Master of Science

Earn an M.S. in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases in the nation's capital, Washington D.C.

2 Semesters
30 Credits

Full-Time or Part-Time

Weekly seminars by subject matter experts on current biodefense and bioterrorism issues.

What You’ll Learn

The Master of Science in Biohazardous Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases is a one year program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the concepts of biological risk, disease threat, and mitigation strategies. The curriculum covers classic biological threats agents, global health security, emerging diseases, technologies, CBRN risk mitigation, and CBRN security. Graduates of our program are employed in both public health and security-focused positions across government and private sector organizations.

Our program faculty are technical experts in various fields including: the basic sciences; science policy; biosecurity; biodefense; threat assessment and mitigation; health security; zoonotic diseases; chemical and radiological security, and emerging technologies.  

The program curriculum encourages students to pursue internship opportunities.  At the center of Washington D.C., our students are surrounded by opportunities to gain real-world experience in think tanks, startups, nonprofits, national intelligence agencies, and federal agencies. Internships are a great way to apply classroom concepts in a real-world setting.

Graduates of our program are employed in both public health and security-focused positions across government and private sector organizations while others go on to obtain a PhD, MD, or other professional degrees.

Degree Requirements

List of core & elective courses for the degree program can be found here.

Degree Requirements

Course Schedule

Example of full-time student course schedule is available.

Example Course Schedule

Additional Course Information

View our department course schedule, course syllabi, and full list of electives offered within the Department of Microbiology & Immunology.

Additional Course Information

Application Process

Apply now or learn more about the required application documents, application deadlines, tuition, available financial assistance, and answers to admissions FAQs.


Why a degree in biodefense?

Global communication and transportation systems have evolved to a point where communicable diseases can rapidly disseminate around the world. This ever-evolving landscape requires an interdisciplinary approach and a workforce for global health security and biodefense.