2015-2016 University Catalog 
  
2015-2016 University Catalog

Biodefense, MS


Banner Code:  PP-MS-BIOD

Web:  School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs  

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

An accelerated master’s option is available to students in Mason bachelor’s programs. See Bachelor's Degree (any)/Biodefense, Accelerated MS   for requirements.

Admission Requirements

Please see the Graduate Admission Policies  section in this catalog for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University.  Specific information on application requirements and deadlines for the Biodefense master’s program may be found on the SPGIA admissions web site.

Completed applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis.  Students may be admitted for nondegree study and apply a limited number of credits toward the master’s degree should they choose to apply to the degree program later, in accordance with university policy.

Academic Policies

Students admitted to an SPGIA program will be terminated from SPGIA upon receiving one grade of F and are no longer eligible to take courses in SPGIA. Per university regulation, students are terminated from the university after accumulating grades of F in two courses or 9 credits of unsatisfactory grades in graduate courses.  The catalog contains additional information on university graduate academic policies .

Degree Requirements


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.

Three to five courses in one field of specialization (9 to 15 credits)


International Security


Terrorism and Homeland Security


Technology and Weapons of Mass Destruction


Up to two elective courses (0 to 6 credits)


The number of electives students have will depend on how many credits they took in the field of specialization. Students choose the remaining credits required for the degree from other courses in the department including an internship or additional courses in the field of specialization. Up to six credits may be from other disciplines with prior written approval of the graduate director.

3 credits of Capstone Course


Students must demonstrate the ability to conduct original, independent research by completing a research project in BIOD 790, Biodefense Capstone. The course requires 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. The objective of the research project is to serve as a capstone for the student’s graduate education and to demonstrate the student’s research, analytical and writing skills.

Total: 36 credits