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. Students are able to select a concentration in one of two fields: International Security or Homeland Security.

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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: <ul> <li>Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or those who can evaluate the applicant's academic potential</li> <li>A statement of purpose consistent with research interests or professional goals</li> <li>A current resume or Curriculum Vitae</li> <li>Scores from GRE taken within five years prior to date of application</li> </ul>

2009

Rana FitzGerald, Academic Program Coordinator Robinson Hall A 201, MSN 3F4 703-993-9626 <a href="mailto:biodefense@gmu.edu">biodefense@gmu.edu</a>

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Public and International Affairs

PUAF

http://pia.gmu.edu/grad/biod/

Biodefense Frances Harbour, Interim Director 703-993-1406 Greg Koblenz, Deputy Director 703-993-9626 LA

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Master of Science

<a href="../../system/file_attachments/320/original/biodefenseMSPhD.pdf">Information sheet</a> (.pdf)

LA-MS-BIOD

Graduate

Students must successfully complete 37 credits distributed as follows: <ul> <li>Seven required courses (19 credits): BIOD 604, 605, 609, 702; PUAD 630; GOVT 500, 540  </li> <li>Four to five elective courses: at least three courses (9 credits) of BIOD electives and up to two courses (6 credits) of approved non-BIOD electives</li> <li>3 credits of BIOD 798 Master's Project or 6 credits of BIOD 799 Master's Thesis</li> </ul> Students have the option to take their elective courses within one of the concentrations listed below. Concentration in International Security <ul> <li>Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: BIOD 620, 621, 622, 705, 706, 709, 722, 725, 760, 761; GOVT 641, 741, 745, 843; PUAD 504, 701, 727</li> </ul> Concentration in Homeland Security <ul> <li>Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: BIOD 710, 722, 723, 725, 726, 751, 752, 760, 761, 766; GOVT 510, 706, 755; PUAD 631, 635, 727, 731, 750; PUBP 757, 758; PHIL 642</li> </ul> In order to graduate the MS in Biodefense program, students must complete a substantial research paper to demonstrate the ability to conduct original, independent research. This goal can be achieved in two ways: a research project (BIOD 798) or a thesis (BIOD 799). 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.

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