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2013-2014 University Catalog
Biodefense, MS
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Banner Code: LA-MS-BIOD
Web: pia.gmu.edu
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.
This program of study is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs .
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see Academic Policies . |
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admissions section of this catalog. For information specific to the MS in biodefense, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site. 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. Six core courses (18 credits)
Three to five courses in one field of specialization (9 to 15 credits)
Two required field seminars (6 credits)
One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits)
Terrorism and Homeland Security
Two required field seminars (6 credits)
One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits) chosen from:
Technology and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Two required field seminars (credits)
One to three elective courses (3 to 9 credits) chosen from:
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. |
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