The Graduate Certificate in Biodefense at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government provides an interdisciplinary introduction to man-made and natural biological threats, including a background in the science and technology of biodefense and the specialized areas of threat assessment, nonproliferation, and medical and public health preparedness.
Program At-a-Glance
- Completion Requirements: 5 courses (15 credits) listed below
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 years on average
- Semester of Entry: fall and spring
Certificate Program Requirements
Required Courses (2 courses | 6 credits)
Students are required to take the following two courses:
BIOD 604 – Emerging Infectious Diseases I: Bacteria and Toxins
Covers the microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical effects, and epidemiology of bacteria and toxins that pose threats to global health or can be utilized as biological weapons.
BIOD 609 – Biodefense Strategy
Introduces students to the biodefense and biosecurity strategies and policies of the United States, other nations, and international organizations. Evaluates the effectiveness of these policies in strengthening defenses, improving intelligence, increasing oversight, enhancing nonproliferation, and reinforcing norms. Examines the interaction of biodefense and biosecurity with homeland, national, and international security.
Elective Courses (3 courses | 9 credits)
Select three elective courses of your choosing. Courses vary semester to semester, but past elective courses available to students have included:
- BIOD 605 – Emerging Infectious Diseases II: Viral Agents
- BIOD 610 – Advanced Topics in Global Health Security
- BIOD 620 – Global Health Security Policy
- BIOD 706 – Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapons Policy and Security
- BIOD 709 – Nonproliferation and Arms Control
- BIOD 725 – Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction
- BIOD 751 – Biosurveillance
- BIOD 766 – Development of Vaccines and Therapeutics
Students may also take other Schar School courses with prior written approval of program director.
Apply This Certificate Towards Your Master's
Earn your master's degree faster by starting with a certificate program. Students can apply up to 12 credits from a certificate program toward a Schar School master's degree upon acceptance into a master's program. Upon completion of this certificate, many students go on to pursue the Schar School's Master's in Biodefense and Master's in International Security degree programs, among others.
Questions?
Have questions about this certificate program? Contact the graduate admissions team.