with backgrounds in science or other areas, such as international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution, are encouraged to apply. In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit:

Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s academic or professional capabilities
A statement of purpose consistent with research interests or professional goals
A current resume
Scores from GRE taken within five years prior to date of application

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing the master’s degree in biodefense must successfully complete 37 credits.

Students are strongly encouraged to take the core courses as early as possible because they provide the foundation for the rest of the program. The schedule of courses that students plan on taking should be approved in an education plan designed by the students and their advisor during the student’s first semester. Students must receive the permission of their advisor to take courses outside of the Biodefense Program.

Seven core courses (19 credits):

BIOD 604 - Introduction to Biodefense I: Bacterial and Toxin Agents Credits: 3
BIOD 605 - Introduction to Biodefense II: Viral Agents Credits: 3
BIOD 609 - Biodefense Strategy and Policy Credits: 1-4
BIOD 702 - Biodefense Colloquium Credits: 1
PUAD 630 - Emergency Planning and Preparedness Credits: 3
GOVT 500 - Research Methods in Political Science Credits: 3
GOVT 540 - International Relations Credits: 3

Four to five elective courses (12-15 credits)

At least 9 credits of electives must be in biodefense. Up to 6 credits of non biodefense courses may be used to fulfill this requirement with prior written approval of the director. Students may choose to focus 12 of the 15 elective credits in one of the concentrations below. Students who chose a concentration and a project have 3 additional elective credits; students who choose a concentration and a thesis have no additional elective credits.

3 credits of project or 6 credits of thesis

Students must demonstrate the ability to conduct original, independent research by completing a research project or a thesis. The objectives of both the research project and thesis are to serve as a capstone for the student’s graduate education and to demonstrate the student’s research, analytical, and writing skills. Both options require the student to produce a substantial and original contribution to the fields of biodefense or biosecurity on the model of a paper suitable for presentation at a scholarly conference or an article in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal.