Overview

The Biodefense programme at George Mason University provides students with the essential analytical skills to evaluate national and international security risks stemming from natural and man-made biological threats. This curriculum integrates a firm foundation in biotechnology and microbiology with a comprehensive understanding of the broader security and organisational landscape. By merging scientific knowledge with policy analysis, the programme prepares professionals to navigate the complexities of modern global health security.

Why Biodefense at George Mason University?

George Mason University is ranked 4th in Homeland Security studies by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its institutional strength in this critical field. Located near Washington, D.C., the Schar School of Policy and Government provides students with unparalleled access to leading practitioners and scholars who serve as advisors in both public and private sectors. The programme is STEM-designated and does not require GRE scores for the application process, making it accessible to a diverse range of qualified professionals.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 41124 per year
National fee: USD 41124 per year
Local fee: USD 18060 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 courses totalling 36 credits. Modules may include:

Emerging Infectious Diseases: Bacteria and Toxins
Emerging Infectious Diseases: Viral Agents
Biodefense Strategy
Scientific Method & Research Design
Global Health Security Policy
Health Security Preparedness
Global Health Security Capstone

Careers with Biodefense

Graduates from the programme find employment across various sectors, with 30% entering the federal government and another 30% joining the general private sector. Alumni have secured roles in state government, non-profit organisations, and specialist consulting firms. Notable employers of recent graduates include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of State. Other graduates have gone on to work for the Food and Drug Administration, Deloitte, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Emerging Infectious Diseases I: Bacteria and Toxins

Emerging Infectious Diseases II: Viral Agents

Biodefense Strategy

Global Health Security Policy

Health Security Preparedness

The Scientific Method and Research Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

Fairfax, United States
Arlington, United States

Disciplines

International Relations Biotechnology Terrorism & Security View 196 other Masters in Biotechnology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

You must have earned or will earn* a minimum of a four-year baccalaureate degree from a US institution of higher education accredited by one of the organizations found here, or an equivalent degree from a nationally recognized non-US institution.
You must have earned a 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or better in your baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement can be higher for individual graduate programs.
If you are an applicant with domestic educational credentials (inside the United States): you may upload unofficial copies of your transcripts on the online application.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Out-of-State

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18060 USD / year

≈ 18060 USD / year

Living costs

Fairfax

United States

1330 - 2300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Biodefense.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fairfax

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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