About Biodefense, Phd in George Mason University
This program 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.
Total credits: 72
Students are strongly encouraged to take the core courses as early as possible because they provide the foundation for the rest of the program. The courses which students plan to take should be approved in a program of study designed by the student and their advisor during the student's first semester. Students may take up to 12 credits of courses outside of the Biodefense Program with prior written approval of their advisor. Consult with the graduate program director or coordinator for a list of BIOD electives and approved non-BIOD electives that may be used to fulfill some of the requirements below.
A complete description of the program policies, procedures, and requirements is in the PhD student and faculty handbook, which is published annually.
Degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
English Language Requirements
TOEFL iBT Graduate- Testing code 5827
- School of Business Graduate: 93 points, 20 points in each section
- Volgenau School of Engineering Graduate: - 80 or higher, no section minimum
- Schar School of Policy and Government PhD Programs: 100 or higher, 23 points in each section
- All other graduate programs- 88 points, minimum 20 in each section
IELTS Graduate
- School of Business Graduate: 7 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in each subsection
- All other graduate programs- 6.5 total band score
Pearson Academic Test of English
- A minimum score of 59, all applicants
George Mason University Highlights
| College Type |
Public |
| Establishment Year |
1972 |
| Campus Setting |
Suburban |
| Location |
Fairfax, Virginia |
| Total Students |
37,000+ |
| Mode of Program |
Full-time/ Part-time/ Online |
| Student/Faculty Ratio |
17:1 |
| Average Class Size |
Less than 20 |
| Campus Housing |
Available |
| Acceptance Rate |
87% |
| Retention Rate |
86% |
| Graduation Rate |
71% |
| Financial Aid |
Scholarship |
George Mason University Cost of Attendance
The table below shows the cost of attendance at George Mason University for 2020-21:
| Fee Type |
Undergraduate (Amount in USD) |
Graduate (Amount in USD) |
| Tuition (Full-time) |
32,970 |
25,430 |
| Room and Meal plan |
12,090 (On-campus)
12,786 (Off-campus) |
20,400 (Off-campus) |
| Transportation |
1,260 (On-campus)
2,334 (Off-campus) |
2,334 (Off-campus) |
| Personal Expenses |
2,336 (On-campus)
4,238 (Off-campus) |
4,238 (Off-campus) |
| Additional Costs |
1,278 |
1,278 |
