PhD in Biodefense: Academic Advising

Director: Greg Koblentz

The doctoral program in biodefense is designed to prepare students to serve as scholars and professionals in the fields of biodefense and biosecurity. The program integrates knowledge of natural and man-made biological threats with the skills to develop and analyze policies and strategies for enhancing biosecurity. Other areas of biodefense, including nonproliferation, intelligence and threat assessment, and medical and public health preparedness, are integral parts of the program.

To receive a PhD in biodefense, students must complete a minimum of 72 credits. This is made up of the following:

  • Six core courses (BIOD 604, 605, 609, 620; GOVT 500, 540)
  • An additional research course
  • Up to four electives from their chosen field of application (International Security, Terrorism and Homeland Security, or Technology and WMDs)
  • Two courses from a specialization field
  • 9 to 21 electives
  • After passing their qualifying exam, students must take 12-24 dissertation credits to complete their degree.

To know how many and which courses you need to take: contact John Washington (jwashi4@gmu.edu) during your first or second semester for information about transfer credits or a possible 30-credit reduction for those with previously earned masters degrees.

Due to our new program model, it is important for students to keep up with their catalog year and program requirements. The links below will help you do that.

Resources for Biodefense PhD Students: