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Online Biotechnology Master's Degree

Biosecurity/Biodefense

Biotechnology: Biosecurity & Biodefense
Master's Specialization
AT A GLANCE
  • 36 credits
  • Transfer up to 12 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
  • Program restrictions apply
TUITION
  • $524 per credit (in-state)
  • $659 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $480 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
Apply Now

Gain skills and knowledge to prepare for work in biosecurity and biodefense.

The threat of biowarfare has created a new demand for professionals who can use technology to detect, analyze, and respond to biosecurity threats. With an online master’s degree in biotechnology with a specialization in biosecurity and biodefense from University of Maryland Global Campus, you’ll study the microbiology and epidemiology of biological agents that are potential threats, identify and propose countermeasures, and develop expertise in response.

Total Credits Required: 36

Initial Requirement

  • (0 Credits, UCSP 615)
    (to be taken within the first 6 credits of study)

The UCSP 615 requirement may be waived if you previously earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

Core Courses

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 640)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 630)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 645)
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 643)
  • (3 Credits, PMAN 634)

Specialization Courses

  • (3 Credits, BSBD 640)
  • (3 Credits, BSBD 641)
  • (3 Credits, HSMN 630)
  • (3 Credits, BSBD 642)
  • (6 Credits, BSBD 643)

Capstone Course

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 670S)

If you are certified as a Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute and begin study for the master's degree within five years of earning certification, you may receive credit for Foundations of Project Management (3 Credits, PMAN 634). Advisors can provide more information.

  • (3 Credits, BIOT 601), if required, may be taken concurrently with (3 Credits, BIOT 640).
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 640) must be taken as the first program course.
  • You must complete all core courses with the BIOT designator in the order listed before starting any specialization coursework.
  • (3 Credits, BIOT 670S) must be taken after you complete 30 credits of program coursework toward the M.S. in Biotechnology. The course is not offered in summer. Check the Schedule of Classes to learn more about the availability of the capstone course.

General Master's Degree Requirements

  • You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
  • All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
  • Any transfer credits must have been earned within the above five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.
  • Please review the overall master’s degree requirements for additional considerations.

Sequence Course
1 (0 Credits, UCSP 615)
2 (3 Credits, BIOT 640)
3 (3 Credits, BIOT 630)
4 (3 Credits, BIOT 645)
5 (3 Credits, BIOT 643)
6 (3 Credits, PMAN 634)
7 (3 Credits, BSBD 640)
8 (3 Credits, BSBD 641)
9 (3 Credits, HSMN 630)
10 (3 Credits, BSBD 642)
11 (6 Credits, BSBD 643)
12 (3 Credits, BIOT 670S)

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Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2023–2024 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Master’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each master's degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all master’s degrees.

Program Highlights

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help you prepare for work that involves applying policy and using technology to combat biosecurity threats. Potential employers are in the government, public, and private sectors.

287K
Biotechnology Jobs
There are more than 287,000 people employed in the biotechnology industry in the United States as of 2020.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Biotechnology in the US Employment Statistics 2005-2026" | 2020

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Current Program
Biotechnology: Biosecurity & Biodefense
Master's Specialization

Special Designations

Professional Science Master’s Degree

Professional Science Master’s Degree

Professional Science Master’s Degree logo

Professional Science Master’s Degree

This program has received a special designation as Professional Science Master’s Degree program through the Council of Graduate Schools.

Professional Science Master's (PSM) programs are designed for students who are seeking a graduate degree in science or mathematics and understand the need for developing workplace skills valued by top employers.

Additional Program Information

  • You must complete a molecular biology course, with a minimum grade of C for an undergraduate course or B for a graduate course, to be accepted into this program; upon submission of an official transcript, you may be accepted into the degree program without a molecular biology course, but you must take either a college-level molecular biology course or (3 Credits, BIOT 601) before the required program core.

Strong writing skills are encouraged in this program.

  • 2019, Top Online Master's in Biotechnology Programs, UMGC's Master of Science in Biotechnology, OnlineMasters.com
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