M.S. in Biodefense

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The degree should be relevant to the chosen field of study for the postgraduate program.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA): The minimum GPA requirement for admission to most postgraduate programs at George Mason University is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  

3. English Language Proficiency:  

• IELTS: Overall score of 7, with no individual band score below 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88 , with no band less than 20.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120

4. Standardized Tests: 

• GRE: Minimum score of 305.

George Mason University recognizes the importance of making higher education accessible to a diverse range of students, including international students. As such, the university offers a variety of scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition and support the academic pursuits of international students.

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award available to incoming international undergraduate students. It recognizes academic achievement, leadership skills, and contributions to the community. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years.

2. INTO Mason Scholarships: INTO Mason, a partnership program that helps international students transition to university life in the United States, offers scholarships to students who enroll in Pathway programs. These scholarships can help cover tuition costs and are awarded based on academic merit.

3. College and Departmental Scholarships: Many of George Mason University's colleges and academic departments offer scholarships to international students who excel in specific fields of study. These scholarships may require students to meet certain academic criteria and demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen area of study.

4. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students at George Mason University have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide funding for tuition and stipends for work as research or teaching assistants. These assistantships offer valuable hands-on experience while helping to offset educational costs.

5. International Baccalaureate Scholarships: International students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program may be eligible for scholarships based on their IB scores and academic achievements. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

6. Private Scholarships: George Mason University encourages international students to explore private scholarship opportunities from external organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students find and apply for these scholarships.

7. Fullbright Scholarships: International students seeking advanced degrees may be eligible to apply for the prestigious Fullbright scholarship program, which provides funding for graduate study, research, and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biodefense program at George Mason University offers a unique and comprehensive education in the field of biodefense, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges posed by biological threats. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue diverse and impactful careers in various sectors that require expertise in biodefense and biosecurity.

1. Biodefense Analyst: Graduates can work as biodefense analysts, assessing and analyzing potential biological threats to national security. They provide valuable insights to government agencies and organizations to develop effective strategies for prevention, detection, and response.

2. Biosecurity Specialist: Biosecurity specialists focus on developing and implementing measures to protect against biological threats, including infectious diseases and bioterrorism. They work in government agencies, research institutions, and healthcare organizations.

3. Public Health Officer: Graduates can pursue roles as public health officers, collaborating with public health agencies to monitor, investigate, and mitigate disease outbreaks. They play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding public health.

4. Emergency Preparedness Coordinator: In this role, professionals work on emergency preparedness plans for biological incidents. They coordinate response efforts, train personnel, and develop strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of bioterrorism or natural disease outbreaks.

5. Research Scientist: Graduates with an M.S. in Biodefense can contribute to research efforts aimed at understanding and combating biological threats. They may work in academia, government research agencies, or private biotechnology companies.

6. Policy Advisor: Professionals in this role provide expertise to government agencies and organizations, shaping policies related to biodefense and biosecurity. They play a critical role in ensuring effective strategies for preventing and responding to biological threats.

7. Healthcare Administrator: Healthcare institutions require experts in biodefense to manage and coordinate response efforts during outbreaks or bioterrorism incidents. Graduates can take on roles as healthcare administrators in hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations.

8. International Health Specialist: With the global nature of biological threats, there is a demand for specialists who can work on an international scale. Graduates can collaborate with international organizations to strengthen global biosecurity measures.

9. Consultant: Graduates with expertise in biodefense can work as consultants for government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations, providing guidance on risk assessment, threat mitigation, and response strategies.

10. Pharmaceutical Industry Roles: The pharmaceutical industry requires professionals with biodefense knowledge to develop vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for potential biosecurity threats.