The Department of Microbiology & Immunology offers an M.S. degree in Biohazardous Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases.  The program is especially relevant for students seeking positions in government, private, and defense industry where knowledge of  biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction are vital in preventing a potential terrorist attack in  response to a terrorist event.

The terrorism events of 9/11 have resulted in a crucial need to train students with interests in biodefense and emerging infectious diseases.  The threat of smallpox, the anthrax attacks and the recent SARS and monkey pox outbreaks have underscored the need for the development of new educational initiatives involving biological and chemical threat agents as well as emerging infectious diseases.

Beyond the issue of first response to events of biological terrorism, the program is trying to address the knowledge gap in the science of biohazardous agents and infectious diseases facing the world community - whether such threats occur naturally or are purposefully distributed. Global communication and transportation systems have evolved to a point where diseases and  communicable afflictions can now rarely be isolated within their initial or natural epicentre. The first responders to this emergency are the educational institutions capable of producing graduates with knowledge of the science behind such threats and the methods of their detection and prevention.

This Master of Science degree program is ideally suited for the Washington, DC metropolitan area, given the importance of training government, defense, and private sector personnel in the microbiology of  biohazardous threat agents as well as addressing issues of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons of mass destruction.  As a result of this new M.S. program it is anticipated that our graduates will be in demand for job opportunities with biotechnology and defense companies and with the government.

Prospective Applicants

The Homeland Security Institute's
Weekly Homeland Security Newsletter

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Other Resources

CDC Video: The History of Bioterrorism

Biodefense Education.ORG

US Office of Emergency Preparedness

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