Graduate Programs in Biodefense

As a Washington, D.C. area professional, interdisciplinary school that melds theory with practice, the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University offers cutting-edge degree programs taught by professors with real-world experience.

George Mason University's biodefense graduate programs at the Schar School of Policy and Government bridge the gap between science and policy by providing you with the knowledge and analytic skills to assess the risks posed by natural and man-made biological threats and to develop strategies for reducing these risks to national and international security.

The biodefense master's program can be pursued entirely online. Online biodefense courses are an asynchronous format – instructors make the class instruction available online for students to access at any time from any location. Courses are typically accessible via Blackboard. Students generally must adhere to an established schedule of due dates.

The doctoral program in biodefense will provide you with a background in the science and technology of biodefense and specialized areas of threat assessment, non-proliferation, and medical and public health preparedness. It will prepare you to serve as a scholar and a professional in the fields of biodefense and biosecurity.

The Graduate Certificate in Biodefense requires the completion of 5 courses (15 credits) and 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, non-proliferation, and medical and public health preparedness.

"The biodefense program was a perfect fit. It was flexible, innovative, and provided great balance between the policy realm and technical issues associated with biological threats – a truly unique program."

— Brian Mazanec

The Pandora Report is a faculty- and student-run blog that provides commentary and analysis of biodefense news, policy, and research. Read the CBRN Policy Briefs for timely analyses of US CBRN policies, book reviews on biodefense and biosecurity, research notes, and more.