The Online Certificate in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases is a four-course, 12‑credit certificate program focused on critical concepts of biological threats to health security.
Join Us for Fall 2025!
M.S. Priority Application: May 15
Final Deadline: July 1
What You’ll Learn
The certificate curriculum covers classic biological threat agents as well as the future of global health security, bioterrorism, homeland security, and preparedness and response to CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) threats. Graduates of our program are employed in public health and in security-focused positions across government, academia, and the private sector.
Our online program gives working professionals the opportunity to build their knowledge base on emerging threats across the biological, chemical and nuclear security spheres. Students graduate with an official Georgetown Certificate as well as a transcript from Georgetown University. Credits earned from the certificate can be applied toward our M.S. in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases as well as the Georgetown Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology.
Admissions
View admission requirements and begin your application.
Courses
Our certificate is a four-course program: Students take one required course and three electives.
You can find course descriptions on the Department of Microbiology & Immunology Course Descriptions page.
Example Certificate Plan
The following is an example of a certificate program course schedule. Students usually complete the certificate program in two semesters. Alternatively, they take one course per semester and complete the program in four semesters.
Our program charges a per-credit rate for students taking fewer than 12 credits in a semester.
Fall
| Course Name | Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| CBTA 6515 Microbiology of Biological Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases (Online) | 3 |
| Elective 1 | 3 |
| 6 Credits |
Apply for graduation in your second-to-last semester. Follow the Graduating Student Checklist.
Spring
| Course Name | Credit(s) |
|---|---|
| Elective 2 | 3 |
| Elective 3 | 3 |
| 6 Credits |
Follow the Graduating Student Checklist to receive your certificate.